ESCAT Deputy Finance Manager

Edith Stein Catholic Academy Trust; Waterlooville; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable educational organization in Waterlooville is seeking a Deputy Finance Manager to support the Finance Manager and lead the finance team ensuring effective financial management across its schools. Applicants should have a Level 4 AAT qualification and experience in a finance role, preferably within an Academy Trust or public sector. Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications, with opportunities for further development.

Qualifications

• Proven track-record in a finance role within an Academy Trust.
• Educated to A Level with relevant subjects.
• Experience in financial management in a public sector setting is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Finance Team's tasks and ensure high-quality performance.
• Assist in budget preparation and monitor expenses.
• Ensure compliance with financial policies and procedures.

Skills

Financial management

Team management

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Time management

Education

Level 4 qualification in Finance Accounting

A Levels in Maths and at least one other subject

Tools

Financial software programmes

Microsoft applications

Job description

About the role

The Directors of the Edith Stein Catholic Academy Trust (ESCAT) are seeking to appoint a Deputy Finance Manager to join our hardworking, committed and enthusiastic team and to assist the Finance Manager in the smooth running of the finance function at Oaklands Catholic School and of the Trust.

The pay band will be dependent on previous experience and the level of qualifications already held.

The Directors are looking for someone who has a Level 4 AAT qualification or above, or working towards this. A proven track-record and experience in a finance role within an Academy Trust would be highly considered. Equally the Directors welcome applications from those with Finance management experience in the public sector.

The Trust is happy to provide the required training and development opportunity for the right candidate leading towards completion of a higher level qualification as required. This will be dependent on previous experience and the level of qualifications already held.

The successful candidate will initially work on providing financial management services across two schools and then other schools as they join the Trust and deputising for the Finance Manager when necessary.

Key Responsibilities

Management

• Line manage the Finance Team by ensuring tasks and job roles are completed effectively and to a high-standard
• This includes ensuring performance management procedures are completed effectively and that staff training requirements are highlighted and addressed within the constraints of the CPD budget
• Ensure statutory and development CPD is completed for all staff for whom responsible

Financial Management

• Assist in the preparation and monitoring of the budget, and advise on any important budgetary considerations
• Use the agreed budget to monitor and control performance to achieve value for money, producing monthly reports for budget holders
• Identify and inform the ESCAT FM (Finance Manager) of the causes of any significant variance and take prompt corrective action as directed
• Ensure that the Trust's financial policies and procedures are followed, consistent with the requirements of the DfE, Companies House, auditors and trustees with the support of the ESCAT FM

Administration

• Liaise with the Business Support Team and Student Services Team to ensure all finance related processes and procedures are followed and maintained
• Liaise with Sixth Form admin staff to ensure all financial procedures and processes relating to the Sixth form are followed and maintained

Further details related to the position can be found in the Application Pack on our website or is available on request.

About You

Essential:

• Educated to A Level with passes in Maths and at least one other A Level subject (or college equivalent)
• In possession of a Level 4 qualification in Finance Accounting or a robust proven track-record of financial management
• Willingness to undertake further CPD or qualifications if required
• Sound administrator with attention to detail
• Working with a range of financial software programmes, MIS and Microsoft applications
• Ability to motivate and manage a team
• Excellent time management, communication, organisation and listening skills
• Good IT Skills
• Skilled with attention to detail
• Happy to develop leadership and management techniques relevant to the post
• Stamina and resilience and ability to work under pressure
• Committed to personal development
• Strong commitment to team-working and partnership
• Ability to work in a Catholic Trust and be sensitive to its ethos

The following would be desirable:

• Experience of working in a school setting or other public sector setting in a similar role
• Educated to Degree Level
• Confidence
• Imagination and vision
• An understanding of the Trust's role in the community
• An understanding of the core purpose of the Trust
• Sense of humour
• Proactive problem solver

Please note all staff will be required to complete an Enhanced DBS application following the initial offer of employment.

Additional Information

Closing date: Tuesday 30th September 2025

Interviews: Week commencing 6th October 2025

Please note that once you have applied for the role you will be sent an email with an application form to fill in.

This form will need to be fully completed and returned for your application to be considered.

Please click the APPLY to submit your application for this role and you will be sent an email with application forms to complete.

Candidates with previous job titles and experience of; Deputy Finance Services Manager, Assistant Finance Manager, Senior Accounting Manager, Financial Controller, Chief Financial Officer, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, CCAB Qualified Accountant, Senior Accountant, Finance Manager, Finance Supervisor, ACA, CIMA, ACCA may be considered for this role.