Finance Manager

Minerva Learning Trust; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local government pension scheme

26 days holiday + bank holidays

Professional development programme

Wellbeing and employee support

Job summary

Minerva Learning Trust is seeking a Senior Finance Manager to lead the Central Finance Team and support a growing multi-academy trust across primary, secondary and post-16 provision.

You will manage management accounting, finance business partnering and operational finance, ensuring timely and accurate financial information to enable strategic decisions and value for money across all schools and services.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with experience in school/academy sector is desirable.
• Proven ability to lead finance teams and deliver accurate reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead management accounting, finance business partnering and operational finance across multiple sites.
• Oversee accuracy, timeliness and robustness of financial statements and reports.
• Develop talent, foster continuous improvement and value for money across the Trust.
• Act as trusted adviser to headteachers and senior leaders on budget planning and forecasting.

Skills

Management accounting

Finance business partnering

Budget planning

Financial forecasting

Stakeholder engagement

Mentoring

Education

Qualified accountant

Job description

This is a newly created senior leadership role within the Central Finance Team. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Senior Finance Manager will play a pivotal role in shaping and strengthening finance operations across the Trust. The role supports a growing multi-academy trust comprising primary, secondary and post-16 provision, requiring effective financial leadership across multiple sites and stakeholders The postholder will lead management accounting, finance business partnering and operational finance functions, ensuring that financial information supports effective decision-making and delivers value for money across all schools and services. They will be accountable for the accuracy, robustness and timeliness of the Trust's finance reports, processes and systems. We are seeking an experienced finance leader with a track record of managing and developing high performing teams. You will be skilled in driving accountability, developing talent and creating a culture of continuous improvement and customer service. Experience in the Academy sector is an advantage, but we are more interested in your ability to get the best out of the team and drive improvements and efficiencies in processes and systems. You will have overall line management of the finance team and responsibility for all operational aspects of finance. You will also need to have strong technical skills and experience as a finance business partner. You will act as a trusted adviser to headteachers and senior leaders, supporting budget planning, financial forecasting and strategic decision-making. The ability to translate complex financial information into clear, practical advice will be essential. At times you will need to be comfortable having difficult conversations while maintaining positive working relationships with internal stakeholders. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing financial systems, strengthening internal controls and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency through process redesign and technology. 1 | P age You will be a qualified accountant and a good mentor for more junior members of the team both for study and work-related matters. You will need to be comfortable with delivering change at pace and engaging other team members in the process. What the school offers its staff What we can offer you:

• Be a member of the Trust Central Team and join a strong and dynamic team of professionals across our organisation. Be supported in the continued development of a career in Finance. Have access to the Trust's comprehensive professional development programme. Have access to the local government pension scheme and terms and conditions aligned to the National Joint Council for Local Government Services Access to a range of wellbeing and employee support initiatives Have 26 days holiday plus bank holidays (rising to 31 days after 5 years service) Continuous service may be recognised for eligible employees transferring from specified public sector organisations, preserving relevant employment benefits. Why Join Us? This is an exciting opportunity to join an ambitious trust at a significant stage in its development. As Senior Finance Manager, you will have the opportunity to influence strategic decision-making, develop an excellent finance service and make a meaningful contribution to ensuring resources are used effectively to improve outcomes for children and young people.