Finance Manager

Astrea Academy Trust; St. Ives; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Astrea Academy Trust is seeking an experienced Finance Manager to support a portfolio of schools. You will drive strategic and operational financial planning, forecasting and reporting across multiple academies, reporting to the Lead Finance Manager.

You will liaise with Principals, Operations Managers, Regional Directors and central teams to ensure financial sustainability, compliance and efficient resource use. Flexibility for part-time arrangements is noted for the right candidate.

Qualifications

• Experience as Finance Manager or similar with budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting.
• Strong ability to present complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
• Excellent Excel and data analysis skills.
• Fluent English and safeguarding awareness.

Responsibilities

• Act as the lead finance partner for a group of academies, building strong relationships with school and central colleagues.
• Prepare and present monthly management accounts, highlighting financial trends, risks and opportunities.
• Produce and maintain accurate forecasts and support budget monitoring and planning.
• Lead finance review meetings with senior school leaders to discuss performance and projections.
• Prepare annual budgets and support long-term financial planning using curriculum-led modelling.
• Complete payroll reconciliations, investigate variances and provide financial analysis.
• Post monthly accounting adjustments including accruals, prepayments and inter-school allocations.
• Support grant monitoring, trip reconciliations and balance sheet reviews.
• Ensure financial controls and processes are followed consistently across schools.
• Provide financial insights, reports and ad-hoc analysis for strategic decisions.

Skills

Budgeting

Forecasting

Financial reporting

Stakeholder engagement

Excel proficiency

Education

Professional accounting qualification

GCSE English & Maths

Studying towards qualification

Tools

PSF

IMP

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Finance Manager to join our Finance Team on a fixed-term basis to cover maternity leave. Reporting to the Lead Finance Manager, you will provide strategic and operational financial support to a portfolio of schools, helping leaders to make informed decisions through robust financial planning, forecasting and reporting. Working closely with Principals, Operations Managers, Regional Directors and central teams, you will play a key role in ensuring financial sustainability, compliance and effective use of resources across the Trust. Regular travel between our academies in Cambridge, will be required.,

• Act as the lead finance partner for a group of academies, building strong and effective relationships with school and central colleagues.
• Prepare and present monthly management accounts, highlighting key financial trends, risks and opportunities.
• Produce and maintain accurate financial forecasts and support schools with budget monitoring and planning.
• Lead regular finance review meetings with senior school leaders to discuss performance and future projections.
• Prepare annual budgets and support long-term financial planning using curriculum-led financial modelling.
• Complete payroll reconciliations, investigate variances and provide clear financial analysis.
• Prepare and post monthly accounting adjustments, including accruals, prepayments and inter-school cost allocations.
• Support grant monitoring, trip reconciliations and balance sheet reviews.
• Ensure financial controls and processes are followed consistently across schools.
• Provide financial insights, reports and ad-hoc analysis to support strategic decision-making.
• Contribute to the Trust's commitment to inclusion, social mobility and continuous improvement., A role with genuine influence on school improvement and educational outcomes.
• Commitment to professional development and career progression.
• Flexible working opportunities, with part-time arrangements considered for the right candidate.
• GCSE English and Maths (Grade C/4 or above) or equivalent.
• Qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent) or currently studying towards a professional accounting qualification.
• Previous experience in a Finance Manager or similar role with responsibility for budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting.
• Strong experience of presenting complex financial information clearly and effectively to non-financial stakeholders.
• Proven ability to build relationships and influence senior leaders.
• Excellent analytical skills with strong attention to detail.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and confidence working with financial data.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and improving financial practices.
• Experience of working with finance systems such as PSF and IMP would be advantageous., In line with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 and the statutory Code of Practice, the Trust requires all public-facing post holders to demonstrate fluent English. Within a school setting, this applies to all roles that involve direct or indirect interaction with pupils, parents, or members of the public.

Commitment to Safeguarding and EDI: Astrea Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory background checks, including references and an enhanced DBS check. We value diversity and welcome applications from underrepresented groups. As a Disability Confident employer, we provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to ensure all candidates can fully demonstrate their abilities.

Astrea Academy Trust is a values-driven organisation committed to transforming lives through education. Serving communities across South Yorkshire and Cambridgeshire, we believe that every child deserves access to an excellent education, regardless of their background or circumstances. Through collaboration, high expectations and a relentless focus on improvement, our academies work together to overcome educational disadvantage and create opportunities for all pupils to thrive. As a growing and ambitious trust, we are committed to developing talented professionals who share our belief in the power of education to change lives.