Finance Manager

Swale Academies Trust; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization in the UK seeks a Finance Manager to join its finance team. This role involves producing monthly management accounts, proactive budget monitoring, and effective line management. Ideal candidates will have previous school finance experience, strong people management skills, and familiarity with IRIS Financials and Access Budgeting. Flexible working options are available.

Benefits

Local Government Pension Scheme

Enhanced Maternity Pay

Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost AVC Scheme

Employee Referral Recruitment Incentive

Access to training and development

On-site Parking

Discounts with local retailers and cinemas

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Detailed knowledge of school finance is preferred.
• Experience in producing management accounts.
• Ability to set realistic budgets.

Responsibilities

• Produce meaningful monthly management accounts.
• Monitor budgets proactively throughout the year.
• Manage line effectively for the finance team.

Skills

school finance experience

strong people management skills

excellent interpersonal skills

proactive budget monitoring

Tools

IRIS Financials (PSF)

Access Budgeting

Job description

• Swale Academies Trust
• £42,821 - £48,595 - SAT H
• 37 hours per week; All Year Round
• February 2026 start
• Interviews: as applications are received or week commencing 12th January 2026

Swale Academies Trust is seeking to appoint a Finance Manager to join our central finance team based in Sittingbourne, Kent. You will be a hardworking, friendly and organised individual, ideally with school finance experience and strong people management skills.

Key duties for a group of schools will include:

• the production of meaningful monthly management accounts,
• proactive budget monitoring through the year,
• setting realistic three and five year budgets utilising ICFP tools (ASOT),
• supportive & effective line management.

This is a challenging but rewarding role, encompassing a range of duties working with multiple stakeholders both internal and external. The successful candidate will be a strong team player with excellent interpersonal skills, and someone who is able to prioritise both their own workload and that of others.

A good working knowledge of IRIS Financials (PSF) and Access Budgeting will be a distinct advantage.

Informal discussions about the post are welcomed.

We will be reviewing applications as they are submitted. Therefore, we strongly recommend applying early. Please be aware that the advert may close before the specified date depending on the number of applications received.

Full details of the requirements of the post can be found in the accompanying recruitment pack.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our Trust. In return, we offer a stimulating, supporting, and rewarding working environment, where all staff are valued and where you will have the opportunity to access a range of excellent professional opportunities to support your progression.

We understand the importance of work-life balance and will give due consideration to requests for flexible working. Currently, two days work from home is standard within the finance team.

We are proud to be an inclusive employer and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.

Join us to benefit from:

• Local Government Pension Scheme - with a generous employer contribution
• Enhanced Maternity Pay
• Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost AVC (Additional Voluntary Contribution) Scheme
• Employee Referral Recruitment Incentive
• Access to training and development
• On-site Parking
• Discounts with local and national retailers, cinemas and restaurants
• Employee Assistance Programme - Wellbeing and advice
• Cycle to Work scheme

Ready to join us?

If you are interested in this post and require further information or would like an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact Abigail Stedman, Deputy Head of Finance.

Applications should be made via Kent Teach or by submitting a SAT Application Form to [e-mail] . Please note, we cannot accept CVs.

If you experience any difficulty in completing the application form, please contact [e-mail] or 01795 905989.

We are happy to discuss any support you may need during your application process as part of our reasonable adjustment approach.

Swale Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from ROA and will require an enhanced DBS disclosure.

Swale Academies Trust schools will conduct an online check of shortlisted candidates in line with the Keeping Children Safe In Education guidelines.

Kent Teach Advert: https://www.kent-teach.com/Recruitment/Vacancy/VacancyDetails.aspx?VacancyId=151262