Finance Manager

CMR Jobs Limited; Willenhall; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 84,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Job summary

CMR Jobs Limited is seeking a Finance Manager to lead day‑to‑day financial management for a North West Multi Academy Trust. The role partners with senior finance leaders and school stakeholders to ensure robust controls and high‑quality reporting across multiple academies.

You will oversee month‑end, budgeting, forecasting and business partnering with Headteachers, delivering accurate financial insights within a hybrid working environment. Prior education/public sector experience is advantageous.

Qualifications

• Experience in a Finance Manager or senior finance role within education or public sector is desirable.
• Qualified or studying ACCA/CIMA/ACA; QBE candidates with relevant experience considered.
• Strong management accounting, budgeting and forecasting abilities.
• Excellent Excel skills with the ability to analyse and interpret data.
• Ability to build relationships with finance and non-finance stakeholders.
• Highly organised with attention to detail and prioritisation skills.

Responsibilities

• Produce monthly management accounts, forecasts and budget monitoring reports for academies.
• Support budgeting and financial planning with insightful commentary for senior stakeholders.
• Complete month-end processes with reconciliations and balance sheet reviews.
• Partner with Headteachers and budget holders to provide financial guidance.
• Assist year-end accounts, audits and statutory reporting.
• Maintain strong controls in line with ESFA and regulations.
• Drive continuous improvement of finance processes and systems.

Skills

ACCA/CIMA/ACA

Management accounting

Budgeting & forecasting

Excel skills

Stakeholder management

Education sector experience

Education

ACCA/CIMA/ACA qualification

Tools

Excel

Job description

Finance Manager

North West | £250 - £350 | Hybrid Working | Initial 6 month contract

We're recruiting on behalf of a well-established and growing Multi Academy Trust in the North West, seeking a Finance Manager to play a key role within the central finance team. Working closely with senior finance leaders and school stakeholders, you'll oversee the day-to-day financial management of the Trust, ensuring robust financial controls, accurate reporting and high-quality financial support across multiple academies.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys combining technical finance with business partnering in a collaborative, purpose-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce accurate monthly management accounts, forecasts and budget monitoring reports for academies across the Trust
• Support the annual budgeting and financial planning process, providing meaningful analysis and commentary to senior stakeholders
• Ensure month-end processes are completed accurately and on time, including reconciliation's, journals and balance sheet reviews
• Business partner with Headteachers, School Business Managers and budget holders, providing financial guidance and support
• Assist with year-end accounts, external audit requirements and statutory financial reporting
• Maintain strong financial controls and ensure compliance with ESFA, Academy Trust Handbook and financial regulations
• Support continuous improvement initiatives, helping to develop finance processes and systems across the Trust

The Ideal Candidate

• Previous experience within a Finance Manager, Management Accountant or similar finance role
• Ideally studying towards or qualified in ACCA, CIMA or ACA (QBE candidates with relevant experience will also be considered)
• Strong management accounting, budgeting and forecasting experience
• Excellent Excel skills with confidence analysing and interpreting financial data
• Able to build strong relationships with both finance and non-finance stakeholders
• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities
• Previous experience within education, public sector or not-for-profit is advantageous but not essential