Finance Manager (Fixed Term Maternity Cover)

St Ivo Academy; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Astrea Academy Trust is seeking an experienced Finance Manager to cover maternity leave. You will support a portfolio of academies with budgeting, forecasting and reporting, acting as the finance partner to principals and central teams. Regular travel between Cambridge academies will be required.

Reporting to the Lead Finance Manager, you will manage monthly accounts, financial planning and payroll reconciliations, while promoting robust financial controls and data-driven decision making.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Experience in a Finance Manager or similar role with budgeting, forecasting and reporting.
• Strong ability to present financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
• Proven relationship-building and influencing skills with senior leaders.
• Excellent analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Advanced Excel and confidence with financial data.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Financial reporting

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Advanced Excel

Prioritisation

CPD commitment

Education

GCSE English & Maths

Professional accounting qualification (CIMA/ACCA/ACA) or studying

Tools

PSF

IMP

Job description

Finance Manager (Maternity Cover)

Astrea Academy Trust
Salary: £42,405 per annum
Contract: Fixed Term (Maternity Cover)
Start Date: January 2027
Hours: Full Time, 37.5 hours per week (part-time applications will be considered for the right candidate)

About Astrea Academy Trust

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.

About the Role

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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.

What We Are Looking For

• 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.

Why Join Astrea?

• Opportunity to make a meaningful difference across a growing family of schools.
• Collaborative and supportive team environment.
• 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.

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.

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.

Flexible Interview Dates:

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, so don't miss out on this exciting opportunity. Please note that interview dates are flexible, and the academy reserves the right to interview shortlisted candidates during the application window. This role is being advertised in both South Yorkshire and Cambridge to maximise suitable applications, there is only one position available.