Finance Officer

Teaching Vacancies; Chatham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational trust in the UK seeks a Finance Officer to support financial operations. This role involves preparing monthly accounts, assisting with budgets, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Ideal candidates will have proven experience in finance, strong analytical skills, and a commitment to team collaboration. The position is based in Chatham or Plympton, offering competitive pay, a robust pension scheme, and various employee benefits.

Benefits

Competitive Pay Scales

Pension Scheme Membership

Annual Leave

Collaborative Support

Training Opportunities

Staff Wellbeing Focus

Fitness and Wellness

Staff Recognition Programme

Refer a Friend Scheme

TSAT Benefits Portal

Blue Light Card Discounts

Qualifications

• Good understanding of financial systems.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Commitment to continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Support preparation of monthly management accounts.
• Assist with budget monitoring and variance analysis.
• Oversee day-to-day financial transactions.

Skills

Proven experience in a finance-related role

Understanding of accounting principles

Strong analytical skills

Excellent communication skills

Attention to detail

Job description

What skills and experience we're looking for

Are you ready to take the next step in your finance career?

We are excited to offer an opportunity for a Finance Officer to join the Central TSAT Finance Team. This role is ideal for someone with a solid understanding of finance processes who is looking to build on their experience and take on more responsibility within a supportive and dynamic environment.

As Finance Officer, you will play a key role in supporting the Trust’s financial operations — ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency across a range of key finance functions. You will also have the opportunity to work closely with internal stakeholders and help support external clients as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the preparation of monthly management accounts and financial reporting.
• Assist with budget monitoring, variance analysis, and forecasting.
• Oversee day-to-day financial transactions including journals, reconciliations, and ledger maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and financial regulations.
• Provide support and guidance to other members of the finance team as required.

What We’re Looking For:

• Proven experience in a finance-related role.
• Good understanding of accounting principles and financial systems.
• Strong analytical, organisational, and problem‑solving skills.
• A team player with excellent communication and attention to detail.
• A commitment to continuous improvement and professional development.

Why Apply?

• Opportunity to grow your finance career within the Trust.
• Develop your skills in a varied and rewarding role.
• Join a collaborative team that values accuracy, service, and innovation.

This role can be based at our Chatham or Plympton Hub.

What the school offers its staff

Thinking Financial aims to provide a comprehensive finance service covering all aspects of financial and business management.

We work closely with academies to ensure that key financial areas such as procurement, payroll and budget management are managed effectively. Our Heads of Business Operations provide business management to academies, providing a direct link between all Central Teams and ensuring effective service delivery.

Our vision is to provide a service that;

• is easy to access
• meets the needs of the Academies
• offers expert support and guidance on all areas of finance and business management
• delivers high quality and accurate reporting
• implements and maintains rigorous financial controls
• supports and benefits all students and staff

We are a committed team with several years of experience delivering these services to schools within TSAT and beyond. We are dedicated to the TSAT ambition of Transforming Life Chances and look forward to playing our part by ensuring our academies have the support they need from Thinking Financial.

The Thinking Schools Academy Trust

The Thinking Schools Academy Trust is a family of schools across the South West, South, South East and East of England, consisting of early years, primary, secondary and specialist provision.

We believe that every young person in our community deserves to have the best opportunities at life regardless of their individual circumstances.

What our Trust will offer you:

• Competitive Pay Scales: Our TSAT pay scales exceed national levels.
• Pension Scheme Membership: Secure your future with membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Annual Leave: A pro‑rated annual leave entitlement of 27 days for support staff, increasing to 31 after 5 years of service.
• Collaborative Support: Benefit from resources, mentoring, and school visits across our Trust hubs.
• Training: Expand your skills and knowledge with opportunities for Trust‑funded apprenticeships and training courses.
• Staff Wellbeing Focus: Access our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, free flu vaccinations, and eye care vouchers.
• Fitness and Wellness: Enjoy reduced membership fees for our fully‑equipped fitness suite and classes.
• TSTARS Staff Recognition: You will be part of our Staff Recognition Programme, with seasonal rewards for all staff.
• Refer a Friend: Spread the word and benefit financially from our Refer a Friend Scheme.
• TSAT Benefits Portal: a one‑stop shop benefits hub that gives you access to a range of exclusive benefits including employee discounts, Cycle to Work Scheme and Discounted Gym Membership.
• Blue Light Card: School staff can now access the Blue Light Card for discounts across a wide range of categories including holidays, cars, days out and much more!

Commitment to safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. As per KCSIE we will also undertake online searches for all shortlisted candidates, if you have any questions regarding this process please email [e-mail].