Finance Officer

Every; England; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benenden corporate healthcare scheme

Hybrid working

CPD programme

Job summary

Future Schools Trust seeks a Finance Officer to join the Central Services Finance Team. Based at the Central Services Office, the role may cover across Trust sites with hybrid working after training. You will help maintain ledgers, assist payroll and HR finance processes, and ensure compliance with financial regulations.

The ideal candidate has proven ledger experience, strong Excel skills, and a commitment to accuracy and confidentiality within an education setting.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 GCSEs A-C including Maths and English.
• Proven experience in sales/purchase ledgers in education.
• Knowledge of Iris Financials and Parent Pay is advantageous.
• Strong communication and handling of confidential information.

Responsibilities

• Maintain sales and purchase ledgers and process payments per school procedures.
• Support payroll and HR finance processes, and manage voluntary funds.
• Ensure compliance with Financial Regulations and internal policies.

Skills

Sales ledger

Purchase ledger

Excel

Confidentiality

Teamwork

Communication

English (writing & speaking)

Education

GCSE Maths & English

AAT or equivalent

Tools

Iris Financials

Parent Pay

Job description

Location: Future Schools Trust, Kent, UK

Contract Type: Permanent

Education Phases: Through School;

Job Roles: Administration Hr Data And Finance;

Working Patterns: Full-Time;

Application Deadline: Monday, 26th October 2026

Interview Date: Candidates to be interviewed upon receipt

Expected Working Start Date: ASAP

Is a Shared Job: No

About us

Welcome to Future Schools Trust. Our Trust consists of two secondary schools, one primary school and one nursery at the heart of our local community in the Maidstone and Malling area of Kent. FST was legally established as a Multi Academy Trust (MAT) in September 2007.

All our schools have a strong and inclusive ethos, reflecting our vision. Staff and students embrace our values, and they share our belief that schools are stronger when they work together whilst being proud and respectful of the unique identity of each of our schools.

FST's central team support our schools with core functions such as Finance, HR, Facilities, IT, Marketing and Governance.

At Future Schools Trust, we are committed to building a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those who are differently abled, neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, and from different religious or belief backgrounds. We value the unique perspectives and experiences that individuals bring and believe they make our organisation stronger. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, we are happy to support you.

What's in it for you?

• A vibrant and exciting place to work
• A friendly and supportive environment
• An excellent CPD programme, with opportunities for action research and nationally accredited qualifications
• The support of a Trust that currently encompasses two Secondary Schools and one Primary School. Alongside Tiger Cubs, our term time only Day Nursery, for children aged 3 months to 4 years, with great benefits to education staff.
• A well-resourced department with schemes of work and resources available.
• An opportunity to join various schemes such as the Benenden corporate healthcare scheme

Future Schools Trust are seeking a Finance Officer to join theFinance Team who will be based at the Central Services Office but may also berequired to work across all Trust sites. The working hours for the role are 37per week, Monday-Thursday 8:00am-4:00pm and Friday 8:00am-3:30pm. Followingtraining, there will be hybrid working, with up to 2 days per leave worked fromhome.

Thisrole will be assisting the Finance Manager in the maintenance of the sales andpurchase ledgers ensuring the processing of payments in accordance with schoolprocedures and in compliance with Financial Regulations. This role will alsoassist in payroll and HR finance processes, voluntary fund management, andcompliance with financial procedures and policies.

Future Schools Trust is a forward thinking, supportiveorganisation that is keen to develop staff to their full potential. This is anexciting opportunity for someone looking to progress their career in thefinance industry.

Person Specification:

• Previous experience ofSales/Purchase ledger maintenance
• Good working knowledge ofsales/purchase ledgers and financial regulations ideally in the Academies/Educationsector
• Ideally knowledge of IrisFinancials and Parent Pay
• Good oral and writtencommunication skills with clear spoken and written English
• Excellent interpersonal skills,including the ability to deal with people tactfully and confidentially.
• Ability to work on own initiativeand prioritise work
• Experienced in using MS Excel,Outlook and Word or similar
• Able to understand the importanceof confidentiality in the workplace
• Proven ability to work as part ofa team
• Minimum 5 GCSE’s A-C includingMathematics and English (or equivalent)
• AAT or equivalentqualification or working towards or qualified by experience.

Candidate Pack - Finance Officer FST 2026.pdf