FINANCE OFFICER

Sandstone Trust; Tattenhall; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary

LGPS Pension

Generous Holidays

Professional Development

Supportive Team

Impactful Work

Job summary

Sandstone Trust is seeking a Finance Officer to support the Chief Finance and Operations Officer and Trust Finance Managers. Based at the Trust Central Office in Cheshire, you will contribute to financial integrity and transparency across schools.

This role is central to improving reporting, systems, and asset control within a forward-thinking education trust. You will work with senior leaders, develop skills, and support school finance teams in budgeting and forecasts, while ensuring DBS

Qualifications

• Experience in financial administration within education or service sectors.
• GCSE English & Maths (or equivalent) and relevant qualifications.
• Knowledge of accounting principles and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Accurate input and maintenance of financial information.
• Support and collaborate with Finance Managers to oversee ledgers, management accounts, and statutory returns (DfE, ONS, VAT).
• Administer bank accounts and conduct reconciliations.
• Help develop and manage financial systems and procedures for the Trust.
• Oversee capital income/expenditure and maintain the asset register.
• Assist with financial reports, budgeting, forecasts, and guidance to school staff.

Skills

Financial administration

Team player

Organised

Working under pressure

Education

GCSEs English & Maths

QCF Level 3 in Administration

AAT or similar

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Sandstone Trust is seeking a talented Finance Officer to play a pivotal role in supporting the Chief Finance and Operations Officer and Trust Finance Managers. This is more than just a numbers job - it’s your chance to make a direct and meaningful impact in a dynamic, forward-thinking educational trust. You will be based at our Trust Central Office DRAGON HALL HOUSE, NEAR TATTENHALL, CHESHIRE, CH3 9DU.

• Competitive Salary: We value your skills and dedication. Enjoy a salary package that reflects your expertise and offers room to grow.
• Excellent Pension Scheme: Secure your future with membership of the renowned LGPS, offering exceptional employer contributions and peace of mind for your retirement.
• Generous Holidays: Achieve true work/life balance with a substantial holiday allowance, giving you more time for what matters most.
• Professional Development: Work alongside senior leaders, enhance your skills and broaden your experience across financial management, reporting, systems development, and asset control.
• Supportive Team: Join an office-based central team with a friendly, collaborative culture and strong leadership, serving schools and communities across Cheshire West and Chester.
• Impactful Work: Ensure our Trust’s financial integrity, compliance, and transparency. Be central to the success of our schools and the futures of young people.

Your Core Responsibilities

• Accurate input and maintenance of financial information - be the backbone of our financial operations.
• Support and collaborate with Finance Managers to oversee ledgers, management accounts, and statutory returns (DfE, ONS, VAT).
• Administer bank accounts and conduct thorough reconciliations.
• Help develop and manage financial systems and procedures for the Trust.
• Oversee capital income/expenditure and maintain the asset register with diligence.
• Assist with financial reports, budgeting, forecasts, and offer guidance to school-based staff.

What We’re Looking For

• Finance experience in a service-led or education setting
• GCSEs in English & Maths (or equivalent), QCF Level 3 in Administration, AAT or similar
• Sound knowledge of accounting principles, Microsoft Excel, and office equipment
• Organised, proactive, and able to work under pressure
• A good team player with a sense of humour!

Sandstone Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS clearance.[1]

[1] AAAE7264 - Trust Finance Officer.docx