Finance Operations Lead – Payroll, Pensions & Controls

Durrington Multi Academy Trust; Worthing; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Durrington Multi Academy Trust is seeking an experienced Trust Finance Manager to oversee the finance function across our multi-site trust, ensuring compliant, high-quality financial services and governance.

Reporting to the Director of Finance, you will oversee payroll, pensions, VAT, banking, BACS payments, reconciliations and robust financial controls to support schools and pupils. You will influence policy, drive improvements and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Qualified finance professional with AAT Level 4 or equivalent.
• Significant experience in finance operations including payroll and pensions.
• Strong technical skills and high attention to detail.
• Experience within an academy trust or school finance environment advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Leading monthly payroll administration and payroll reconciliations.
• Managing Teachers' Pension and Local Government Pension Scheme processes.
• Preparing VAT returns and maintaining financial controls.
• Managing banking transactions, BACS payment runs and cash balances.
• Completing balance sheet and bank reconciliations.
• Supporting audits, month-end and year-end processes.
• Providing advice and support to finance colleagues across the Trust.
• Contributing to the development and improvement of Trust-wide financial procedures.

Skills

Payroll administration

Pension administration

Bank reconciliations

BACS payments

VAT returns

Finance systems

Excel

Education

AAT Level 4 or equivalent

Tools

IRIS/PS Financials

Job description

Durrington Multi Academy Trust is seeking an experienced Trust Finance Manager to oversee the finance function across our multi-site trust, ensuring compliant, high-quality financial services and governance.

Reporting to the Director of Finance, you will oversee payroll, pensions, VAT, banking, BACS payments, reconciliations and robust financial controls to support schools and pupils. You will influence policy, drive improvements and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.