Senior Finance Officer

Central Region Schools Trust; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Central Region Schools Trust is seeking a Finance Officer to lead transactional finance across our multi-academy trust. You will oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management and VAT, supporting robust controls and process improvements.

The role involves collaborating with academies and central services, contributing to audits and promoting consistent financial practices. A proactive, detail-oriented finance professional with strong systems experience is ideal.

Qualifications

• AAT Level 4 or equivalent experience is preferred.
• Experience in transactional finance processes and accounting software.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a busy environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead accounts payable and accounts receivable operations.
• Manage cash flow and VAT processes.
• Contribute to improving financial controls, systems and procedures.

Skills

Accounts payable

Accounts receivable

Cash management

VAT processes

Financial controls

Education

AAT Level 4

Equivalent experience

Tools

Accounting software

Job description

Reporting to the Finance Operation Business Partner, and accountable to the Head of Finance and Chief Finance Officer (CFO), this role is central to ensuring the delivery of high-quality, efficient and compliant financial services across our Multi-Academy Trust. The successful candidate will lead key transactional finance operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management and VAT processes, whilst supporting the ongoing development of robust financial controls, systems and procedures. Working closely with colleagues across our academies and central services, you will play an important role in maintaining the Trust's financial integrity, supporting audit requirements, improving processes and contributing to continuous service improvement. You will also provide leadership and support to Finance Officers, helping to develop capability and promote consistent financial practices across the Trust. We are seeking an organised, proactive and detail-oriented finance professional with strong technical knowledge and experience of transactional finance processes. Ideally, you will hold AAT Level 4 or possess equivalent experience, have experience of financial systems and accounting software, and be confident managing competing priorities within a busy environment. Experience within education or the public sector would be advantageous but is not essential.

For more information, please read our attached candidate pack.