Senior Trust Finance Manager

St Nicholas of Tolentine Catholic Primary School; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 34,467 - 36,722; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

Generous holiday entitlement

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

St Nicholas of Tolentine Catholic Primary School is seeking an experienced Senior Trust Finance Manager to join the Trust central finance team in a key leadership role.

You will work with the CFO to lead finance operations across academies, oversee management accounts, controls and processes, and provide insights to support school leaders. The role offers flexible working days and a pro rata salary on the NJC scale.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in finance roles, ideally within an academy trust, school, public sector or similar environment.
• Confident producing management accounts, budgets, forecasts and financial analysis with a high degree of accuracy.
• Strong knowledge of financial controls, reconciliations, payroll and VAT processes.
• Experience of line management or developing others.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the Trust’s finance operations, ensuring high-quality management reporting and compliance across academies.
• Take ownership of management accounts, financial controls and processes, providing insights for school leaders.
• Line manage finance staff and develop a high-performing finance service across the Trust.
• Partner with Principals and senior leaders on budgeting, forecasting and financial planning.

Skills

Management accounts

Budgets

Forecasts

Financial analysis

Financial controls

Line management

Excel

Finance systems

Stakeholder communication

Strategic thinking

Tools

Payroll systems

VAT processing systems

Job description

Senior Trust Finance Manager

4 days per week (29 hours)

Term Time + 2 weeks

1-year Fixed Term Contract (in the first instance - and subject to Trust growth)

NJC Scale 36-39 (salary pro rata £34,467 - £36,722)

This vacancy is advertised across multiple Trust and school sites; however, this is one Trust-wide Senior Finance Manager role with a single application process. It is not a separate vacancy at each location.

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Trust Senior Finance Manager to join the Trust central finance team in a key leadership role.

As we enter an important new phase in the life of The Cardinal Newman Catholic Educational Trust, we are looking for a motivated and ambitious finance professional to join our dedicated central team at a pivotal point in our journey.

This is not just another finance post. As the Trust grows and evolves, you will play a critical role in shaping, strengthening and embedding outstanding financial practice across our schools. You will act as a senior leader within the finance function, supporting strategic decision-making and ensuring robust financial management that enables our schools and the children we serve to flourish.

This role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact, working closely with the Chief Finance Officer (CFO) while helping to develop a high-performing, forward-thinking finance function across the Trust.

We want someone who combines strong technical expertise with a collaborative and proactive approach—someone who values accuracy and accountability, but also understands the importance of finance as a service to our schools.

About the Role

You will work closely with the CFO to lead and oversee the Trust’s finance operations, ensuring high-quality financial management, reporting, and compliance across all academies.

You will take ownership of key areas including management accounts, financial controls, and finance processes, while providing clear insights and professional challenge to support school leaders in effective decision-making.

The role also includes line management of finance staff, supporting their development and ensuring the delivery of an efficient, consistent and high-quality finance service across the Trust.

You will be a key partner to Principals, School Business Managers and senior leaders, strengthening financial understanding and supporting budgeting, forecasting and financial planning at both school and Trust level.

Alongside operational leadership, you will contribute to strategic initiatives, continuous improvement, audit and compliance, and the ongoing development of systems and processes to support a growing organisation.

The central finance team plays a vital role in enabling our schools to focus on teaching, learning and community, and this role is central to that mission.

Please note there is flexibility in working days, hours and location, in line with Trust needs.

The ideal candidate will:

• Bring significant experience in finance roles, ideally within an academy trust, school, public sector or similar environment
• Be confident producing management accounts, budgets, forecasts and financial analysis with a high degree of accuracy
• Have strong knowledge of financial controls, reconciliations, payroll and VAT processes
• Demonstrate experience of line management or supporting and developing others
• Be highly proficient in Excel and finance systems, with strong analytical capability
• Be an excellent communicator, able to present financial information clearly and influence a range of stakeholders
• Be proactive, organised and solutions-focused, with the ability to balance strategic thinking and operational delivery
• Value collaboration and teamwork, while also being able to work independently and take ownership
• Be committed to our values and understand that strong financial practice enables the best possible outcomes for children, staff and communities

We offer:

• A senior role in a Trust that is ambitious, values-driven and entering an exciting period of development
• The opportunity to shape and influence finance at a strategic level across a growing organisation
• Supportive colleagues and professional development tailored to your ambitions and expertise
• Flexible working arrangements and a genuine commitment to wellbeing and work-life balance
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Generous holiday entitlement and access to the Trust’s benefits package
• A motivated and dedicated team and Board committed to excellence and community service

Safeguarding commitment

The Newman Catholic Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, governors and volunteers to share this commitment.

The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and other appropriate pre-employment checks, including satisfactory references. In accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education, an online search will be undertaken for shortlisted candidates as part of the Trust’s due diligence and safer recruitment procedures.

The Newman Catholic Trust is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates from all backgrounds.