Strategic Finance Manager for Schools (Maternity Cover)

Astrea Academy Trust; St. Ives; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Astrea Academy Trust is seeking an experienced Finance Manager to support a portfolio of schools. You will drive strategic and operational financial planning, forecasting and reporting across multiple academies, reporting to the Lead Finance Manager.

You will liaise with Principals, Operations Managers, Regional Directors and central teams to ensure financial sustainability, compliance and efficient resource use. Flexibility for part-time arrangements is noted for the right candidate.

Qualifications

• Experience as Finance Manager or similar with budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting.
• Strong ability to present complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
• Excellent Excel and data analysis skills.
• Fluent English and safeguarding awareness.

Responsibilities

• Act as the lead finance partner for a group of academies, building strong relationships with school and central colleagues.
• Prepare and present monthly management accounts, highlighting financial trends, risks and opportunities.
• Produce and maintain accurate forecasts and support budget monitoring and planning.
• Lead finance review meetings with senior school leaders to discuss performance and projections.
• Prepare annual budgets and support long-term financial planning using curriculum-led modelling.
• Complete payroll reconciliations, investigate variances and provide financial analysis.
• Post monthly accounting adjustments including accruals, prepayments and inter-school allocations.
• Support grant monitoring, trip reconciliations and balance sheet reviews.
• Ensure financial controls and processes are followed consistently across schools.
• Provide financial insights, reports and ad-hoc analysis for strategic decisions.

Skills

Budgeting

Forecasting

Financial reporting

Stakeholder engagement

Excel proficiency

Education

Professional accounting qualification

GCSE English & Maths

Studying towards qualification

Tools

PSF

IMP

Job description

Astrea Academy Trust is seeking an experienced Finance Manager to support a portfolio of schools. You will drive strategic and operational financial planning, forecasting and reporting across multiple academies, reporting to the Lead Finance Manager.

You will liaise with Principals, Operations Managers, Regional Directors and central teams to ensure financial sustainability, compliance and efficient resource use. Flexibility for part-time arrangements is noted for the right candidate.