Strategic Finance Manager – Schools (Maternity Cover)

St Ivo Academy; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Astrea Academy Trust is seeking an experienced Finance Manager to cover maternity leave. You will support a portfolio of academies with budgeting, forecasting and reporting, acting as the finance partner to principals and central teams. Regular travel between Cambridge academies will be required.

Reporting to the Lead Finance Manager, you will manage monthly accounts, financial planning and payroll reconciliations, while promoting robust financial controls and data-driven decision making.

Qualifications

• GCSE English and Maths (Grade C/4 or above) or equivalent.
• Qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent) or currently studying towards a professional accounting qualification.
• Experience in a Finance Manager or similar role with budgeting, forecasting and reporting.
• Strong ability to present financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
• Proven relationship-building and influencing skills with senior leaders.
• Excellent analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Advanced Excel and confidence with financial data.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Financial reporting

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Advanced Excel

Prioritisation

CPD commitment

Education

GCSE English & Maths

Professional accounting qualification (CIMA/ACCA/ACA) or studying

Tools

PSF

IMP

Job description

Astrea Academy Trust is seeking an experienced Finance Manager to cover maternity leave. You will support a portfolio of academies with budgeting, forecasting and reporting, acting as the finance partner to principals and central teams. Regular travel between Cambridge academies will be required.

Reporting to the Lead Finance Manager, you will manage monthly accounts, financial planning and payroll reconciliations, while promoting robust financial controls and data-driven decision making.