Strategic School Finance Manager — Flexible & Travel-Ready

Astrea Academy Trust; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Astrea Academy Trust in Cambridge seeks an experienced Finance Manager on a fixed-term basis to join the Central Finance Team. You will lead financial planning, forecasting and reporting across a portfolio of schools, working with Principals and central teams to secure sustainability and compliant use of resources.

You will drive monthly management accounts, budgets, and long-term planning, while ensuring robust controls and effective financial insights for school leaders and trustees.

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.
• Previous experience in a Finance Manager or similar role with budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting.
• Strong experience presenting complex financial information clearly and effectively to non-financial stakeholders.

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 key financial trends, risks and opportunities.
• Produce and maintain accurate financial forecasts and support schools with budget monitoring and planning.
• Lead regular finance review meetings with senior school leaders to discuss performance and future projections.
• Prepare annual budgets and support long-term financial planning using curriculum-led financial modelling.
• Complete payroll reconciliations, investigate variances and provide clear financial analysis.
• Prepare and post monthly accounting adjustments, including accruals, prepayments and inter-school cost 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 to support strategic decision-making.
• Contribute to the Trust's commitment to inclusion, social mobility and continuous improvement.

Skills

Relationship building

Analytical skills

Advanced Excel

Budgeting & forecasting

Education

GCSE English and Maths (Grade C/4)

Professional accounting qualification (CIMA/ACCA/ACA) or in progress

Tools

PSF

IMP

Job description

Astrea Academy Trust in Cambridge seeks an experienced Finance Manager on a fixed-term basis to join the Central Finance Team. You will lead financial planning, forecasting and reporting across a portfolio of schools, working with Principals and central teams to secure sustainability and compliant use of resources.

You will drive monthly management accounts, budgets, and long-term planning, while ensuring robust controls and effective financial insights for school leaders and trustees.