Trust Finance and Systems Administrator

The Co Operative Academies Trust; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Hybrid working

Professional growth

Pension scheme

Values & community

Job summary

Co-op Academies Trust is seeking a Systems Administrator (Finance Systems) to support day-to-day user administration, manage workflows, and train users across our central finance team. The role includes onboarding schools, testing updates, and ensuring Civica Financials and Google Workspace run securely and smoothly.

Reporting to the Financial Systems and Planning Manager, you will collaborate with colleagues in a values-led education trust, with hybrid working and a central hub at 1 Angel

Qualifications

• GCSEs English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above.
• An AAT qualification (or working towards it) or equivalent experience is desirable.
• Experience administering systems—ideally finance, accounting, procurement, or payroll systems (such as Civica Financials).
• Confident user of Google Workspace and business software tools.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain technical processes clearly and build training materials.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day user administration of finance systems.
• Manage system workflows and troubleshoot technical queries.
• Deliver hands-on user training and onboarding for new schools.
• Test system updates to ensure secure, seamless operation across academies.

Skills

System administration

Google Workspace

User training

Problem solving

Organisation

Education

GCSEs English & Maths

AAT qualification desirable

Tools

Civica Financials

Job description

Systems Administrator (Finance Systems)

About the Role

Are you a proactive, tech-savvy administrator looking to make a meaningful impact within a values-driven education trust?

At Co-op Academies Trust, we believe that smooth, efficient finance systems are essential to supporting our schools and enabling our colleagues to deliver the best outcomes for pupils. As our Systems Administrator (Finance Systems), you will play a vital role at the heart of our central finance team.

Reporting directly to the Financial Systems and Planning Manager, you will oversee day-to-day user administration, manage system workflows, troubleshoot technical queries, and deliver hands-on user training. From onboarding new schools to testing system updates, you will ensure our platforms run seamlessly and securely across all our academies.

In this role, you will work closely with everyday systems, including Civica Financial systems and Google Workspace, maintaining user permissions, streamlining processes, and ensuring continuous improvement across the Trust.

Who/What We Are Looking For

We are looking for an approachable, organised, and solution-focused professional who enjoys solving problems and supporting others. Whether you come from a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) environment or a broader business setting, your attention to detail and strong IT skills will be key.

Key Requirements & Skills:

1. Education & Qualifications: GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above. An AAT qualification (or working towards it) or equivalent experience is highly desirable.
2. System Expertise: Strong experience administering systems—ideally finance, accounting, procurement, or payroll systems (such as Civica Financials).
3. Digital Proficiency: Confident user of Google Workspace and business software tools.
4. User Support & Training: Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain technical processes clearly and build engaging training guides/sessions for users at all confidence levels.
5. Work Management: Exceptional organisational skills with a knack for prioritising queries, tracking support mailbox tickets, and multi-tasking effectively.
6. Personal Attributes: A collaborative, flexible team player who demonstrates initiative, resilience, and a commitment to co-operative values.

(Experience in a Multi-Academy Trust, onboarding new schools, or assisting with finance system implementations is desirable, but not essential!)

What We Offer

At Co-op Academies Trust, we care deeply about our people. Joining us means becoming part of a supportive, values-led organisation that prioritises your development, well-being, and work-life balance.

1. Competitive Pay: Local Government / NJC Scale Column Point 12-19.
2. Flexible & Hybrid Working: Enjoy a healthy balance with a mixture of remote working and time spent in our modern central hub at 1 Angel Square, Manchester.
3. Professional Growth: Opportunities for ongoing training, career progression, and professional development as our Trust continues to grow.
4. Generous Pension Scheme: Access to a secure and competitive local government pension scheme.
5. Co-op Values & Community: A supportive, inclusive working environment where everyone is valued, respected, and encouraged to embody the Ways of Being Co-op.

Co-op Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. We value variety and individual differences and aim to create an inclusive culture where everyone feels respected and accepted.