Trust Finance Manager – Maternity Cover - (Based at Springwood High School)

West Norfolk Academies Trust; King's Lynn; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational trust is seeking a dedicated Finance Manager to join its finance department. The role requires strong financial management and compliance skills, as well as the ability to oversee the finance team. The successful candidate will support the CFO and contribute to the trust's strategic financial planning. This position offers a competitive salary and is based at Springwood High School in King's Lynn, England.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years experience in a financial management role.
• Strong understanding of financial regulations and compliance.
• Ability to manage a team and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial management and reporting for all trust schools.
• Ensure compliance with the ESFA Financial Handbook.
• Support the CFO and manage the finance staff.

Skills

Financial Management

Budgeting

Compliance with Financial Regulations

Management of Finance Staff

Reporting

Education

Relevant Degree or Professional Qualification in Finance or Accounting

Job description

West Norfolk Academies Trust are seeking a dedicated and professional Finance Manager to join and complement the friendly, supportive and committed professionals within the finance department, based at Springwood High School.

The successful candidate will act as a Senior Member of the Trusts support staff demonstrating professionalism and alignment with the Trusts ethos at all times.

Start Date: ASAP (01 January 2026 latest start date)
Salary: Scale J - Point 29 – Point 31 (£39,862 - £41,771 FTE)
Hours: 37 hours per week 52 weeks per year – Some evenings as required
Minimum 1-year Fixed Term Contract

Email: [e-mail]

Purpose of the Job

The Finance Manager will ensure robust financial management and reporting for all West Norfolk Academies Trust schools. This role serves as the deputy to the CFO in operational finance matters, overseeing all day-to-day finance processes, producing management information and contributing to the strategic financial planning of the Trust. The Trust Finance Manager will be required to support the CFOO, CEO and Head Teachers in all aspects of the budget setting and monitoring process.

The role will lead and manage the academies’ financial policies, systems, and procedures ensuring full compliance with the ESFA Financial Handbook and DFE financial regulations and guidance at all times. Other responsibilities include the completion of statutory returns, audit arrangements and maintaining compliance at all times with DFE obligations and the academies’ Memorandum and Articles of Association Funding Agreement.

Responsibilities, but not limited to:

Financial Management and Control

• Lead an efficient and effective Finance service for the whole Trust.
• To be responsible for the management of finance staff and maintain positive relationships with external contacts such as auditors, bankers, suppliers, LA’s and DFE.
• Be responsible for managing the Academy bank accounts and related banking facilities ensuring all aspects are up to date, effective and current.
• Be responsible for the efficient and effective day to day management of the Academy Finance systems, procurement, bank accounts and financial records.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide a Fully Operational Finance service, prioritising and deploying finance staff effectively as demand requires.
• Offer support, advice and training to all staff who have a role in the finance processes.
• Monitor and evaluate budgets and reports against forecast and provide narrative for any variance.
• Work with the CFO to ensure that the Academies Financial Handbook is updated regularly (at least annually) and is relevant and adhered to at all time.
• Ensure all whole Trust services have been procured obtaining the best VFM and have been recharged accurately.
• Provide support for all finance staff and assist them with any queries, training or supportive needs as required.

Line Management

Finance Officers (including those based within Trust schools)

Finance Assistants

The Finance Manager will be responsible for ensuring that all aspects of Performance Management, Probationary monitoring, Induction and CPD for those staff members are completed in an effective and timely manner.

Personal and Professional Conduct

The duties and responsibilities listed in this job description provide a summary of the main aspects of the role. This is not an exhaustive list and the post holder may be required to carry out other tasks, as deemed appropriate to the grade and nature of the post.

This job description is current at the date indicated below but, in consultation with the post holder, it may be changed by the Headteacher to reflect or anticipate changes in the post commensurate with the grade or job title.

Due to the routine of the school, the workload may not be evenly spread throughout the year. Flexibility of hours, and a flexible attitude and willingness to assist others in the team, when required is necessary.

How to apply

For this vacancy, please click the 'Apply for Job' button, to complete our online application form.

As part of our recruitment process it is necessary for us to perform an online social media check. The reason for the online search is to identify any matters that might relate directly to our legal duty to meet the safeguarding duties set out in KCSIE. There is no other purpose for a search.

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from minority ethnic communities and those with disabilities. An enhanced DBS check will be required.

Closing Date for Applications: 31st October 2025

Interview Dates: w/c 3rd November 2025

Start Date: ASAP (1st January 2026 latest start date)