Trust Finance Officer

Suffolk Jobs Direct; England; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A reputable educational trust is seeking a part-time Trust Finance Officer to oversee financial management across several primary schools. The role requires experience in financial accounting and knowledge of budget processes. You will prepare management accounts, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with financial regulations. This is a hybrid position with flexible working arrangements available. Ideal candidates will demonstrate strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and experience working within the education sector.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Professional development opportunities

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Experience working within financial accounting for schools or academies.
• Proficient in using computerised financial systems.
• Strong IT skills, particularly in managing finances.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of management accounts for a portfolio of primary schools.
• Manage the annual budget process for schools.
• Reconcile the central MAT Bank accounts.

Skills

Financial Management

Budgeting

Accounting Software

Fiscal Management

Financial Analysis

Education

Experience in the education sector

Tools

BACS payments system

Spreadsheets

Job description

Description

• The Tilian Partnership
• Address : Bardwell IP31 1AD
• Salary : 17.85 - 21.14 per hour
• Hours : 26 hours per week 42 weeks per year - working pattern to be negotiated
• Contract : Permanent
• Reference : 8174

As Trust Finance Officer you will be responsible to the Chief Finance Officer (CFO).

We are seeking a highly motivated finance professional with excellent communication and IT skills to join our busy central MAT team on the Norfolk / Suffolk border.

The Tilian Partnership is a Trust that is passionate about ensuring that every child reaches their potential whilst developing their excitement for learning and exploring the world around them creating opportunities and experiences designed to help them discover and flourish.

Reporting to the Chief Finance Officer and working in tandem with the Trusts existing Finance Officer you will have operational financial oversight of a portfolio of our primary schools. You will be supported by our Trust Finance Assistants who will work closely with you to ensure the schools within your portfolio are offered a high‑quality finance support service.

You will already have experience of working in the education sector with strong financial skills to ensure our Trust and its schools are working within realistic and balanced budgets. You will be instrumental in the preparation of monthly management accounts annual budgets and supporting our schools in maximising efficiency and best value for money.

This is a flexible hybrid role combining remote working with regular attendance at the Central MAT office based at Bardwell near Bury St Edmunds as the work requires.

Main Responsibilities :

• lead the preparation of management accounts and forecasts for your portfolio and supporting the schools understanding of their financial results
• lead the annual budget process for your portfolio
• prepare and process weekly BACS payments.
• process payroll journals allocating payroll costs to each location and reviewing budget system data.
• prepare and submit monthly VAT claims.
• reconcile the central MAT Bank accounts.
• visiting MAT schools on a cyclical basis or as and when required.

You will be expected to demonstrate :

• practical experience of using a computerised financial accounting system for recording income and expenditure transactions processing payroll and general journals BACS payments bank reconciliations and VAT returns.
• experience of working in a school / academy office setting.
• experience of working with budgets including budget setting monitoring and forecasting.
• practical experience of creating spreadsheets to analyse financial information.
• the ability to self‑motivate work independently with acute attention to detail.

What we can offer :

• a unique rewarding opportunity to be part of a growing friendly and supportive team with the ability to help shape future strategy processes and procedures.
• a commitment to your professional development.
• a flexible approach to working.
• a commitment to your personal well‑being.

For more information

Please visit our website for more information about us or email Judith Haste Chief Finance Officer to arrange an informal chat or to find out more ()

Please read the Job Description (word) and Person Specification (word)

How to apply

Please complete the Application Form (word)

Please ensure that you complete all relevant information on the application and email this to :

Covering letters are acceptable but CVs are not.

Closing date :

12pm 11 December 2025

Interview date :

Week beginning 15 December 2025

Statement on Child Protection and Safeguarding

The Tilian Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this our schools we create a culture of safeguarding which is the responsibility of all staff.

When applying for a post at one of our schools you will be subject to a safer recruitment process as follows :

• If you are shortlisted you will be required to complete a self‑disclosure which you will need to bring with you to the interview (in an envelope marked confidential).
• During the interview process the interview panel will explore your skills experience and attitudes and the questions asked will include questions about safeguarding of children
• If you accept a post at one of our schools you will be required to complete an enhanced DBS.

Important documents to read

• Safeguarding Policy

Tilian Code of Conduct for Staff

Staff Induction Policy

Required Experience

Unclear Seniority

Key Skills

Loan Processing,Fiscal Management,Accounting Software,Financial Services,Financial Concepts,Financial Report Writing,QuickBooks,Accounting,Agriculture,Financial Analysis,Budgeting,Financial Management

Employment Type

Part‑Time

Experience

years

Vacancy

1

Hourly Salary

17 - 21