Trust Finance Officer

Discovery Trust; Leicester; Hybrid; GBP 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free parking

Cycle-to-work scheme

Gym discounts

Eyecare vouchers

Dental support

Annual incremental pay increases

Job summary

Discovery Trust is seeking a finance professional to lead financial operations across its network of academies and central services. You will work with the Finance Manager and teams to ensure accurate financial management, effective governance, and high standards of service for pupils and schools.

The role emphasizes process improvement, system development, and collaborative problem-solving to deliver a first-class finance service across the Trust.

Qualifications

• Experience in financial management and operational finance.
• Strong knowledge of financial controls, governance and compliance.
• Experience of managing and improving financial systems and processes.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to analyse problems, identify solutions and drive positive change.
• Experience of leading and developing others.

Responsibilities

• Support the financial operations of the Trust and help ensure resources are managed effectively for the benefit of pupils.
• Work closely with the Finance Manager and colleagues across schools and central services teams.
• Develop processes and systems to improve financial services across academies and central services.

Skills

Financial management

Operational finance

Governance & compliance

Systems improvement

Stakeholder management

People leadership

Job description

Company Description

Discovery Trust is a dynamic and inclusive Multi Academy Trust comprising 20 schools, including primary, specialist, and secondary provisions. Established in 2012, the Trust is driven by the values of Belonging, Ambition, and Equity, ensuring every pupil and colleague feels supported and has the opportunity to thrive. Centralised services such as an Outstanding SCITT, Education Psychology, and Wellbeing support enable schools to focus on high-quality teaching and learning. Discovery Trust promotes curriculum innovation, collaboration, and safe, inspiring learning environments through its dedicated Estates Team. The Trust maintains strong partnerships with the Diocese of Leicester and Church School communities and is committed to continual growth and improvement.

Role Description

This is an exciting opportunity for an organised and detail-focused finance professional who enjoys working collaboratively, solving problems and ensuring high standards of financial accuracy and compliance.

This is a pivotal role that combines operational finance leadership with the opportunity to improve processes, develop systems and help shape how financial services are delivered across our academies and central services.

Working closely with the Finance Manager and colleagues across our schools and central services teams, you will play a key role in supporting the financial operations of the Trust and helping to ensure that resources are managed effectively for the benefit of our pupils.

What We're Looking For

You will be a proactive and solutions-focused finance professional with:

• Experience in financial management and operational finance.
• Strong knowledge of financial controls, governance and compliance.
• Experience of managing and improving financial systems and processes.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to analyse problems, identify solutions and drive positive change.
• Experience of leading and developing others.
• A commitment to delivering excellent customer service and supporting colleagues across the organisation.

Experience within the education sector or academy trust environment would be advantageous, but most importantly, you'll bring a passion for improving financial processes and delivering a first-class finance service.

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting opportunity to join a values-led organisation where your work will have a direct impact on schools, colleagues and pupils. You'll play a key role in strengthening financial operations, driving innovation and helping ensure resources are managed effectively to support educational excellence.

Professional Growth & Support

• Ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Access to learning networks and visits to other organisations.
• Supportive leadership and a highly committed team.
• Highly committed and motivated Team.
• A role which has the opportunity to make a real difference whilst having fun.
• A established Central Services Team who support schools and wider colleagues.

Work-Life & Wellbeing Benefits

• Flexible working options.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Defined benefit pension scheme.
• Be an integral member of the team in a vibrant school.
• Create an outstanding learning environment for the success of all of our children.
• Play a significant part in continuing to develop our school.
• Be part of a wider community of Discovery Schools Trust.
• Free childcare.

Additional Perks

• Free parking.
• Cycle-to-work scheme.
• Gym discounts.
• Eyecare vouchers.
• Dental support.
• Retail discounts.
• Annual incremental pay increases within the pay scale.

Equal Opportunities & Accessibility

We welcome enquiries from everyone and value diversity in our workforce.

Applications are welcome from all sections of the community regardless of gender identity, ethnic origin, disability, age or sexual orientation.

Depending on your role, occasional travel between Discovery locations may be required. A valid driving license and appropriate business insurance are necessary, and you will need to provide evidence of these documents

More about Discovery Schools Trust

Discovery Schools Trust is dedicated to improving learning and teaching by creating a culture that promotes excellence. The needs of all children are placed at the heart of all decision making regardless of the school they attend. Teaching and learning excellence are shared through learning networks, sharing of ideas and materials as well as leading practitioners between schools. Discovery has developed a school improvement system which focuses on improving outcomes for all children. It also places staff development, talent management and succession planning at the heart of achieving outstanding organisations.

Safeguarding Statement

We are committed to safeguarding our pupils; therefore, the successful applicant will require an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and references.

AI

While we acknowledge the advantages of AI in crafting personal statements for applications, we strongly encourage and expect applicants to personalise and tailor responses. Please note that the Trust may utilise AI checking solutions during the application review process and will be considered when shortlisting.