Trust Finance officer

Stephenson Academy; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LGPS

Generous holiday entitlement

Employee assistance programme

Free lunch on-site

EV charging on-site

Blue light card discounts

Job summary

Stephenson MK Trust is seeking an experienced Trust Finance Officer to join the central finance team in a key operational role. This role will shape and embed outstanding financial practice across our academies, acting as a central contact for purchasing and supporting budget holders to ensure robust financial management.

Working with the Finance Manager, you will own purchase ledger and central controls, provide insights to school leaders, and help budgeting, forecasting and financial planning

Qualifications

• Experience in purchase ledger and central finance operations.
• Ability to support budget holders with accurate financial information.
• Strong organisation and collaboration across multiple academies.

Responsibilities

• Own purchase ledger, sales ledger and central financial controls.
• Support budgeting, forecasting and financial planning at school and Trust level.
• Provide insightful challenge to school leaders and business managers.
• Ensure compliant financial reporting and governance across the Trust.

Skills

Purchase ledger

Operational finance

Budgeting and forecasting

Financial reporting

Communication

Education

Finance qualification (AAT/ACCA/CIMA)

Tools

Purchase ledger software

ERP systems

MS Excel

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Trust Finance officer to join the Trust central finance team in a key operational role. As we enter an important new phase in the life of Stephenson MK Trust, we are looking for a motivated and ambitious finance professional to join our dedicated central team at a pivotal point in our journey. This is not just another finance post. As the Trust grows and evolves, you will play a critical role in shaping, strengthening and embedding outstanding financial practice across our academies. You will act as a central point of contact for purchasing within the finance function, supporting finance staff and budget holders and ensuring robust financial management across the Trust. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact, working closely with the Trust Finance Managers and Academy finance staff while helping to develop a high‑performing, forward‑thinking finance function across the Trust. We want someone who combines strong purchase ledger and operational finance expertise with a collaborative and proactive approach - someone who values accuracy and accountability but also understands the importance of finance as a service to our academies., You will work closely with the Finance Manager to support the Trust's finance operations, ensuring high‑quality financial management, reporting, and compliance across all academies. You will take ownership of key areas including purchase ledger, sales ledger, central financial controls, and finance processes, while providing clear insights and professional challenge to support school leaders in effective decision‑making. You will be a key partner to School Business Managers and Academy finance Officers strengthening financial understanding and supporting budgeting, forecasting and financial planning at both school and Trust level. The central finance team plays a vital role in enabling our academies to focus on teaching, learning and community, and this role is central to that mission. Please note there is flexibility in working weeks, in line with Trust needs.

• The commitment of a highly professional team who are friendly, dedicated and supportive, and who share a passion for education.
• A dedicated school leadership team who are committed in creating a loving environment where children and staff can learn and grow together.
• Excellent professional development opportunities., Be committed to promoting the ethos of our Trust
• Support the values and ethos of Bridge All through AP Academy and Stephenson Academy
• Have experience of working in a school environment
• Have experience of posting purchase orders and invoices.
• Be flexible and creative and have the commitment to provide first class care to children and adults
• Have experience of working within a Finance setting
• Be organised and efficient in carrying out administrative tasks
• Be proficient in dealing with face‑to‑face and telephone interactions
• Have the necessary skills to work effectively and collaboratively within a team
• Be organised, able to prioritise workloads and work under own initiative
• Be a reflective and flexible practitioner
• Bring vision, innovation and enthusiasm to the role
• Work effectively with our staff team at Stephenson MK Trust Stephenson (MK) Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment. This commitment to robust Recruitment, Selection and Induction procedures extends to organisations and services linked to the Trust on its behalf. An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate is required prior to commencement of this post

Please note that we reserve the right to close this advert should a suitable candidate is be found. NB - Qualification Certificates, Identification and Proof to work in the UK documents are required at Interview

• A senior role in a Trust that is ambitious, values-driven and entering an exciting period of development
• The opportunity to shape and influence finance at a strategic level across a growing organisation
• Supportive colleagues and professional development tailored to your ambitions and expertise
• Flexible working arrangements and a genuine commitment to wellbeing and work‑life balance
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Generous holiday entitlement and access to the Trust's benefits package
• Access to an Employee assistance programme
• Free lunch on‑site
• Blue light card discounts
• Access to EV charging on‑site
• A motivated and dedicated team and Board committed to excellence and community service