Operational Lead for Finance in Bury

The Sycamore Church of England Trust is seeking an experienced and proactive school or academy trust finance professional to lead the operational delivery of finance across our growing Trust. Reporting to the CFO, this is a key Trust-wide role working across multiple schools, ensuring strong financial systems, controls and reporting are in place giving leaders and Trustees confidence in the financial position. This role is best suited to someone who already understands school or academy trust finance and can apply that knowledge from the outset. Applicants are expected to have current or recent experience of working in education finance, ideally within a multi-academy trust, local authority education finance team or similar public-sector education setting.

As Operational Lead for Finance, you will:

• Lead day-to-day finance operations across the Trust
• Ensure robust financial controls and compliance
• Produce management accounts and support financial reporting
• Support schools with budgeting, forecasting and planning
• Oversee procurement activity and promote value for money
• Lead on audit preparation, payroll oversight and year-end processes
• Drive consistency and improvement in systems and processes
• Support and develop members of the finance team

We are proud to offer a supportive, values-driven working environment where staff are genuinely valued and developed. A values-led organisation As a Church of England Multi Academy Trust, our work is rooted in strong values, with a commitment to serving our communities, supporting one another, and enabling both pupils and staff to flourish. We promote a culture of collaboration, trust, and shared responsibility across all our schools and central services.

A supportive and inclusive culture We believe that people do their best work when they feel supported. We work closely across our schools and central team to share expertise, provide practical support, and reduce unnecessary workload wherever possible. Staff wellbeing is a key priority, and we are committed to creating an environment where colleagues feel listened to and respected.

Wellbeing and staff support All staff have access to a comprehensive and confidential wellbeing package through Education Mutual, alongside occupational health support, and additional wellbeing resources. We actively promote a healthy work-life balance and take a proactive approach to supporting staff through periods of change or challenge.

Professional development and career progression We are committed to developing our people. Staff have access to high-quality CPD through The National College, offering a wide range of professional and personal development resources. We also provide Trust-wide development opportunities and encourage collaboration across schools to support career progression and leadership development.

Consistent and fair employment offer As a Trust, all staff are employed under a consistent framework, ensuring fairness and transparency. Our policies and pay structures are aligned with recognised local authority models (including Bury Council), providing a reliable and well-understood employment offer.

Generous terms and conditions We offer competitive terms and conditions, including:

• Access to Local Government or Teachers’ Pension Schemes
• Generous annual leave for support staff
• Occupational sick pay and family-friendly policies
• Clear and fair pay progression arrangements

Part of something bigger Working within a Multi Academy Trust provides opportunities to collaborate beyond a single school, share best practice, and contribute to wider improvement across multiple settings whilst retaining a strong sense of community within each school.