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- Tasks: Lead financial processes, including budgeting and reporting, in a dynamic educational environment.
- Company: Join Ascend Learning Trust, a diverse and inclusive organisation dedicated to holistic education.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and a range of employee discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' futures while developing your career in finance.
- Qualifications: Qualified finance professional with strong accounting skills and experience in education finance preferred.
- Other info: Flexible working solutions and excellent career progression opportunities await you.
The predicted salary is between 52413 - 54495 £ per year.
Salary: Grade O - £52,413 - £54,495 (DOE) FTE
Contract: Permanent and Full Time (37 hours Monday-Friday)
Closing date: Midnight, Sunday 8th March 2026
Interview Date: Monday 16th March 2026
Start Date: As soon as possible
To apply for this role, please do so via MyNewTerm. Click Apply Now to be redirected.
Job Overview
We are looking for a qualified and detail-focused Finance Manager who can lead key financial processes across the Trust, including budgeting, month-end procedures, reconciliations, and financial reporting. As a successful candidate, you will be highly organised, able to work independently to tight deadlines, and confident communicating financial information to senior leaders and budget holders. Strong technical accounting skills, sound judgement, and a collaborative approach are essential, with experience in education finance or Access Education systems an added advantage.
Why choose us?
At Ascend Learning Trust, we believe in the power of diversity to drive innovation, foster creativity, and create a workplace that truly reflects the richness of the world around us. We are excited to welcome applicants from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to join our dynamic team.
Full details can be found in the recruitment pack.
Ascend Learning Trust creates a sense of belonging for everyone. All our young people receive a holistic, world class education regardless of where they come from or their life challenges. They will leave their Ascend community with outcomes that opens doors to a fulfilling and successful future.
If you want to be a part of this, and work alongside ambitious, compassionate, and dedicated people we welcome your application. Our mission is to develop and retain high quality professionals who relentlessly pursue the Ascend vision. Together we will foster a culture of compassion and inclusivity with high expectations and standards for all. Where horizons are limitless, and education is unmissable. Together we Belong, Believe, Become.
We also offer an excellent staff benefit package which includes:
- Health & Wellbeing
- Free annual Flu Vaccines
- Discounted Gym Memberships
- 24-hour access to free counselling helpline for family, debt advice
- Annual ‘Wellbeing Day’
- Generous holiday allowance
- Flexible working solutions
- Financial benefits including hundreds of offers and discounts and cashback on local and national stores
- Excellent Pension Schemes with an employer contribution rate of 24.3% for support staff
- Cycle to Work and Tech Schemes
- Health and Fitness Schemes (available at additional cost)
- Career Progression
- Instructional Coaching for Teachers
- Developmental performance management conversations
- Apprenticeship opportunities for ‘on the job training’
- Investment in your career, internal and external talent solutions
- Recognition and Reward – including service awards
Please note some allowances are only applicable on completion of a successful 6 month probation.
Please note if we receive sufficient applications, we may close this job role earlier.
SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT
Ascend Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or religion.
Please note that this role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, which means that you are required to disclose any criminal convictions, cautions, warnings, or reprimands, even if they would normally be considered "spent” and a DBS check will be carried out before any employment commences.
In line with KCSIE 2025 and safer recruitment practices, the school will conduct an online search for all shortlisted candidates. The online search is part of our safeguarding checks and will seek publicly available information on candidates’ suitability to work with children. Shortlisted candidates will be provided with further guidance and will be asked to clarify their online presence.
References will be obtained before interview at shortlisting stage and may be used in the interview process. If previous employment has included working with children, then at least one referee must be from this employment regardless of whether this is the current or most recent employment. Any gaps in employment must be detailed and an explanation provided in the relevant section.
Finance Manager in Swindon employer: Ascend Learning Trust
Contact Detail:
Ascend Learning Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager in Swindon
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Ascend Learning Trust, their values, and their mission. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which can boost your chances of landing that Finance Manager role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how your skills align with the job description, especially around budgeting and financial reporting. Practise your responses so you can confidently showcase your expertise when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Ascend Learning Trust family. So hit that 'Apply Now' button and let’s get started!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Finance Manager role. We want to see how you can lead financial processes and contribute to our mission at Ascend Learning Trust.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to emphasise your technical accounting skills and any experience you have in education finance or Access Education systems. This is key for us, so let’s see those qualifications shine!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate a well-structured application that communicates your qualifications effectively, especially since we’re looking for someone who can communicate financial information confidently.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply via MyNewTerm as instructed in the job posting. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with us at Ascend Learning Trust.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ascend Learning Trust
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your technical accounting skills. Brush up on key financial concepts and be ready to discuss budgeting, month-end procedures, and reconciliations. Prepare examples from your past experience that showcase your ability to manage these processes effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly
You'll be communicating financial information to senior leaders and budget holders, so practice explaining complex financial data in simple terms. Use clear, concise language and be prepared to answer questions about your reports and analyses. This will show your confidence and ability to collaborate with others.
✨Research the Trust
Familiarise yourself with Ascend Learning Trust's mission and values. Understand their commitment to diversity and inclusivity, and think about how your own experiences align with this. Being able to articulate why you want to work for them will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your judgement and problem-solving skills. Think of situations where you've had to make tough financial decisions or resolve discrepancies. Be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes of your actions, as this will highlight your ability to handle challenges in the role.