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- Tasks: Lead financial support for schools, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with Trust policies.
- Company: Join a respected Multi-Academy Trust in Beckenham, Kent, dedicated to educational excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, comprehensive training, and opportunities for formal qualifications.
- Why this job: Perfect for finance pros eager to grow in a supportive, dynamic environment with clear career pathways.
- Qualifications: Must have 5 GCSEs including English and Maths, plus finance experience and a driving license.
- Other info: Vehicle required for travel to partner schools; apprenticeship training fully supported.
The predicted salary is between 33900 - 42300 £ per year.
Senior Finance Lead who has experience working within a busy accountancy or finance office with excellent interpersonal and communication skills is required for a highly respected Multi-Academy Trust based in Beckenham, Kent.
This role is perfect for someone with prior finance experience who’s eager to build on their expertise. The Trust offers a clear career pathway, comprehensive training, and the opportunity to pursue formal qualifications in finance and accounts. For those looking to further their professional journey, apprenticeship training is also available and fully supported by the Trust.
SALARY: £39,855 – £42,324 per annum + Benefits
LOCATION: Beckenham, Kent
JOB TYPE: Full-Time, Permanent
WORKING HOURS: 36 Hours a Week – 52 Weeks a Year
PLEASE NOTE: As the role involves visiting partner schools, a vehicle is essential for travel to various locations.
JOB OVERVIEW
We have a fantastic new job opportunity for a Senior Finance Lead who has experience working within a busy accountancy or finance office with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Working as a Senior Finance Lead you will provide vital financial support to the central trust and partner schools, ensuring compliance with Trust policies and procedures and work closely with and be supported by the Head of Hub Finance.
As a Senior Finance Lead, you will be required to visit partner schools, and having a vehicle is essential for this role.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your finance career within a dynamic and supportive environment, we’d love to hear from you!
DUTIES
- Liaise with Headteachers, school-based budget holders and the central finance team to manage school budgets, including:
- Annual budget setting
- Monthly management reports and budget updates
- Supporting at least 3 schools within the Trust or 2 schools plus significant support to central finance processes
- Approve order requisitions ensuring that all expenditure is within agreed budgets
- Approve BACS and faster payments to suppliers
- Oversee income management, ensuring all due income is received as per budget expectations
- Ensure monthly payroll reconciliations are completed accurately and meet deadlines
- Ensure bank and charge card reconciliations and balance sheet checks are completed accurately and meet deadlines
- Prepare year-end accounting journals
- Support with internal and external audits
- Support partner schools with financial queries, providing excellent customer service
- Handle email and telephone communications from internal and external sources
- Manage enquiries and ensure the correct escalation of any issues
- Attend meetings where appropriate.
- Undertake any professional development necessary as identified
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS
- Qualified to at least 5 GCSEs passed including English and Maths (Grade C or above) or equivalent Level 2 qualification
- Proven experience in an accountancy or finance office
- Experience of working in an education setting
- Experience maintaining an accounts system
- Full UK driving licence with access to own vehicle
- Working knowledge of Office 365, Word, PowerPoint and excellent keyboard skills
- Strong knowledge of Excel
- Strong numerical skills and the ability to learn new financial software and booking systems
- Excellent spoken and written English
- Ability and willingness to travel to partner schools to provide support for financial matters
DESIRABLE
- Finance and accounting qualification to Level 4 or above or equivalent
A satisfactory Enhanced DBS check will be required for successful candidates.
HOW TO APPLY
To be considered for this job vacancy, please submit your CV to our Recruitment Team who will review your details. CVs of Job Applicants meeting this requirement will be submitted to our Client for consideration. By submitting your job application to us you are hereby giving us your express consent to submit your details to our Client for this purpose.
JOB REF: AWDO-P13022
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Senior Finance Lead employer: AWD online
Contact Detail:
AWD online Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your experience in managing budgets and financial reporting during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully handled financial tasks in a busy environment.
✨Tip Number 2
Since this role involves liaising with Headteachers and school-based budget holders, practice your communication skills. Think about how you can convey complex financial information in a clear and approachable way.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarize yourself with the Multi-Academy Trust's values and mission. Showing that you understand their goals and how your role as a Senior Finance Lead contributes to them can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Since travel to partner schools is essential, ensure you have a reliable vehicle and be ready to discuss your availability for travel during the interview. This shows your commitment to fulfilling the role's requirements.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in accountancy or finance, especially within an education setting. Emphasize your interpersonal and communication skills, as these are crucial for the role.
Showcase Relevant Experience: Detail your previous roles and responsibilities that align with the duties listed in the job description. Include specific examples of budget management, financial reporting, and any experience with audits.
Highlight Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications, including GCSEs and any finance or accounting certifications. If you have a Level 4 qualification or above, make sure to mention it prominently.
Express Your Motivation: In your cover letter, express your eagerness to build on your finance expertise and your interest in the career pathway and training opportunities offered by the Trust. Show that you are ready to contribute to their mission.
How to prepare for a job interview at AWD online
✨Showcase Your Financial Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in finance and accountancy. Highlight specific examples of how you've managed budgets, reconciled accounts, or supported audits in your past roles.
✨Demonstrate Interpersonal Skills
Since the role requires excellent communication with Headteachers and budget holders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in a busy finance environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in financial situations. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you resolved them, especially in an educational setting.
✨Understand the Trust's Values
Research the Multi-Academy Trust and its mission. Be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals, particularly in supporting partner schools.
