Senior Finance Lead

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

1. Liaise with Headteachers, school-based budget holders and the central finance team to manage school budgets, including:

1. Annual budget setting
2. Monthly management reports and budget updates
3. Supporting at least 3 schools within the Trust or 2 schools plus significant support to central finance processes

1. Approve order requisitions ensuring that all expenditure is within agreed budgets
2. Approve BACS and faster payments to suppliers
3. Oversee income management, ensuring all due income is received as per budget expectations
4. Ensure monthly payroll reconciliations are completed accurately and meet deadlines
5. Ensure bank and charge card reconciliations and balance sheet checks are completed accurately and meet deadlines
6. Prepare year-end accounting journals
7. Support with internal and external audits
8. Support partner schools with financial queries, providing excellent customer service
9. Handle email and telephone communications from internal and external sources
10. Manage enquiries and ensure the correct escalation of any issues
11. Attend meetings where appropriate.
12. Undertake any professional development necessary as identified

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

1. Qualified to at least 5 GCSEs passed including English and Maths (Grade C or above) or equivalent Level 2 qualification
2. Proven experience in an accountancy or finance office
3. Experience of working in an education setting
4. Experience maintaining an accounts system
5. Full UK driving licence with access to own vehicle
6. Working knowledge of Office 365, Word, PowerPoint and excellent keyboard skills
7. Strong knowledge of Excel
8. Strong numerical skills and the ability to learn new financial software and booking systems
9. Excellent spoken and written English
10. Ability and willingness to travel to partner schools to provide support for financial matters

DESIRABLE

1. 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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