Trust Finance Assistant

Trust Finance Assistant

Temporary 34434 - 36363 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Blessed Christopher Wharton, Catholic Academy Trust

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support financial administration for a diverse range of schools in Bradford and Keighley.
  • Company: Join the Blessed Christopher Wharton Catholic Academy Trust, dedicated to community and education.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in education finance while gaining valuable experience.
  • Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and a passion for finance are essential.
  • Other info: Dynamic team environment with a commitment to inclusivity and safeguarding.

The predicted salary is between 34434 - 36363 £ per year.

Fixed Term for 15 Months, starting 1 June 2026

30-37 hours per week (hours negotiable) All Year Round.

Pay SO1 (SCP 23-25) £34,434 - £36,363 per annum (full time equivalent)

The Blessed Christopher Wharton Catholic Academy Trust (BCWCAT) serves a diverse range of communities within Bradford and Keighley across 17 Primary and 2 Secondary Schools. The Central Team is based in the grounds of the Ignis site of St Bede’s & St Joseph’s Catholic College on the outskirts of Bradford City Centre.

The scope of the Finance Team’s services includes managing the Trusts budgets and capital income, filing statutory returns and ensuring accurate and timely reporting to the Trust Board.

The Role

Reporting to the Trust Finance Business Partner, the Finance Assistant is responsible for Central Team Financial Administration. The successful candidate will assist with preparing financial information for Trust reporting, collating information from School Business Managers and assisting with the implementation of rigorous and transparent finance controls with direction from the CFO. Providing support and problem solving with regard to the processing of operational accounting data will also be key.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

  • The successful applicant will be able to work independently to support the Trust’s nineteen schools across Bradford and Keighley
  • Set up new suppliers and maintain the centralised purchase ledger
  • Process Central team purchase orders, goods received notes and purchase invoices
  • Co-ordinate the payment of purchase invoices via BACS for the Central team and all Trust Schools
  • Raise Trust sales invoices and chase aged debts as required
  • Monthly reconciliation of centralised Trust-wide bank account
  • Provide support with processing salary recharges and intercompany transactions between schools
  • Prepare monthly reporting information including a Trust cashflow statement and KPI’s
  • Prepare monthly VAT returns
  • Assist with maintenance of ledgers on Trust accounting system
  • Support up to four schools with the Trust budget management process
  • Work with schools to investigate and resolve Trust wide queries as required
  • Maintain integrity of the Trust accounting system through input of accurate and timely information
  • Assist with finance training across Trust schools
  • Assist with yearend, providing support to both schools and the Central team
  • Provide Trust wide support to School Business Managers
  • With support from team members, take a prominent role in implementation of a new budget system across the Trust
  • Maintain accurate filing systems for all finance paperwork

Salary & Benefits

Salary from £34,434 to £36,363 per year

Location: Blessed Christopher Wharton Catholic Academy Trust, St Bede’s and St Joseph’s Catholic College, Beacon Villa, Cunliffe Road, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD8 7AP

Visits to the Trust Offices are welcomed. Please contact our Trust HR Team to discuss the role in more detail: hr@bcwcat.co.uk

Please note, we can only accept applications completed on the CES Application form. CES Application packs are available on our website or from the email address above.

Closing date for applications: Monday 13 April 2026 at 9am

Shortlisting: Tuesday 14 April 2026

Interviews: Tuesday 21 April 2026

Safeguarding

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all members of staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the exceptions order 1975, 2013 and 2020. Appointments will be made subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, and the receipt of satisfactory references and all other pre-employment checks.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone is valued and respected. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic. Our recruitment process is based on merit and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. We strive to foster a work environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to our shared success.

Trust Finance Assistant employer: Blessed Christopher Wharton, Catholic Academy Trust

The Blessed Christopher Wharton Catholic Academy Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values diversity and promotes employee growth. Located in the vibrant community of Bradford, the Trust provides meaningful opportunities for professional development within a collaborative finance team dedicated to ensuring financial integrity across its schools. With flexible working hours and a commitment to safeguarding, BCWCAT is an ideal place for those seeking a rewarding career in education finance.
Blessed Christopher Wharton, Catholic Academy Trust

Contact Detail:

Blessed Christopher Wharton, Catholic Academy Trust Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Trust Finance Assistant

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the Trust! Research the Blessed Christopher Wharton Catholic Academy Trust and its values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

✨Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips about the role and the team, plus it shows your initiative and enthusiasm for the position.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to finance administration. Think about how your skills align with the key duties listed in the job description, and be ready to share specific examples from your experience.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Trust and following their application process.

We think you need these skills to ace Trust Finance Assistant

Financial Administration
Budget Management
Purchase Ledger Management
BACS Payment Processing
Sales Invoicing
Bank Reconciliation
VAT Returns Preparation
Accounting Software Proficiency
Problem-Solving Skills
Communication Skills
Attention to Detail
Training and Support
Data Entry Accuracy
Organisational Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Get to Know Us: Before you start your application, take a moment to explore our website and get familiar with the Blessed Christopher Wharton Catholic Academy Trust. Understanding our values and mission will help you tailor your application to show how you fit in with us.

Follow the Application Instructions: Make sure to complete the CES Application form as specified in the job advert. We can only accept applications submitted through this form, so don’t forget to check it twice before hitting send!

Show Your Skills: In your application, highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the role of Trust Finance Assistant. Be specific about your financial administration experience and any software you’ve used, as this will help us see how you can contribute to our team.

Be Yourself: Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who not only has the right skills but also fits well with our team culture. So, be genuine and show us what makes you unique!

How to prepare for a job interview at Blessed Christopher Wharton, Catholic Academy Trust

✨Know Your Numbers

As a Trust Finance Assistant, you'll be dealing with budgets and financial reports. Brush up on your financial terminology and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to managing the Trust's finances effectively. Familiarise yourself with basic accounting principles and any relevant software they might use.

✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills

The role involves resolving queries and processing operational accounting data. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully tackled financial issues or improved processes. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and act decisively.

✨Understand the Trust's Mission

Research the Blessed Christopher Wharton Catholic Academy Trust and its values. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can support their mission in managing finances across schools. This shows genuine interest and commitment to the role.

✨Prepare Questions

Interviews are a two-way street! Think of insightful questions to ask about the finance team’s structure, challenges they face, or how success is measured in this role. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the position is the right fit for you.

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