At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial management, budgeting, and reporting for schools in a supportive environment.
- Company: Join Bourne Education Trust, dedicated to educational excellence and community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, wellness support, and work-life balance.
- Other info: Enjoy ongoing training and excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a difference in education while developing your finance career.
- Qualifications: Part-qualified or fully qualified accountant with 5 years of relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 36874 - 39820 £ per year.
We are seeking a Finance Manager to join our team at Bourne Education Trust. The Finance Manager ensures strong, accurate and compliant financial management across the school(s), providing clear leadership on budgeting, reporting and internal controls. The role oversees all day‑to‑day finance operations, including payroll, month‑end, procurement and annual processes, while supporting senior leaders with timely insight, forecasts and advice to enable informed decision‑making.
Location: Addlestone/Chertsey, Initially supporting Sayes Court Primary and Pyrcroft Grange Primary School
Contract: Full time, Permanent
Salary: Surrey scale 8 (£36,874 to £39,820), with some flexibility to recognise exceptional experience
- Generous workplace pension through LGPS
- Ongoing training, learning and development opportunities
- Recognition policies for exceptional performance and long service
- Well‑being support, including 24/7 online GP access, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), online wellness support and free eye tests
- Access to savings on your everyday spending including groceries, homeware, entertainment and holidays, through My Staff Shop benefits platform
- Work‑life balance, and family friendly policies and processes
- Free on‑site parking and cycle to work scheme
Key responsibilities:
- Line manage Finance Officer(s), approving orders, invoices, BACS runs
- Month end processes, including journals and reconciliations
- Monthly management accounts and reforecasts
- Annual budget setting covering 3 years
Requirements:
- An awareness, understanding and commitment to the protection and safeguarding of children
- Part‑qualified or fully qualified accountant or qualified through experience
- Minimum 5 years of relevant work experience
- Proven track record of continuous professional development
- Knowledge of school administrative and accounting systems, particularly PS Financials, Arbor, IMP and Edupay
- Experience working in a MAT or public‑sector finance environment
Finance Manager (Chertsey / Addlestone Area) employer: Bourne Education Trust
Bourne Education Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises the professional growth of its staff. Located in Basingstoke, the trust provides ample opportunities for career advancement within the education sector, alongside a competitive salary package and a commitment to safeguarding and excellence in school operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager (Chertsey / Addlestone Area)
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Bourne Education Trust. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager (Chertsey / Addlestone Area)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Bourne Education Trust.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Bourne Education Trust's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bourne Education Trust
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Bourne Education Trust.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Bourne Education Trust will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Bourne Education Trust employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
