At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial management and support decision-making in a dynamic educational environment.
- Company: Join Bourne Education Trust, transforming schools and changing lives across multiple locations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, wellness support, and work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education while developing your finance career.
- Qualifications: Part-qualified or fully qualified accountant with 5 years of relevant experience.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on innovation, equality, and professional growth.
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.
About Bourne Education Trust Bourne Education Trust (‘BET’) is a successful multi‑academy trust made up of twenty six schools (plus three further associate schools), across primary, secondary and specialist school phases in Surrey, Hampshire and the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. BET's strapline 'Transforming schools… changing lives' reflects our shared commitment that all children, regardless of context or background, deserve a great education. Together we are passionate about developing sustainable and ethical environments, promoting social justice and maintaining the highest standards in our behaviours and values. We learn without borders and we are relentless in our efforts to support our pupils through new and innovative ways by embracing new technologies. Digital education is at the forefront of our joint approach and we are resolute in our belief that digital innovation has the ability to enrich and transform – reimagining the future of education in our schools.
Details
- Position: Finance Manager
- Location: Basingstoke, Initially supporting Everest Community Academy
- 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 include:
- 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 include:
- 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
For full job description and requirements, please see applicant pack on our careers website.
Our Culture At Bourne Education Trust, we value colleagues who are:
- Reflective, optimistic and aspirational
- Collaborative and innovative
- Committed, engaged and professional
- Advocates for equality and inclusivity
How to apply for this role: Please click 'Quick Apply' to complete our online application form. Please note CVs without a fully completed application form will not be considered.
Finance Manager (Basingstoke Area) employer: BOURNE EDUCATION TRUST
Contact Detail:
BOURNE EDUCATION TRUST Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager (Basingstoke Area)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work in finance. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Bourne Education Trust and its values. Show us how your experience aligns with our mission of transforming schools and changing lives. We love candidates who are passionate about education!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to finance management. Think about how you would handle budgeting, reporting, and internal controls. We want to see your problem-solving skills in action!
✨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 us you’re serious about joining our team at Bourne Education Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager (Basingstoke Area)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the Finance Manager role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills can benefit us at Bourne Education Trust. Share specific examples of your past achievements in financial management and leadership.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your writing is easy to read. This will help us see your potential quickly!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our careers website using the 'Quick Apply' option. It’s super easy and ensures your application is processed correctly. Don’t forget, CVs alone won’t cut it!
How to prepare for a job interview at BOURNE EDUCATION TRUST
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets, forecasts, and reports in previous roles. This shows you’re not just familiar with numbers but can also interpret them to drive decision-making.
✨Understand the Education Sector
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial challenges faced by schools and multi-academy trusts. Research Bourne Education Trust’s values and recent initiatives. Showing that you understand their mission of 'Transforming schools… changing lives' will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific financial situations, such as budget cuts or unexpected expenses. Prepare examples from your past experience where you successfully navigated similar challenges, highlighting your problem-solving skills and leadership.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Since the role involves line managing Finance Officers, be ready to discuss your leadership approach. Share examples of how you've motivated teams, improved processes, or fostered collaboration in previous positions. This will help illustrate your fit for the collaborative culture at Bourne Education Trust.