Finance Officer

Salary: Scale 3/4 (FTE)
Contract: Term Time Plus Two Weeks
Location: Trust Central Office in Wallington

Join our Finance Team and make a difference in education

Cirrus Primary Academy Trust is seeking a motivated and detail-focused Finance Officer to join our dedicated Trust Finance Team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop their career in finance within a supportive and values-driven educational environment.

As a Finance Officer, you will play an important role in delivering efficient, accurate and high-quality financial services across our Trust. You will support the day‑to‑day operation of finance processes, including purchasing, payments, financial record keeping and supporting academy colleagues with financial information and advice.

What you will be doing

• Processing purchase orders, invoices, supplier payments and staff expenses.
• Managing accounts payable and receivable processes accurately and efficiently.
• Maintaining accurate financial records and audit trails.
• Preparing and reconciling financial information using Trust finance systems.
• Supporting school leaders and budget holders by monitoring expenditure and highlighting variances.
• Responding to financial queries from colleagues, suppliers and external partners.
• Supporting audits and ensuring compliance with financial procedures, GDPR requirements and statutory regulations.
• Contributing to the ongoing improvement of financial systems and processes.
• Working collaboratively across the Trust and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality.

What we are looking for

• Strong numeracy skills and excellent attention to detail.
• Confident using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Organise workload effectively and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Reliable, professional and committed to providing a high-quality service.
• Can work independently as well as part of a team.
• Enthusiastic about developing a career in finance.
• Experience in a finance role, knowledge of finance systems or a relevant finance qualification (such as AAT, ACCA or CIMA) would be advantageous but is not essential.
• We welcome applications from individuals who are eager to learn and develop.

Why join Cirrus Primary Academy Trust?

At Cirrus Primary Academy Trust, we are committed to supporting our staff to grow and succeed. You will join a collaborative and welcoming team where your contribution is valued and where there are opportunities for professional development.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment and to uphold the Trust’s safeguarding policies and procedures.

Benefits

• LGPS and TPS pension
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Staff recognition awards
• Staff Charter

Other Information

Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK from the location(s) provided and not from overseas.

For this role the Trust would not consider sponsoring a Certificate of Sponsorship/visa. Please note we are unable to offer advice on any Visa and Immigration cases.

Safeguarding & Equal Opportunities

All employees of the Trust are deemed to be in regulated activity with children and as such, all offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, and for this role, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed amongst other checks as appropriate.

All shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a declaration regarding offences and have references requested (unless agreed otherwise), prior to the interview.

Cirrus Primary Academy Trust is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a supportive and inclusive workplace in which all individuals are able to make best use of their skills. Applications are invited from all members of the community. We do not discriminate against staff on the basis of age, race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, religion, faith or belief (Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics). The principles of non-discrimination and equality of opportunity also apply to the way in which staff and the Trust treat visitors, volunteers, contractors and former staff members.

Should you require any reasonable adjustments to support you in applying for this role, or at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact the HR Team via recruitment@cirrustrust.uk