At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage finances for 19 academies, ensuring accurate budgets and financial reporting.
- Company: Join a prominent Multi Academy Trust dedicated to educational excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping the financial future of education.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance management, especially within multi-academy trusts.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Dedicate Recruitment is proud to partner with a prominent Multi Academy Trust in their search for a dedicated Finance Manager. Based in Sittingbourne, this role offers the opportunity to contribute significantly to the financial health and accountability of an organisation that oversees 19 academies.
The Finance Manager will play a key role in producing accurate budgets and monitoring financial data to support Heads of Schools, Trust Principals, Governors, and Directors. Working closely with the Chief Financial and Operations Officer, you will help develop and maintain robust systems to ensure compliance with the Academies Financial Handbook, deliver sound financial controls, and achieve value for money.
Your responsibilities will involve:
- Supporting financial planning
- Monitoring budgets
- Preparing management accounts
- Ensuring timely and accurate reporting
- Overseeing payroll reconciliation
- Assisting with audits
- Producing cash flow and forecast reports
- Maintaining financial procedures across the Trust
An understanding of multi-academy trusts and previous finance management experience will be essential for success in this role.
Experience required:
- Experience as a Finance Manager, preferably within a Multi Academy Trust environment
- Strong understanding of financial regulations and the Academies Financial Handbook
- Proven ability to produce budgets, forecasts, and management accounts
- Experience in financial reporting, monitoring variances, and managing cash flow
- Excellent line management and communication skills
- Proficiency with financial systems and maintaining financial controls
- Ability to work collaboratively with senior stakeholders and external auditors
In return, this role offers a competitive salary package, excellent opportunities for professional development, and the chance to make a meaningful impact within a growing educational organisation. The organisation values a proactive and supportive approach, fostering a collaborative environment where your expertise will be truly valued.
Interviews: April 2026
Finance Manager employer: Dedicate Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Dedicate Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved with multi-academy trusts. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the Academies Financial Handbook. We want you to be able to discuss how you can ensure compliance and deliver sound financial controls confidently.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience with financial systems during interviews. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've maintained financial controls and produced budgets in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in the educational sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Manager role. Highlight your experience with budgets, financial reporting, and any work you've done in a Multi Academy Trust environment. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to the financial health of our academies. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Financial Acumen: In your application, be sure to showcase your understanding of financial regulations and the Academies Financial Handbook. Mention specific examples of how you've implemented sound financial controls or managed cash flow in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our organisation and values.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dedicate Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your financial knowledge, especially around budgets, forecasts, and management accounts. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed finances, as this will show your expertise and confidence in the role.
✨Understand the Academies Financial Handbook
Familiarise yourself with the Academies Financial Handbook and any relevant regulations. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance and sound financial practices within a multi-academy trust.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle financial challenges. Think of situations where you've had to monitor budgets or manage cash flow, and be prepared to explain your thought process and the outcomes.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Skills
Since the role involves working closely with various stakeholders, be ready to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with senior management, governors, or external auditors in the past. Highlight your communication skills and how they contribute to a positive working environment.