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- Tasks: Lead financial management across academies, ensuring compliance and robust reporting.
- Company: Hope Learning Community, a forward-thinking Multi-Academy Trust.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and comprehensive wellbeing services.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on educational outcomes while developing your finance career.
- Qualifications: AAT qualified or equivalent experience with significant finance role experience.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to innovation and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Hope Learning Community is seeking a proactive, skilled Trust Finance Manager to lead strategic and operational financial management across our academies. You will ensure robust controls, accurate reporting, and compliance with statutory requirements, helping us make the best use of public funds to support educational outcomes. Reporting to Chief Financial and Operations Officer (CFOO).
We are looking for someone who:
- Is a minimum AAT qualified, part-qualified accountant (ACCA/CIMA/CIPFA) or equivalent relevant experience.
- Has significant experience in a finance role with budget management responsibility.
- Has high levels of integrity and professionalism.
- Ideally has experience working in a Multi-Academy Trust or school finance environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare monthly management accounts for the Trust and individual academies, including variance analysis and commentary.
- Support the production of annual budgets, forecasts, and multi-year financial plans.
- Monitor income and expenditure, ensuring timely identification of financial risks and opportunities.
- Assist with year-end accounts preparation and liaison with external auditors.
Compliance & Governance
- Ensure compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook, ESFA guidance, and statutory financial regulations.
- Maintain effective internal financial controls and procedures.
- Support audit processes and implement audit recommendations.
- Assist with financial reporting to Trustees, Committees, and senior leaders.
Operational Finance
- Ensure accurate maintenance of financial systems and records.
- Manage cash flow, bank reconciliations, and balance sheet controls.
- Support procurement processes to ensure value for money across the Trust.
Team & Stakeholder Support
- Support and develop internal finance support based in schools.
- Provide financial advice and guidance to Headteachers, budget holders, and central teams.
- Contribute to finance training for non-finance staff where required.
- Work collaboratively with HR, estates, and education teams.
Strategic Support
- Contribute to Trust-wide financial planning and growth strategies.
- Support due diligence and financial integration of new academies.
- Identify efficiencies and opportunities to maximise the impact of financial resources.
What We Offer
- A supportive senior leadership and governance team committed to collaboration and innovation.
- Continuous professional development and opportunities to network across the education sector.
- Access to comprehensive employee wellbeing services, including a 24/7 GP, physiotherapy, and other health and wellbeing support programmes.
- Flexible working arrangements considered to support work-life balance.
Information about the School: Hope Learning Community is a successful and forward-thinking Multi-Academy Special Needs Trust comprising of four schools and two colleges across mid and north Essex. At Hope, we are committed to going the extra mile and making that difference to our pupils and their families. We have the drive, passion, determination and influence, and we are committed to delivering high-quality education and fostering a supportive and inclusive working environment for our pupils and staff.
All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.
Trust Finance Manager in Colchester employer: Essex
Contact Detail:
Essex Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trust Finance Manager in Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and finance sectors. Attend events, webinars, or even local meet-ups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Trust and its financial practices. Understand their values and how they manage their resources. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference at Hope Learning Community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable discussing your experience with budget management and compliance. The more you rehearse, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine in front of the interview panel.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the financial success of our academies.
We think you need these skills to ace Trust Finance Manager in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Trust Finance Manager role. Highlight your AAT qualifications and any relevant experience in finance, especially within a Multi-Academy Trust or school environment. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
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 our mission at Hope Learning Community. Be sure to mention your experience with budget management and compliance.
Showcase Your Integrity: As we value high levels of integrity and professionalism, make sure to reflect this in your application. Share examples of how you've maintained robust financial controls and compliance in your previous roles. We want to know you can be trusted with public funds!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Let’s get started on this journey together!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Trust Finance Manager, you'll be expected to handle financial data with ease. Brush up on your financial reporting skills and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets in the past. Prepare examples of variance analysis and how you’ve identified financial risks and opportunities.
✨Understand Compliance Inside Out
Familiarise yourself with the Academy Trust Handbook and ESFA guidance. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles. This shows that you not only understand the regulations but can also implement them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
This role involves collaboration with various teams, so highlight your experience working with non-finance staff. Share examples of how you've provided financial advice or training to help others understand financial processes better.
✨Be Ready for Strategic Discussions
The role requires contributing to financial planning and growth strategies. Think about how you've supported financial integration in previous positions or identified efficiencies. Be prepared to share your vision for maximising financial resources in an educational setting.
