Finance Officer in Birmingham

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Finance Officer (Grade 6) to join our finance team at Fortis Academy, a large and dynamic academy committed to delivering outstanding education for all students. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting the academy’s financial operations, ensuring accurate financial records, compliance with regulations, and effective use of resources. This is an excellent opportunity for a finance professional looking to work in a fast-paced, values-driven education environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain accurate financial records, including purchase orders, invoices, and reconciliations
• Support budget monitoring and forecasting, highlighting variances and risks
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations, policies, and audit requirements
• Assist with month-end and year-end financial procedures
• Work closely with senior leaders, budget holders, and external stakeholders
• Contribute to continuous improvement of financial systems and processes

We are looking for someone who:

• Has proven experience in a finance or accounts role
• Is confident working with financial systems and spreadsheets (e.g. Excel)
• Has strong attention to detail and excellent organisational skills
• Can manage competing priorities and meet deadlines
• Communicates effectively and works well as part of a team
• Has experience in an education or public sector setting (desirable, not essential)

Fortis Academy is a very large 11-18 academy serving a local area of high-density housing in Birmingham’s outer suburbs. The Academy is the largest employer in the ward, with over 200 employees. It is part of the North Area Network of schools, one of six network regions in the city. The setting is uniquely split into a Foundation Academy and Senior Academy.

Fortis Academy’s vision is Enriching Lives. This is underpinned by the values of Character, Resilience and Aspiration. Our curriculum centres around three key areas; a rich and ambitious knowledge-based academic curriculum, a continuous attention to physical and mental well-being, with increasing use of 21st century technologies to support improved outcomes. We believe this combination will help our students lead confident, healthy, and fulfilled lives as adults and ready for the world of work.

All candidates are required to provide a supporting statement on the formal application forms which states clearly your reasons for applying, skills and experience for this position.

At Shaw Education Trust, we believe every role holds the power to transform a life. Whether you’re supporting behind the scenes, inspiring in the classroom, or leading with vision, you’ll be part of something extraordinary. We are a dynamic and growing family of Primary, Secondary, and Special Schools, proudly serving communities from Birmingham to Bury. Our mission is to unlock opportunity for every young person—whatever their background, ability, or starting point.

Our people are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to their growth. Through high-quality training, apprenticeships, talent acceleration, and research opportunities, we empower our staff to thrive as skilled, confident professionals and we champion wellbeing, value every voice, and create a culture where you feel supported, motivated, and inspired to make a real difference.

You will join a collaborative network of schools where shared expertise and professional community fuel success. Every academy in our Trust has an equal voice, and every colleague plays a vital part in shaping tailored learning experiences that raise aspirations and build brighter futures.

At the heart of our work is a deep respect for the children and young adults we serve—our “precious cargo.” We are proud to "exactly like nothing else” and bridge the gap between education and the wider world, preparing every student for further education, employment, or training in inclusive environments where integrity, equality, and opportunity thrive.

If you have the heart, passion, and drive to help shape lives and create futures filled with promise, we would love you to join our incredible team.

Shaw Education Trust offer the following employee benefits:

• An excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (Support Staff) / Teachers Pension (Teaching Staff)
• Generous holiday entitlement from your first day of employment (37 days holiday rising to 39 days after 5 years’ service including Bank Holidays)
• Access to Medicash Health & Wellbeing Plan: Enjoy health services designed to support your well-being.
• Free DiscountForTeachers Scheme for all staff, exclusive discounts to save money with a wide selection of discounts and exclusive offers from hundreds of the biggest brands.
• Free Eye Tests
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to our Institute of Education and fantastic opportunities to help you grow, contribute and flourish in your role and in the Trust.

We know our people are the key to our success and so we’re committed to ensuring the employment experience at Shaw Education Trust is a rewarding one.

Colleagues within the Trust benefit from:

• Access to a full range of courses both in-house and professionally accredited.
• Experienced leadership and subject-specific support.
• Guidance from former HMIs and serving Ofsted Inspectors within the Trust.
• Access to the Trust’s Institute of Education and SCITT.
• Opportunities to work with different schools within the Trust.