At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial management for multiple academies and drive best practices.
- Company: Join Outwood Grange Academies Trust, a top multi-academy trust.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential to oversee up to 5 academies.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' futures through financial expertise.
- Qualifications: Accountancy qualification preferred, but experience is equally valued.
The predicted salary is between 50531 - 53881 £ per year.
Are you an experienced, forward-thinking finance professional ready to lead as the key finance business partner across our regional hubs? Join Outwood Grange Academies Trust as a Finance Manager based across Outwood Academy Haydock and Outwood Academy Hindley.
In this dynamic role, you will take ownership of the financial control and management of 2 Secondary academies initially, with scope to scale oversight up to 5 academies as the region expands. You will work closely with Principals, Executive Leadership, and Trust Directors to align school-level operational goals with trust-wide strategic growth, ensuring financial sustainability, compliance, and maximum value for public funding.
About Outwood Grange Academies Trust & Our Schools
At Outwood Grange Academies Trust, we place "Students First: Raising Standards and Transforming Lives" at the heart of everything we do. As one of the country's leading multi-academy trusts, OGAT has a proven track record of rapidly transforming schools, delivering outstanding academic outcomes, and providing high-quality support structures that allow educators and operational staff to thrive.
- Outwood Academy Haydock: Serving the local St Helens community, Haydock joined the Trust with a shared commitment to high expectations, an inclusive culture, and providing every student with a well-rounded, ambitious curriculum supported by excellent resources.
- Outwood Academy Hindley: Located in the borough of Wigan, Hindley joined the Outwood family to build a high-performing learning environment where academic success, strong pastoral care, and community pride go hand-in-hand.
Together, both academies represent a collaborative, forward-thinking cluster in the North West where financial expertise helps to power student achievement and institutional growth.
Responsibilities
The Finance Manager is responsible for leading the financial control and management of up to 5 Secondary academies and driving best practice across the Trust. Duties include leading the timely and accurate production of regular forecasts, supporting consolidated group financial reporting, and producing monthly financial management reports. The post holder ensures appropriate systems and internal controls are in place to mitigate against risks such as fraud. The manager also leads the development of medium and long-term financial plans, manages monthly balance sheet reconciliations, and provides information for statutory returns (e.g., VAT).
Qualifications
A formal accountancy qualification such as CIMA or ACCA would be a significant advantage, but candidates who can demonstrate equivalent financial knowledge and acumen gained by essential experience will also be considered. The role will require this level of expertise from the outset and will require the successful applicant to quickly assimilate sector and organisation specific regulations.
Finance Manager in Wigan employer: Outwood
Outwood Grange Academies Trust is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence within the education sector. As a Finance Manager, you will not only play a pivotal role in shaping the financial future of multiple academies but also benefit from a supportive environment that prioritises professional development and community engagement. With a commitment to high standards and transformative practices, working here means being part of a forward-thinking team that truly values its employees and their contributions to student success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager in Wigan
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Outwood. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager in Wigan
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Outwood.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Outwood's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Outwood
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Outwood.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Outwood will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Outwood employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
