Finance Manager in Northampton

Join a Trust that is committed to delivering exceptional education through collaboration, ambition and excellence. As Finance Manager, you will play a key role in supporting the financial sustainability and continued success of our schools. Working as part of our Trust Finance Team, you will provide high-quality financial management, analysis and support across the organisation.

You will lead on budget setting, management reporting, forecasting and year-end processes, ensuring senior leaders have access to accurate, timely and insightful financial information to support strategic decision-making. You will be responsible for producing the Trust’s consolidated management accounts, developing strong partnerships with colleagues across our schools and central teams, and identifying opportunities to enhance financial systems and processes.

Working closely with the Head of Finance and Accounting Officer, you will help deliver a professional, efficient and forward-thinking finance service that enables our schools to focus on achieving the very best outcomes for children.

The successful candidate will hold an accounting qualification, such as AAT Level 3 or equivalent, supported by relevant post-qualification experience. They will have a good standard of general education, including a minimum GCSE (or equivalent) in Mathematics. A commitment to Continuing Professional Development is essential, demonstrating a proactive approach to maintaining and enhancing professional knowledge and skills.

Candidates should possess advanced Excel skills and be confident using Microsoft Office applications to analyse data, produce reports, and support effective financial management.

At the heart of our Trust is a simple but powerful vision: to create inspiring places where both children and staff can thrive. We are committed to building fun, creative and ambitious learning environments that nurture happy, confident learners and empower colleagues to make a lasting difference. Everything we do is guided by our three core principles - Fun, Creativity and Achievement. These values shape our culture, influence our decision-making and drive our pursuit of excellence across all our schools.

We believe every child deserves an outstanding education and the very best start in life. Through engaging, innovative teaching and exceptional curriculum experiences, we spark curiosity, ignite imagination and inspire a lifelong love of learning. At the same time, our relentless focus on achievement ensures that every child is supported to reach their full potential and develop into confident, compassionate and responsible citizens.

As part of our Trust, you will join a dedicated team of professionals who share a passion for educational excellence. Together, we create environments where staff are valued, supported and encouraged to grow, enabling us to deliver exceptional outcomes for the children and communities we serve. At Preston Hedges Trust, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating a supportive, collaborative and rewarding working environment where colleagues can thrive both professionally and personally.

As part of our Trust, you will benefit from:

• Wellbeing & Support: A comprehensive staff wellbeing package, including access to the Schools Advisory Service, offering confidential counselling, GP helpline, mindfulness support, nurse advice, physiotherapy and wellbeing resources. A culture that prioritises staff wellbeing, work-life balance and professional fulfilment. Access to a secure and flexible pension scheme.
• Professional Development: Exceptional continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities at both school and Trust level. Access to The National College online learning platform. Annual Trust-wide professional development conference. Comprehensive onboarding and induction programme. Opportunities to develop your career across our growing family of schools, supported by strong succession planning and leadership development.
• Collaboration & Career Progression: The opportunity to work alongside talented and passionate colleagues across the Trust. Access to specialist networks, shared expertise and best practice across our schools. A culture that encourages innovation, creativity and professional growth, empowering staff to make a real difference.

Preston Hedges Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children. All appointments are subject to successful Disclosure and Barring clearance and any other necessary safeguarding checks, satisfactory references and medical clearance. Please be advised that as per KCSIE 2025 all shortlisted candidates will be subject to online checks. Our Trust Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy can be viewed here: Safeguarding-Child-Protection-Policy-2025-26.pdf

Please also be advised we will take up references prior to interview and that one referee must be your last employer. The school provides equal opportunities to all. We are equally committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity. We aim for our workforce to be representative of society and that each employee feels respected and able to give their best. We are committed to providing equality and fairness in our recruitment and employment practices and not to discriminate on any grounds. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.