Accountant in Stoke-on-Trent

We are looking for an Accountant to join our central finance team who will work directly with Headteachers to support strong financial planning and better outcomes for pupils and staff. This is more than a reporting role; you will partner with school leaders, the CFO and Finance Director to provide clear financial insight, support confident decision-making and help ensure the long-term sustainability of our Trust.

You will:

• Support Headteachers with budgeting, forecasting and in-year planning
• Produce monthly management accounts and clear financial reports
• Help manage financial risk, compliance and governance across the Trust
• Contribute to year-end accounts and statutory returns
• Lead and support central finance colleagues

We are looking for someone who:

• Has strong financial and accounting skills with great attention to detail
• Is confident working with senior leaders
• Is organised, proactive and collaborative

At Shaw Education Trust, finance plays a vital role in supporting education. This is a visible, valued role where your work will make a real difference across 31 schools.

Join Shaw Education Trust – Support, Teach, Lead… Make the Remarkable Happen.

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. Support. Teach. Lead. Belong. Thrive. Together, let’s make the remarkable happen.

Shaw Education Trust offer the following employee benefits with your Teaching or Support Staff employment:

• 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 (Support and Teaching), 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.

Working hours: 37 hours a week, full time, all year - 9am – 5pm (Negotiable). The Trust operates a hybrid working model, with a combination of on-site attendance and remote working, depending on role and operational needs. The SET Head Office is based at the Kidsgrove Secondary School site.

Shaw Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This position is subject to robust vetting procedures, including an online search for all shortlisted candidates, in line with our Trust’s commitment to safer recruitment. An enhanced criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is required.

Shaw Education Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer. We are fully committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection processes promote equality, diversity, and inclusion at every stage. In accordance with our safer recruitment policy CVs alone will not be accepted.

We reserve the right to appoint before the closing date as we review applications on an ongoing basis and interviews may be arranged as suitable candidates are identified; therefore, we encourage early applications. Successful candidates will be subject to a fully Enhanced DBS check along with other relevant employment checks.