Job Ref No. ECC0-12S Position Type: Administration Pay Range: Scale 7/8
Position Start Date: Immediate Contract Type: Full-time Contract Term: Permanent
Application Close: 04/11/2026 Midday Date of Interviews: W/C 9/11/2026
Hours: 37 Hours per Week
Weeks: 52 weeks
Pay Scale: 7/8 dependent on experience
Location: Based at our central site in Elmstead Market, with occassional travel to schools within the Trust.
About the Role: We're looking for an organised and proactive finance professional to support our central finance team and schools across the Trust. You will play a key role in ensuring our financial processes are efficient, consistent, and compliant, helping us to deliver the very best for our pupils and staff.
Key Responsibilities:
- First point of contact for school finance queries
- Support with purchasing, ordering and budget monitoring
- Assist with reconciliations, reporting, audits, and compliance
- Maintain accurate records and promote best practice
- Work closely with colleagues across the Trust to ensure consistency
What We're Looking For:
- Experience in a finance or accounting environment
- Strong numeracy, attention to detail, and organisational skills
- Excellent communication and teamwork
- Experience with financial management systems and Microsoft Excel
- AAT Level 3 or experience in academy finance (desirable)
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a collaborative and supportive Trust
- Opportunities for professional development and training
- Make a real impact across our community of schools
- Wellbeing Support: Access to our School Wellbeing Service, including 24/7 GP access, physiotherapy support, and confidential counselling.
- Perks & Flexibility: Access to the Blue Light Card discount scheme, free onsite parking, a generous Local Government Pension Scheme, and a collaborative, inclusive team culture.
Hope Learning Community is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to satisfactory safeguarding checks and references.
Hope Learning Community is committed to creating a diverse workforce. We'll consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, age, disability, marriage or civil partnership.
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.
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HR Department
Lanswood Business Centre
Elmstead Market, Colchester
Essex, CO7 7FD Telephone: 01206 825195
Email: hr@hopelearningcommunity.org.uk
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Trust Senior Finance Officer in Colchester employer: Shorefields
Shorefields in Chelmsford is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for both staff and students. With a focus on professional development, we offer numerous growth opportunities and a collaborative work culture that values innovation and compassion in caring for children with complex needs. Our new purpose-built school provides a unique setting where you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people while enjoying the benefits of working in a vibrant community.
