This permanent full-time post sits in the central team of Forward Education Trust, a multi-academy trust running six special schools. The role leads the Trust's management accounts, budgeting, forecasting and medium-term planning, and oversees year-end preparation and statutory returns. Working with headteachers, senior leaders and Trustees, the post carries partnering duties around a complex funding environment, with hybrid working of up to two days a week from home. Visa sponsorship is not available.
What the job involves
- Lead preparation and delivery of monthly management accounts across the Trust
- Support budgeting, forecasting and medium-term financial planning
- Provide strategic financial analysis, modelling and business partnering to school and Trust leaders
- Lead year-end preparation and statutory financial returns
- Support external audit activity
- Oversee payroll reconciliations and key balance sheet controls
- Drive development and implementation of financial systems, controls and reporting across schools and central teams
- Provide information and assurance to the Director of Finance & Operations and the CEO as Accounting Officer
- Oversee outsourced finance support, including quality assurance and process improvement
- Ensure compliance with academy, charity and financial regulations
- Contribute to Trust-wide strategic planning, growth and development initiatives
- Work with school leaders and Central Office to ensure funding is identified, secured and managed
What’s required
Qualifications
- Recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent)
Experience
- Significant experience in management accounting, budgeting and forecasting
- Experience of year-end accounts preparation and working with auditors
Skills & knowledge
- Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret complex financial information
- Advanced Excel and financial modelling skills
- Confidence to provide support, challenge and advice to senior leaders
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- Proactive approach to continuous improvement and problem solving
Nice to have
- Experience within an education, academy trust or charity setting
What’s offered
- Competitive salary
- Hybrid working arrangements
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities
- Supportive and collaborative leadership teamli>
- Paid-for Trust Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme
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Contact Details:
The Methodist Church in Britain Recruitment Team
