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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial operations, prepare reports, and ensure compliance in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, dedicated to transforming life chances for students.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, pension scheme, generous leave, and wellness programmes.
- Why this job: Grow your finance career while making a real impact in education.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance, strong analytical skills, and a team player attitude.
- Other info: Access to training, mentoring, and a supportive network across our Trust.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
About The Role
Are you ready to take the next step in your finance career? We are excited to offer an opportunity for a Finance Officer to join the Central TSAT Finance Team. This role is ideal for someone with a solid understanding of finance processes who is looking to build on their experience and take on more responsibility within a supportive and dynamic environment. As Finance Officer, you will play a key role in supporting the Trust’s financial operations — ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency across a range of key finance functions. You will also have the opportunity to work closely with internal stakeholders and help support external clients as needed.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the preparation of monthly management accounts and financial reporting.
- Assist with budget monitoring, variance analysis, and forecasting.
- Oversee day-to-day financial transactions including journals, reconciliations, and ledger maintenance.
- Ensure compliance with internal policies and financial regulations.
- Provide support and guidance to other members of the finance team as required.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience in a finance-related role.
- Good understanding of accounting principles and financial systems.
- Strong analytical, organisational, and problem‑solving skills.
- A team player with excellent communication and attention to detail.
- A commitment to continuous improvement and professional development.
Why Apply?
- Opportunity to grow your finance career within the Trust.
- Develop your skills in a varied and rewarding role.
- Join a collaborative team that values accuracy, service, and innovation.
This role can be based at our Chatham or Plympton Hub.
About Us
Thinking Financial aims to provide a comprehensive finance service covering all aspects of financial and business management. We work closely with academies to ensure that key financial areas such as procurement, payroll and budget management are managed effectively. Our Heads of Business Operations provide business management to academies, providing a direct link between all Central Teams and ensuring effective service delivery.
Our vision is to provide a service that:
- is easy to access
- meets the needs of the Academies
- offers expert support and guidance on all areas of finance and business management
- delivers high quality and accurate reporting
- implements and maintains rigorous financial controls
- supports and benefits all students and staff
We are a committed team with several years of experience delivering these services to schools within TSAT and beyond. We are dedicated to the TSAT ambition of Transforming Life Chances and look forward to playing our part by ensuring our academies have the support they need from Thinking Financial.
The Thinking Schools Academy Trust
The Thinking Schools Academy Trust is a family of schools across the South West, South, South East and East of England, consisting of early years, primary, secondary and specialist provision. We believe that every young person in our community deserves to have the best opportunities at life regardless of their individual circumstances.
What our Trust will offer you
- Competitive Pay Scales: Our TSAT pay scales exceed national levels.
- Pension Scheme Membership: Secure your future with membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Annual Leave: A pro‑rata annual leave entitlement of 27 days for support staff, increasing to 31 after 5 years of service.
- Collaborative Support: Benefit from resources, mentoring, and school visits across our Trust hubs.
- Training: Expand your skills and knowledge with opportunities for Trust‑funded apprenticeships and training courses.
- Staff Wellbeing Focus: Access our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, free flu vaccinations, and eye care vouchers.
- Fitness and Wellness: Enjoy reduced membership fees for our fully‑equipped fitness suite and classes.
- TSTARS Staff Recognition: You will be part of our Staff Recognition Programme, with seasonal rewards for all staff.
- Refer a Friend: Spread the word and benefit financially from our Refer a Friend Scheme.
- TSAT Benefits Portal: a one‑stop shop benefits hub that gives you access to a range of exclusive benefits including employee discounts, Cycle to Work Scheme and Discounted Gym Membership.
- Blue Light Card: School staff can now access the Blue Light Card for discounts across a wide range of categories including holidays, cars, days out and much more!
Next Steps
If you are interested in working for our Trust in our Finance Team, benefitting from a supportive network of colleagues across our Trust, and are keen to progress your career then please apply today! Early applications are encouraged, and we reserve the right to close the vacancy if a suitable candidate is found.
For an informal telephone conversation please contact recruitment@tsatrust.org.uk
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. As per KCSIE we will also undertake online searches for all shortlisted candidates, if you have any questions regarding this process, please email recruitment@tsatrust.org.uk
Finance Officer in Deal employer: The Thinking Schools Academy Trust
Contact Detail:
The Thinking Schools Academy Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Officer in Deal
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, whether it's through LinkedIn or local meetups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its financial operations. Understand their values and how they align with your skills. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common finance interview questions with a friend or mentor. This will boost your confidence and help you articulate your experience clearly. Remember, it’s all about showcasing your analytical and problem-solving skills!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and eager to join our team at Thinking Financial.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Officer in Deal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your finance-related roles and any specific achievements that align with what we're looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're excited about the Finance Officer role and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team at Thinking Financial.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to emphasise your analytical, organisational, and problem-solving skills. We want to see how you can contribute to our finance operations and support our mission!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Thinking Schools Academy Trust
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your financial knowledge! Make sure you understand key accounting principles and can discuss them confidently. Be prepared to explain how you've applied these principles in your previous roles, especially in areas like budget monitoring and variance analysis.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your analytical and problem-solving skills. Think of specific situations where you identified a financial issue and how you resolved it. This will demonstrate your ability to contribute to the Trust’s financial operations effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly
As a Finance Officer, you'll need to work closely with various stakeholders. Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. During the interview, focus on clear communication to show you're a team player who can collaborate well with others.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
The Trust values professional development, so be ready to discuss how you stay updated with finance trends and regulations. Share any training or courses you've undertaken and express your commitment to continuous improvement in your finance career.