At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial management and strategic planning for our Trust's finances.
- Company: Join Forward Education Trust, a values-driven organisation focused on improving outcomes for young people.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your finance leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Must have a recognised accounting qualification and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 44372 - 54745 £ per year.
About This Role
Salary: Grade G, Points 43 to 55 (£44,372 to £54,745) per annum.
Contract: Permanent, Full Time (36.5 hours per week), Full Year
Working Pattern: Hybrid working available with maximum 2 days per week working from home.
Join Forward Education Trust as our Finance Lead. Forward Education Trust is seeking an exceptional Finance Lead to join our central team and play a key role in supporting the strategic and operational management of the Trust's finances. This is an exciting opportunity for a suitably qualified person, who is looking to make a meaningful difference within a values-driven organisation that is committed to improving outcomes for children and young people across our academies. Finance at this Trust is much more than just numbers – it’s about understanding what’s behind the numbers, making money work for us in the best way possible, for our children and staff.
Reporting to the Director of Finance & Operations, you will provide financial leadership across the Trust, leading on budgeting, forecasting, management reporting, compliance and financial planning. You will work closely with Headteachers, senior leaders and Trustees, providing high-quality financial insight to support effective decision-making and long-term sustainability.
About The Role
- Lead the preparation and delivery of monthly management accounts across the Trust.
- Coordinate budgeting, forecasting and medium-term financial planning.
- Provide strategic financial analysis, modelling and business partnering support to school and Trust leaders.
- Lead year-end preparation, external audit activity and statutory financial returns.
- Oversee payroll reconciliations and key balance sheet controls.
- Support the development of robust financial systems, controls and reporting processes.
- Ensure compliance with academy, charity and financial regulations.
- Contribute to Trust-wide strategic planning, growth and development initiatives.
This is a varied and influential role that combines operational finance expertise with strategic leadership and relationship management.
About You
We are looking for a highly motivated and professionally qualified person who can combine technical excellence with strong stakeholder engagement skills.
- A recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent).
- Significant experience in management accounting, budgeting and forecasting.
- Experience of year-end accounts preparation and working with auditors.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex financial information.
- Advanced Excel and financial modelling skills.
- The confidence to provide support, challenge and advice to senior leaders.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- A proactive approach to continuous improvement and problem solving.
Experience within an education or academy trust setting, or a charity, would be advantageous but is not essential.
Why Join Forward Education Trust?
At Forward Education Trust, we are committed to providing exceptional opportunities for our pupils and creating a collaborative and supportive environment for our staff. We offer:
- Competitive salary.
- Hybrid working arrangements.
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities.
- A supportive and collaborative leadership team.
- The opportunity to make a real impact across the Trust.
Safeguarding
Forward Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Forward Education Trust is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
Finance Lead in Birmingham employer: WMJobs
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