Finance Manager (Schools)

Please visit the East Anglian Schools' Trust (EAST) website to view the full details: https://eastanglianschoolstrust.co.uk/Join/ 

 

Advertisement – Finance Manager (Schools)

Finance Manager: £33,486 - £40,455

Full Time / Part time: 25 to 37 hours per week

52 weeks per year (term time may be considered)

Permanent

Location: Framlingham, Suffolk

Do you:

• have substantial experience of education finance?

• have a logical financial brain and enjoy building excellent customer relationships?

• like making a real difference with no two days the same?

If so, we have an exciting opportunity for the right person to work as a Finance Manager (Schools) to support our schools and central office.

We are looking for someone experienced in education finance with the ability to manage your own workload to effectively deliver high quality financial management services. We are a multi academy trust with finance roles in our schools so as well as managing finance within your own designated school, you will also work with colleagues across the Trust in a supported network.

Your Role

You will be responsible for providing our schools with financial management and supporting headteachers and senior budget holders and the Central Trust finance team with:

• monthly budget monitoring and forecasts

• preparation of annual and medium-term budget plans

• budget holder support

• authorising expenditure

• reporting to governors

• monitoring of grant related expenditure

• checking and reconciling staffing expenditure

• month end and year-end processes

You will have:

• substantial experience of managing school finances

• good understanding of accounting processes

• analysis and forecasting skills

• ability to work as part of a team

• desire to provide excellent customer care and advice

This is a role that is based at our central office in Framlingham, Suffolk, but will require the post holder to visit schools as needed so access to transport is essential. We will also consider flexible working arrangements with the right candidate.

EAST is committed to the care and professional development of all individuals who work in our schools and Trust. A compassionate approach to all individuals is expected of our Trust’s employees. Applicants can find out more about the benefits of working for EAST in the Applicant Information Booklet. 

Benefits include:

• Friendly and supportive environment

• Local Government Pension Scheme

• Free car parking

• Staff development

• Potential for flexible working

More information on benefits is included in our Applicant Information Booklet.

Please do not hesitate to contact Michelle Roots, DFO, for an informal conversation about the role via Emma Power (PA to CEO) on 01728 726 640. Further information about the role is available in the job description in the Applicant Information Booklet.

Please visit our website for further details about EAST and to access a copy of the Applicant Information Booklet (including job description and person specification) and Application Form: https://www.eastanglianschoolstrust.co.uk/Join/ 

Applications should use the EAST application form, CVs or online jobsite applications will not be accepted. A letter of application to support the application form should outline your vision, experience and expertise in relation to the role and be no longer that two sides of A4 and addressed to Michelle Roots, DFO. Please email applications to Emma Power at epower@eastanglianschoolstrust.co.uk 

EAST is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share and adhere to this commitment.  DBS checks and references are required for all posts.

Letter from Director of Finance and Operations (DFO)

Dear Applicant,

Thank you for your interest in the post of Finance Manager (Schools) for the East Anglian Schools’ Trust.

This is a pivotal time for the Trust. The Board of Trustees has been reflecting on the increasing demands of leading a multi academy trust and the Trust’s desire for appropriate growth. We are investing in EAST’s Central Team to support financial management in our schools.

We are looking to appoint an experienced finance individual with successful operational experience in an educational environment, a strong understanding of budget preparation, forecasting, budget holder support and accounting processes. It will be essential to have the ability to support headteachers and school staff as part of the Trust Central Team across EAST to deliver high quality financial management.

As well as supporting schools, it will be important to contribute towards developing effective systems and processes whilst contributing to our growth, from the initial base of three successful secondary schools and a new special school, comprising over 5,000 students and approximately 640 staff. You will be able to demonstrate that you have the expertise and capacity to play a key role, working as part of a central team to support the development and growth of the Trust and its schools. You will be an approachable and enthusiastic individual with a strong understanding of how effective financial management is necessary for schools. 

The Trust currently has four Suffolk schools and a school-centred Initial Trainee Teacher Provider:

• Bungay High School

• Castle EAST School 

• Farlingaye High School

• Kesgrave High School

• EAST SCITT 

These four successful schools and EAST SCITT are working together under the umbrella of the East Anglian Schools’ Trust, and we are determined to deliver the best educational experience for students. We want to grow and share that vision with others wanting to join us across both secondary and primary phases. EAST’s schools are within 1 hour’s drive between sites. Each school is unique in context and in character, but they all share an educational vision which celebrates achievement and diversity, inspiring young people to contribute to society and make a difference.

We hope we have provided you with the details you require to build a good understanding of the advertised role. Should you wish to discuss the post further, we would welcome an informal conversation. Please do not hesitate to contact Michelle Roots, DFO by calling epower@eastanglianschoolstrust.co.uk or 01728 726 640 to arrange this.

Yours sincerely

Michelle Roots (DFO)