Regional Finance Manager ( Maternity Cover)

Regional Finance Manager (Maternity) Location: Painsley Catholic College, Station Rd, Cheadle, Stoke on Trent Salary: £33,699 - £38,220 Contract Type: Fixed Term, Maternity Cover Salary: £39,152 to £44,075 per annum, 37 hours per week Required: ASAP We are seeking maternity cover for a Regional Finance Manager within St Gabriel the Archangel Multi-Academy Trust. This is a high-impact role designed for a collaborative professional who wants to move beyond transactional finance and into a strategic, "business partnering" capacity. Reporting to the Senior Finance Partner - Business Partnering, you will serve as the primary financial advisor for your assigned academies, working directly with the CSEL, Principals, and regional stakeholders to ensure our resources are transformed into pupil outcomes. Why this role is the right next step for you: Strategic Influence: You won’t just report on the budget; you’ll help shape it. You will provide the "constructive challenge" on staffing models and curriculum planning that ensures our academies remain sustainable and successful. Leadership Development: This role includes line management of a Regional Finance Officer, offering you the chance to mentor and develop the next generation of our finance team. Shape the Future: You will play a key part in the mobilisation of our Finance Shared Services model, helping us embed consistent processes and drive continuous improvement across the Trust. Key Responsibilities Trusted Advisor: Act as the "go-to" finance expert for regional budget holders, providing coaching and tools to build financial capability. Insight & Analysis: Prepare business cases, review management accounts, and provide clear explanations for variances to ensure our leaders can make informed decisions. Stewardship: Maintain our high standards of governance, ensuring full compliance with the Academies Trust Handbook and ESFA requirements. Value for Money: Lead benchmarking and spend analysis to ensure every academy is operating efficiently. What we are looking for: We are looking for an internal colleague who already lives our values-led leadership and understands our Trust’s unique mission. A solution-focused mindset and the ability to build strong, professional relationships. A solid understanding of academy finance, payroll reconciliations (IMP), and monthly management accounts. The integrity and professional judgement required to handle complex regional portfolios. Benefits of the Internal Move Tailored CPD focused on digital leadership and advanced financial management. Direct involvement in Trust-wide initiatives and senior leadership forums. A supportive transition with a team you already know and respect. For an informal and confidential conversation about the role, please contact the Senior Finance Partner - Business Partnering (Faye Sumner - 01384 889422). Closing Date for Applications: Monday 11th May 2026, 12 noon Interviews: TBC