Trust Finance Officer

Trust Finance Officer 4 days per week (29 hours) Term Time + 2 weeks 1-year Fixed Term Contract (initially) NJC Pay Scale 18-23 (pro rata salary £23,038 - £25,154) We are seeking an organised and detail-oriented Trust Finance Officer to join the Trust central finance team. This is an important hands-on role supporting the delivery of high-quality financial operations across our schools. As we continue to develop The Cardinal Newman Catholic Educational Trust, we are looking for a motivated and proactive individual to join our dedicated central team at an exciting point in our journey. This is not just another finance post. You will play a key role in ensuring that our financial processes run smoothly and efficiently, helping to maintain strong financial control and compliance across the Trust. Your work will directly support our schools, enabling leaders to focus on delivering the best outcomes for children. We want someone who takes pride in accuracy, enjoys working collaboratively, and understands that good finance underpins everything we do. About the Role You will support the Trust Finance Manager and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in delivering all aspects of financial operations across the Trust. This role involves working as part of a central team responsible for processing financial transactions, maintaining accurate records, and supporting month-end and year-end procedures. You will assist with purchase and sales ledger activities, bank and control account reconciliations, and the preparation of journals including payroll, accruals and prepayments. You will also support budget monitoring, reporting and variance analysis, working closely with school leaders and finance colleagues to ensure financial information is accurate and meaningful. In addition, you will contribute to maintaining strong financial controls, compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook, and supporting audit and assurance processes across the Trust. The central finance team is collectively responsible for managing the financial functions of our Trust, enabling school leaders to focus on teaching, learning and operational excellence. Please note there is some flexibility in working hours/days and location, in line with Trust needs. The ideal candidate will: Bring experience in a finance or accounts role, ideally within a school, academy trust, local authority or similar environment. Be confident managing financial transactions, reconciliations and supporting management accounts with accuracy and attention to detail. Have strong analytical, IT and organisational skills, including confidence using finance systems and Excel. Be an excellent communicator, able to work effectively with colleagues across the Trust and build positive working relationships. Be proactive, reliable and able to manage their workload independently, while also contributing to a collaborative team environment. Be committed to our values and understand the imp