Finance Manager

Finance Manager St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust based at St Mary’s Catholic School, Bishop’s Stortford Grade: H9 28-31 (FTE £39,152 progressing to £41,771, exclusive of London Fringe allowance) Hours: 37.5 hrs per week (Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm) Contract: Permanent - Term Time + 5 days INSET + 3 additional weeks (including last week of August and two other weeks of school closure to be agreed) Actual annual salary: £37,627 to £40,098 (pro rata inclusive of London Fringe allowance £729 ) Start date: June 2026 As a growing Multi Academy Trust of nine schools, we are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Finance Manager to play a pivotal role in the strategic leadership of our Trust Finance Hub. Working closely with the CFO, you will help shape and drive the Trust’s financial strategy, ensuring strong financial stewardship and enabling high‑quality decision‑making across the organisation. As a key leader within the finance team, you will oversee financial operations Trust-wide, guiding and supporting colleagues to deliver excellence in financial management. This is a highly influential role, providing strategic financial insight to the CFO and contributing to the long‑term financial sustainability and success of the Trust. About this role: Contribute to the strategic leadership of the Trust’s finance function within a successful and growing organisation. Lead and oversee the Assistant Finance Manager and Finance Assistants to ensure robust financial management across the Trust. Work closely with the CFO and central finance team, providing high‑quality financial support and insight. Based at our central offices on the St Mary’s site in Bishop’s Stortford, with travel to Trust schools to support leaders with budgeting, financial compliance and decision‑making. Bring an accountancy qualification (CIMA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent) and strong experience managing budgets and financial operations, ideally within an education setting. What we offer: Variety of work and opportunity to shape financial strategy across multiple schools in the Trust. Support from a central Trust team and experienced professionals in each Academy A collaborative and values-driven working environment. The chance to work with committed school leaders in a dynamic and growing Trust. Supportive employer with excellent training and personal development opportunities. Excellent local government pension scheme membership with an employer’s contribution of 17.90%. About the Trust: Established in September 2021, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust is a family of 9 Catholic schools in the Roman Catholic Deanery of the Lea Valley and whilst each school retains its own distinctive ethos and mission, we are united in our endeavours to deliver a Catholic education excelling in the academic, pastoral and spiritual life, and which produces fully flourishing pupils. We take much inspiration from by the charism