Finance Manager

Overall purpose and description of the role The Finance Manager (FM) plays a key role in supporting the Deputy Chief Finance Officer (DCFO) and Chief Finance & Operations Officer (CFOO) in delivering a high quality, customer-focused finance service across the Trust. This role is responsible for the day-to-day oversight of the wider finance team and for ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and consistency of financial accounting across all academies. The Finance Manager will consolidate financial data from individual academies, maintain central financial records, and ensure compliance with statutory requirements, Trust policies, and best practice standards. Acting as the link between the wider finance team and senior finance leadership, the Finance Manager will provide technical guidance, quality assurance, and support the Trust’s financial compliance. Key Responsibilities & specifications Team Leadership: Line manage Finance Assistants, Procurement Assistants, and Finance Apprentices. Provide day-to-day guidance and support to the wider finance team, particularly those responsible for data input, ensuring consistent and high-quality financial practices across the Trust. Act as the primary liaison between the finance team and the DCFO, facilitating effective communication and operational alignment. Financial Accounting & Assurance: Consolidate financial data from all academies into central reports, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and completeness. Assist the DCFO in the preparation of monthly management accounts for all academies and central services. Review and verify financial transactions processed by the wider team, ensuring accuracy, consistency and compliance with Trust policies and financial regulations. Maintain and manage the Trust’s fixed asset register. Reconcile the Trust central bank account and deposit facilities, ensuring the integrity of financial records. Produce the Trust’s VAT return and ensure compliance with HMRC requirements. Oversee the completion of monthly finance tasks and checklists, ensuring procedures are followed accurately and on time. Coordinate and manage key finance processes such as BACs payments and journal adjustments, ensuring consistency and high standards across the team. Technical Guidance & Compliance: Provide expert financial advice and technical guidance to the wider finance team, promoting adherence to accounting standards, regulatory requirements, and sector best practice. Support the DCFO in the preparation of monthly management accounts, budget forecasts, and year-end procedures, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and transparency. Ensure financial operations are fully compliant with the Trust’s Financial Regulations, Scheme of Delegation, and all relevant legislation, including ESFA guidance and statutory reporting requirements. Actively monitor and evaluate compliance with internal financial controls, policies, and procedures across all academie