Finance Manager

Senior Trust Finance Manager 4 days per week (29 hours) Term Time + 2 weeks 1-year Fixed Term Contract (in the first instance - and subject to Trust growth) NJC Scale 36-39 (salary pro rata £34,467 - £36,722) This vacancy is advertised across multiple Trust and school sites; however, this is one Trust-wide Senior Finance Manager role with a single application process. It is not a separate vacancy at each location. We are seeking an experienced and strategic Trust Senior Finance Manager to join the Trust central finance team in a key leadership role. As we enter an important new phase in the life of The Cardinal Newman Catholic Educational Trust, we are looking for a motivated and ambitious finance professional to join our dedicated central team at a pivotal point in our journey. This is not just another finance post. As the Trust grows and evolves, you will play a critical role in shaping, strengthening and embedding outstanding financial practice across our schools. You will act as a senior leader within the finance function, supporting strategic decision-making and ensuring robust financial management that enables our schools and the children we serve to flourish. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact, working closely with the Chief Finance Officer (CFO) while helping to develop a high-performing, forward-thinking finance function across the Trust. We want someone who combines strong technical expertise with a collaborative and proactive approach—someone who values accuracy and accountability, but also understands the importance of finance as a service to our schools. About the Role You will work closely with the CFO to lead and oversee the Trust’s finance operations, ensuring high-quality financial management, reporting, and compliance across all academies. You will take ownership of key areas including management accounts, financial controls, and finance processes, while providing clear insights and professional challenge to support school leaders in effective decision-making. The role also includes line management of finance staff, supporting their development and ensuring the delivery of an efficient, consistent and high-quality finance service across the Trust. You will be a key partner to Principals, School Business Managers and senior leaders, strengthening financial understanding and supporting budgeting, forecasting and financial planning at both school and Trust level. Alongside operational leadership, you will contribute to strategic initiatives, continuous improvement, audit and compliance, and the ongoing development of systems and processes to support a growing organisation. The central finance team plays a vital role in enabling our schools to focus on teaching, learning and community, and this role is central to that mission. Please note there is flexibility in working days, hours and location, in line with Trust needs. The ideal candidate will: Bring significant experience in finance roles, ideally within an academy trust, school, public sector or similar environment Be confident producing management accounts, budgets, forecasts and financial analysis with a high degree of accuracy Have strong knowledge of financial controls, reconciliations, payroll and VAT processes Demonstrate experience of line management or supporting and developing others Be highly proficient in Excel and finance systems, with strong analytical capability Be an excellent communicator, able to present financial information clearly and influence a range of stakeholders Be proactive, organised and solutions-focused, with the ability to balance strategic thinking and operational delivery Value collaboration and teamwork, while also being able to work independently and take ownership Be committed to our values and understand that strong financial practice enables the best possible outcomes for children, staff and communities We offer: A senior role in a Trust that is ambitious, values-driven and entering an exciting period of development The opportunity to shape and influence finance at a strategic level across a growing organisation Supportive colleagues and professional development tailored to your ambitions and expertise Flexible working arrangements and a genuine commitment to wellbeing and work-life balance Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme Generous holiday entitlement and access to the Trust’s benefits package A motivated and dedicated team and Board committed to excellence and community service This vacancy is advertised across multiple Trust and school sites; however, this is one Trust-wide Senior Finance Manager role with a single application process. It is not a separate vacancy at each location.