Trust Finance Manager

Job Description

Job Title Trust Finance Manager

SalaryCompetitive, depending on experience

Contract: Full time (37 hours per week, 52.14 weeks per year).Permanent

Location: Central Trust office with travel to academies as required

Hope Learning Community is seeking a proactive, skilled Trust Finance Manager to lead strategic and operational financial management across our academies. You will ensure robust controls, accurate reporting, and compliance with statutory requirements, helping us make the best use of public funds to support educational outcomes. Reporting to Chief Financial and Operations Officer (CFOO).

We are looking for someone who:

Is a minimum AAT qualified, part-qualified accountant (ACCA/CIMA/CIPFA) or equivalent relevant experience.

Has significant experience in a finance role with budget management responsibility.

Has high levels of integrity and professionalism.

Ideally has experience working in a Multi-Academy Trust or school finance environment.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

· Prepare monthly management accounts for the Trust and individual academies, including variance analysis and commentary.

· Support the production of annual budgets, forecasts, and multi-year financial plans.

· Monitor income and expenditure, ensuring timely identification of financial risks and opportunities.

· Assist with year-end accounts preparation and liaison with external auditors.

Compliance & Governance

· Ensure compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook, ESFA guidance, and statutory financial regulations.

· Maintain effective internal financial controls and procedures.

· Support audit processes and implement audit recommendations.

· Assist with financial reporting to Trustees, Committees, and senior leaders.

Operational Finance

· Ensure accurate maintenance of financial systems and records.

· Manage cash flow, bank reconciliations, and balance sheet controls.

· Support procurement processes to ensure value for money across the Trust.

Team & Stakeholder Support

· Support and develop internal finance support based in schools.

· Provide financial advice and guidance to Headteachers, budget holders, and central teams.

· Contribute to finance training for non-finance staff where required.

· Work collaboratively with HR, estates, and education teams.

Strategic Support

· Contribute to Trust-wide financial planning and growth strategies.

· Support due diligence and financial integration of new academies.

· Identify efficiencies and opportunities to maximise the impact of financial resources.

What We Offer

• A supportive senior leadership and governance team committed to collaboration and innovation.

• Continuous professional development and opportunities to network across the education sector.

• A generous Local Government Pension Scheme.

• Access to comprehensive employee wellbeing services, including a 24/7 GP, physiotherapy, and other health and wellbeing support programmes.

• Flexible working arrangements considered to support work-life balance.

Information about the School

Hope Learning Community is a successful and forward-thinking Multi-Academy Special Needs Trust comprising of four schools and two colleges across mid and north Essex.

At Hope, we are committed to going the extra mile and making that difference to our pupils and their families. We have the drive, passion, determination and influence, and we are committed to delivering high-quality education and fostering a supportive and inclusive working environment for our pupils and staff.