Job Description
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We are looking for an experienced and ambitious Trust Finance Manager to support our Deputy Chief Operating Officer (DCOO) in delivering exceptional financial management services across our trust schools. You will work closely with school leadership, finance teams, and external agencies to ensure resources are best utilised and high standards of financial management are maintained
This is a pivotal role, offering the opportunity to shape and support financial operations across our schools. Whilst the accountabilities of the role ordinarily attracts an Essex Scale 9 salary range 29 - 33 (£39,862 - £44,075), we welcome applications from fully qualified accountants who will be eligible for appointment on Essex Scale 11 range 38 - 42 (£49,282 - £54,495).
We're looking for someone who:
Has a recognised accountancy qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA)orsignificant experience managing finance within the education sector.
Can lead on budgeting, financial planning, and reporting across multiple settings.
Is confident working with senior leaders and external stakeholders.
Brings a proactive, solutions-focused approach to financial management.
Key Responsibilities:
- Financial Management & Reporting:Support designated schools with budget planning, monitoring, and reporting, ensuring financial decisions align with the Trust's strategic goals.
- Compliance & Audit:Ensure all schools meet necessary financial and audit standards as outlined in the Academy Handbook and local regulations.
- Strategic Support:Collaborate with school leadership teams to develop financial strategies, provide monthly budget updates, and assist in preparing reports for the Trust's Finance Committee.
- Budget Oversight:Aid in preparing, monitoring, and adjusting school budgets, advising on variations, and ensuring effective use of resources.
- Financial Skills Development:Provide training and support to school staff on financial procedures and systems.
About You:
Strong budgeting and financial reporting skills, excellent communication abilities, and proficiency with IT packages are essential for success in this role.
You will be working at the very heart of our hard-working central team so it is essential that you have strong interpersonal skills and that your personal values align with our Trust ethos.
Why Join Us?
The post is advertised as full time and based at The Deanes, however, we can be flexible with working hours and hybrid working arrangements. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and flexible work environment - to find out more about the benefits of working for SEEAT please visitour Trust websiteand for more details on the Trust.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
Information about the School
South East Essex Academy Trust (SEEAT) is a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) with eight schools.
SEEAT was inaugurated on 1st April 2014. It was made up from Westcliff High School for Girls, Prince Avenue Academy, Nursery and Children’s Centre (sponsored by WHSG) and Rochford Primary School and Nursery. The Trust enlarged on 1st September 2014 with WHSG sponsoring the academisation of Holt Farm Junior School. In September 2021 The Deanes School, Hadleigh Junior School and The Westborough School joined us followed by Heycroft Primary School in January 2024.
Since April 2024 we have been supporting Cornelius Vermuyden School and working in close partnership, including providing and Executive Head arrangement.
We are a friendly, collaborative family of schools and we believe that all the schools in the family have become significantly stronger since working together as part of SEEAT.
We are looking to grow in a measured way over the next few years. If you are interested in joining us, we would be happy to talk to school leaders and governors about your options and to share how we believe SEEAT could make a positive difference to the pupils, staff, and families in your school.
Please contact HR at hr@seeat.org for recruitment queries or info@seeat.org for other queries.