Finance Manager

St Chad’s Academies Trust is entering an exciting and important period in its development, with an ambitious programme of transformation ahead. We are looking for an experienced Finance Manager who is ready to play a key role in shaping this next chapter and helping us build a finance function that is forward-thinking, effective and responsive to the needs of our growing Trust.

The Trust is currently considering plans to transform and further develop its central finance function. While the current role and reporting arrangements are reflected in this job description, the responsibilities and structure of the post may evolve as these plans develop and are formally agreed. This makes this an exciting time to join the Trust and an opportunity for the successful candidate to contribute to shaping the future direction of the finance function.

Reporting to the Deputy Chief Finance Officer, you will play a central role in the leadership and development of the Trust’s finance function. Working alongside colleagues across the central team and our academies, you will provide strong financial leadership, ensure effective financial management and controls, and help translate our financial strategy into meaningful operational delivery.

This is a role with genuine scope to make a difference. As the Trust enters this period of transformation, you will have the opportunity to review and improve processes, strengthen financial systems and reporting, develop the capability of colleagues and contribute to the design and implementation of new ways of working. You will be expected to bring a proactive mindset, identify opportunities for improvement and provide constructive challenge where it can help the Trust achieve better outcomes.

We would particularly welcome applications from candidates who have previous experience of leading or managing organisational change, transformation or significant improvements within a finance function. You may have experience of implementing new systems or processes, restructuring teams, improving financial reporting, embedding new controls or supporting colleagues through change. Most importantly, you will be someone who can turn ideas into action and bring people with you on the journey.

Alongside this transformation agenda, you will provide strong day-to-day financial management and oversight, ensuring that the Trust’s financial processes, reporting and governance arrangements are robust and effective. You will work closely with colleagues across the finance function, providing leadership, direction and support while ensuring that the function operates as a cohesive and high-performing service.

We are looking for a confident and collaborative finance professional who can combine technical expertise with leadership, strategic thinking and a genuine appetite for improvement. You will be comfortable working with senior colleagues, challenging constructively, managing competing priorities and communicating complex financial information clearly to a range of audiences.

At St Chad’s, our mission is “Children first; in the footsteps of St Chad”. Our values of Service, Trust, Community, Harmony, Aspiration and Dedication shape our culture and how we work together. This is an opportunity to bring your financial leadership experience to a Trust that is looking ahead, embracing change and committed to creating the strongest possible foundations for our academies, our colleagues and, ultimately, the children and young people we serve.

We recognise that prospective applicants may wish to understand more about our transformation plans and what these could mean for the role. We would therefore be very happy to have an informal and confidential conversation with interested applicants to discuss the role, the plans being considered and the opportunities ahead. If you would like to find out more before applying, please get in touch for an informal discussion.