Finance Apprentice

Location: Trust Central Office at Wallington Primary Academy (with some travel to academies as required)
Contract: Fixed-term Apprenticeship
Hours: 30 hours per week / term time only
Salary: £14.80 per hour
Apprenticeship Level: Level 2 or Level 3 (dependent on candidate)

About the Role

Cirrus Primary Academy Trust is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Finance Apprentice to join our central Trust Finance Team.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to start a career in finance within the education sector. You will gain hands-on experience while working towards a recognised finance qualification, supported by an experienced and friendly team.

About the Trust Finance Team

The Trust Finance Team provides financial support and oversight to all CPAT academies, ensuring strong financial management, compliance and value for money. As a Finance Apprentice, you will play an important role in supporting the day-to-day financial operations of the Trust.

Key Responsibilities

Under supervision and with appropriate training, you will support the Finance Team with tasks including:

• Processing purchase orders and invoices
• Supporting accounts payable and receivable
• Assisting with budget monitoring and financial reports
• Maintaining accurate financial records and filing systems
• Supporting month-end and year-end finance processes
• Liaising with academy staff, suppliers and colleagues across the Trust
• Using financial systems and spreadsheets accurately and confidentially
• Supporting audit and compliance requirements

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone who is:

• Keen to learn and develop a career in finance
• Organised, reliable and detail-focused
• Confident using IT, including Microsoft Excel and Word
• Able to work well as part of a team and independently
• Professional, discreet and able to handle confidential information
• Willing to complete an apprenticeship qualification alongside the role

What We Offer

• A supportive and experienced Finance Team
• Full training and support to complete your apprenticeship
• Valuable experience within a Multi-Academy Trust
• Opportunities to develop practical finance and workplace skills
• A positive working environment focused on learning and development

Please see the Job Description and Person Specification for more details.

Should you require more information or a tour of one our schools, please contact David Bennett, Trust Operations Officer.

Cirrus Primary Academy Trust champions continuous professional development and has a range of CPD offerings and other staff benefits which include:

- LGPS and TPS pension

- Employee Assistance Programme 

- 2 week October half term

- Cycle to work scheme

- Staff recognition awards

- Staff Charter

Please read our applicant pack for further details

Other Information

Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK from the location(s) provided and not from overseas.

For this role the Trust would not consider sponsoring a Certificate of Sponsorship/visa. Please note we are unable to offer advice on any Visa and Immigration cases. 

Feedback will only be provided upon request if you attend an interview.

Please note: Cirrus Primary Academy Trust may hold interviews as and when applications are received, and this job may be withdrawn at any point without notice. With this in mind, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025 statutory guidelines, the Trust will use internet searches, including social media searches to perform pre-employment checks on candidates in the course of recruitment. The Trust  will act in accordance with its data protection and equal opportunities obligations. 

Employees working in any role that requires them to communicate with pupils, parents, guardians, staff and / or members of the community, must be able to speak fluent English to enable the effective performance of the role and to ensure that they are able to abide by their safeguarding responsibilities. 

Safeguarding & Equal Opportunities

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. All employees of the Trust are deemed to be in regulated activity with children and as such, all offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, and for this role, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed amongst other checks as appropriate.

All shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a declaration regarding offences and have references requested (unless agreed otherwise), prior to the interview. 

Cirrus Primary Academy Trust is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a supportive and inclusive working environment in which all individuals are able to make best use of their skills. Applications are invited from all members of the community. We do not discriminate against staff on the basis of age; race; sex; disability; sexual orientation; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; religion, faith or belief (Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics). The principles of non-discrimination and equality of opportunity also apply to the way in which staff and Trust treat visitors, volunteers, contractors and former staff members. 

Reasonable adjustments

Should you require any reasonable adjustments to support you in applying for this role, or at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact the HR Team via recruitment@cirrustrust.uk