Finance Manager at Cygnus Academies Trust

Grade:                 Kent Scheme – KSI
Base:                    Cygnus Academies Trust – Shared Services (Kent) with travel across our schools
Contract:           37 hours per week/ 52 weeks per year, fixed-term until 31st August 2027
Salary:                 Kent Scheme I (£47,990 to £53,446)
Closing date:   Monday 3rd August at 11.59pm
Interviews:       Thursday 6th August 

We're looking for a highly skilled, motivated, and proactive Finance Manager to lead and oversee the day-to-day operations of our finance team. Working closely with our schools, you will play a key role in ensuring robust financial controls are maintained across the Trust, while delivering an efficient, accurate, and high-quality finance service.

Applicants will either be AAT qualified or part-qualified accountants, or be able to demonstrate significant relevant experience within a finance function, ideally gained in an educational setting. You will have strong ICT skills, including proficiency in financial management systems. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, together with the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, are essential. You will also possess excellent organisational skills, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively while meeting deadlines.

What makes this role exciting?

• You'll lead the day-to-day management of the finance function, ensuring the delivery of an efficient, accurate, and high-quality financial service across the Trust.
• You'll work closely with the CFOO and senior leaders, providing financial insight and support to inform strategic decision-making and ensure effective use of resources.
• You'll oversee the Trust's financial controls, processes, and reporting, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, Trust policies, and financial regulations.
• You'll support the preparation and monitoring of budgets, forecasts, management accounts, and year-end processes, helping to ensure the Trust's long-term financial sustainability.
• You'll bring expertise in financial management and continuous improvement, identifying opportunities to strengthen financial systems, streamline processes, and enhance reporting.
• You'll work collaboratively with budget holders and the wider central team to promote strong financial governance, value for money, and a culture of accountability across the Trust.

 What we’re looking for:

Someone who:    

• Holds an AAT qualification or part-qualified, or has significant relevant experience in a finance role, ideally within the education sector.
• Thrives in a role that balances operational finance management, strategic planning, and collaborative working.
• Has strong technical finance skills, with experience of financial systems (PS Financials would be an advantage), budgeting, financial reporting, and maintaining robust financial controls.
• Has excellent organisational and analytical skills, with a keen eye for detail and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
• Takes a proactive, solutions-focused approach and is committed to delivering a high quality finance service while building positive working relationships across the Trust.

If you're passionate about delivering high-quality financial services, driving continuous improvement, and supporting sound financial management across the Trust, you'll feel at home here.

For an informal discussion about the role, please do not hesitate to get in touch.  To apply, click the fast apply button to complete your application form today.

Please note that  due to the volume of applications we receive, candidates may be invited to interview as applications are received; therefore, early application is strongly encouraged as the position may close early should a suitable candidate be found.