Financial Accountant at Astrea Academy Trust

New

Job Reference #

EDV/2026/AAT/25286

Location

The Quadrant, 99 Parkway Avenue, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S9 4WG

Contract Type

Permanent

Contract Term

Full-Time

Salary

£41,050.00 Annually (Actual)

Closing Date

Midnight, Mon 4th May, 2026

Positions Available

Positions Available 1

Interview Date(s)

TBC

Interview Date(s) TBC

About this Role

Financial Accountant

Astrea Academy Trust

Salary: £41,050
Contract: Full Time, 37.5 hours per week
Working Hours: 08:30–16:30
Pension: Local Government Pension Scheme
Location: Astrea Academy Trust (Central Team)

About Astrea Academy Trust

Astrea Academy Trust is committed to providing an exceptional educational experience for all children across our family of academies. We are driven by a belief in transformational education, high standards, inclusion and strong governance. Our Central Team works collaboratively with academies to deliver high‑quality support services, ensuring each school can focus on its core mission: inspiring the next generation. We pride ourselves on professionalism, integrity, and a culture of continuous improvement.

The Role

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Financial Accountant to play a key role within our Central Finance Team. Reporting to the Head of Finance, you will lead on all aspects of financial accounting across the Trust and provide expert financial guidance that supports effective decision making. You will also line manage the Assistant Financial Accountant, ensuring best practice, strong financial controls, and robust processes across all academies.

Key Responsibilities

As Financial Accountant, you will:

Line manage the Assistant Financial Accountant and support the identification and mitigation of financial risks.
Lead the annual accounts and external audit processes while supporting the Head of Finance on financial matters.
Manage in‑year forecasting, capital monitoring, daily cashflow, investment strategy, and monthly payroll reviews, including posting journals.
Oversee balance sheet management, bank activity, and credit card processes.
Produce routine management reports, particularly relating to cashflow and capital.
Embed strong financial governance across academies and ensure compliance with the Trust’s financial scheme of delegation, ESFA returns, and grant requirements.
Act as lead for finance systems, ensuring they are fit for purpose, and manage VAT and Corporation Tax submissions.
Maintain strong working relationships across academies, provide support as needed, and commit to ongoing professional development and mandatory training.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for a confident, enthusiastic and highly capable finance professional who can bring expertise, clarity and leadership to our financial operations.

You will bring:

A recognised accountancy qualification (ACCA, ACA or CIMA).
Strong experience in financial management, statutory accounts, audit processes, and balance sheet management.
Advanced Excel skills and the ability to interpret complex financial data clearly.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to adapt your style for different stakeholders.
A flexible, organised and resilient approach, with strong problem‑solving capabilities.
A passion for education and a commitment to Astrea’s values, including diversity, equality and inclusion.

Experience within an academy trust or education environment, as well as familiarity with DfE returns, VAT and capital management, is desirable but not essential.

Safer Recruitment

This role requires an Enhanced DBS check, in line with our commitment to Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Applications must be submitted via our Astrea application form—we cannot accept CVs. If you need support completing the form, please contact: recruitment@astreaacademytrust.org.

Commitment to Safeguarding and EDI:

Astrea Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory background checks, including references and an enhanced DBS check. We value diversity and welcome applications from underrepresented groups. As a Disability Confident employer, we provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to ensure all candidates can fully demonstrate their abilities.

In line with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 and the statutory Code of Practice, the Trust requires all public-facing post holders to demonstrate fluent English. Within a school setting, this applies to all roles that involve direct or indirect interaction with pupils, parents, or members of the public.

Flexible Interview Dates:

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, so don't miss out on this exciting opportunity. Please note that interview dates are flexible, and the academy reserves the right to interview shortlisted candidates during the application window.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and contribute to our dynamic and forward-thinking team, apply today and be a part of our mission to create a positive impact!