Finance Manager
Ascend Learning Trust Central Team 

Salary: Grade O, £50,788 - £52,805 (DOE) FTE
Contract: Permanent, Full time

Closing date: Midnight, Sunday 12^th January 2025
Interview Date: TBC

Job Overview
We are looking for an experienced, self-motivated finance professional to join our central team, based at our head office at SCITT, Royal Wotton Bassett. 

The successful candidate will deliver a professional financial support service for the schools and Trust, by undertaking key accountancy functions across the schools within Ascend Learning Trust. Having the ability to prioritise your workload and confidence in the implementation and delivery of all financial information is an important part of the role.

Working in partnership with the Headteachers and central team, you will provide advice and guidance for the financial lifecycle of the school, in line with organisation policies and processes, ensuring compliance is followed. 

As an experienced manager, you will need to show initiative and drive in ensuring all financial matters are dealt with in a timely and effective manner, whilst being solution focused you will also be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Academy’s accounting functions. 

Experience in finance within the education sector is desirable, however it is essential to hold a professional qualification such as ACA/ACCA/CIMA/CPFA. 

Full details can be found in the recruitment pack.

Ascend Learning Trust creates a sense of belonging for everyone. All our young people receive a holistic, world class education regardless of where they come from or their life challenges. They will leave their Ascend community with outcomes that opens doors to a fulfilling and successful future.

If you want to be a part of this, and work alongside ambitious, compassionate, and dedicated people we welcome your application. Our mission is to develop and retain high quality professional who relentlessly pursue the Ascend vision.

Together we will foster a culture of compassion and inclusivity with high expectations and standards for all. Where horizons are limitless, and education is unmissable.

Together we Belong, Believe, Become.

We also offer an excellent staff benefit package which include discounts on high street stores, restaurants, cinemas, and gyms as well as having a wellbeing hub and a cycle to work scheme. We have a wide range of benefits for employees which include:

Health & Wellbeing

• Free annual Flu Vaccines
• Discounted Gym Memberships
• 24-hour access to free counselling helpline for family, debt advice
• *Annual ‘Wellbeing Day’
• Generous holiday allowance 
• Flexible working solutions 

Financial;

• Hundreds of offers and discounts and cashback on local and national stores.
• Excellent Pension Schemes
• Cycle to Work and Tech Schemes
• Health and Fitness Schemes (available at additional cost)

Career Progression

• Instructional Coaching for Teachers
• Developmental performance management conversations
• Apprenticeship opportunities for ‘on the job training’
• Investment in your career, internal and external talent solutions.
• Recognition and Reward –including service awards. 

* Please note some allowances are only applicable on completion of a successful 6-month probation. 

Please note if we receive sufficient applications, we may close this job role earlier. 

At Ascend Learning Trust, we believe in the power of diversity to drive innovation, foster creativity, and create a workplace that truly reflects the richness of the world around us. We are excited to welcome applicants from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to join our dynamic team. 

Reasonable adjustments are modifications or accommodations made to ensure that individuals with disabilities or specific needs can perform their job duties effectively. We embrace the idea that everyone should have equal opportunities to succeed, and our aim is to make this a reality. If you need any assistance completing your application, please contact the Recruitment Team on 01793 781485 or alternatively you can email recruitment@ascendlearningtrust.org.uk

 SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

Ascend Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or religion.

 Please note: Any position that involves working with children requires declaration of ALL convictions/cautions regardless of whether these are deemed as spent and a DBS check will be carried out before any employment commences. 

In line with KCSIE 2024 and safer recruitment practices, the school will conduct an online search for all shortlisted candidates. The online search is part of our safeguarding checks and will seek publicly available information on candidates’ suitability to work with children. Shortlisted candidates will be provided with further guidance and will be asked to clarify their online presence. 

References will be obtained before interview at shortlisting stage and may be used in the interview process. If previous employment has included working with children, then at least one referee must be from this employment regardless of whether this is the current or most recent employment Any gaps in employment must be detailed and an explanation provided in the relevant section.