Finance Manager
Ascend Learning Trust

Salary: NJC O36 £52,413 FTE-NJC O38 £54,495 FTE

Actual Salary: £31,871-£33,136 (depending on experience)

Contract: Permanent 

Hours per week: 22.5

Closing date: Midnight Sunday 28th June 2026
Interview Date: To be confirmed 
Anticipated Start Date: 1st September 2026

Job Overview

We are looking for a qualified and detail‑focused Finance Manager who can lead key financial processes across the Trust, including budgeting, month‑end procedures, reconciliations, and financial reporting. As a successful candidate, you will be highly organised, able to work independently to tight deadlines, and confident communicating financial information to senior leaders and budget holders. Strong technical accounting skills, sound judgement, and a collaborative approach are essential, with experience in education finance or Access Education systems an added advantage.

Full details can be found in the recruitment pack.

Why choose us?

At Ascend Learning Trust, our motto — Together we Belong, Believe, Become.— guides everything we do. We create a genuine sense of belonging and deliver a holistic, world‑class education that opens doors for every young person, no matter their starting point. Our shared values of Compassion, Aspiration, Respect, Dedication and Integrity shape our culture and inspire us to provide unmissable education and limitless horizons.

When you join us, you become part of a supportive, ambitious community that invests in its people and develops high‑calibre professionals. We foster kindness, inclusivity and high expectations, and we welcome colleagues who want to make a meaningful difference every day.

What We Offer

Health & Wellbeing

• Free annual flu vaccines
• Discounted gym memberships
• 24/7 counselling helpline
• Annual Wellbeing Day*
• Generous holiday allowance  
• Flexible working solutions 
• Optional health and fitness schemes*

Financial

• Discounts and cashback at hundreds of retailers
• Excellent Pension Schemes, including 21.3% employer contributions for support staff
• Cycle to Work and Tech Schemes* 

Career Progression

• Instructional Coaching for teaching roles
• Supportive performance development
• Apprenticeship and training opportunities
• Internal progression pathways
• Recognition and long-service awards 

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

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

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. If you need adjustments to support your application, please contact the Recruitment Team on 01793 781485 or 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.

Please note that this role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, which means that you are required to disclose any criminal convictions, cautions, warnings, or reprimands, even if they would normally be considered "spent” and a DBS check will be carried out before any employment commences. 

In line with KCSIE 2025 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.