Finance Manager

Location: Fareham, with a requirement to travel to schools across the Trust if required

Contracted hours: 37 hours per week

Working hours: Monday to Thursday 8.00am to 4.00pm, and Friday 8.00am to 3.30pm

Weeks per year: 52 weeks

Salary: Grade F - £41,983 to £46,564 subject to experience

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced finance professional to join The Gateway Trust as a Finance Manager. You will play a key role in the effective and efficient management of day to day school and Trust finances, covering management accounts, payroll, income receipt, invoicing, bank reconciliations and VAT returns.

Reporting to the Finance Director, you will provide financial and administrative support to the Trust, helping to ensure all processes and procedures are carried out in line with the Academies Financial Handbook. You will also have line management responsibility for part of the Finance Team.

You will be based at Fareham, with a requirement to travel to other academies within the Trust as and when required.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement the financial decisions of the COO, CEO and Trust board, and advise Headteachers on academy financial policy and long-term financial strategy.
• Create and manage the detailed annual budget for the school alongside Headteachers, and support the Finance Director in preparing the 3 year budget plan.
• Produce monthly management accounts for the COO and Headteachers, and provide end of month reporting to Heads of Department.
• Oversee purchasing, invoicing and payment arrangements, including the administration of the payment run to suppliers via BACS.
• Reconcile academy bank account(s), control accounts and the trial balance on a monthly basis, and maintain the fixed asset register.
• Prepare the monthly VAT return for the Trust in line with Making Tax Digital requirements.
• Support and produce the monthly payroll, including pension contributions, end of year certificate updates and payslip comparison reports.
• Liaise with external auditors and support the Finance Director in preparing the annual audited accounts.
• Provide leadership and line management for part of the Finance Team, fostering a culture of professionalism and continuous improvement.
• Keep abreast of changes to, and ensure compliance with, the Academies Financial Handbook.

About You

• Proven experience in a similar finance or accounting role, ideally within an education or public sector setting.
• Previous line management experience and experience of administering a Purchase Ledger.
• AAT Level 4 in Accounting, an Accounting Degree, or a minimum of 5 years' experience in an equivalent setting (ACA, ACCA or CIMA desirable).
• Experience of data entry and reporting using an accounting system, with strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to deal with confidential and sensitive information with tact.
• Outstanding attention to detail, accuracy and numeracy, with the ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Experience of payroll administration and knowledge of academy or MAT finance is desirable, along with familiarity with Access Finance and People or similar software.

Please see the attached job description and person specification for full details.

Why join the Gateway Trust:

•        Grade F - £41,983 to £46,564 subject to experience

•        25 days holiday plus bank holidays

•        LGPS Pension

•        Free Enhanced DBS

•        Onsite parking

•        A strong focus on staff wellbeing, including a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme App and GP App

•        Cycle to work scheme, flu vaccinations and assistance towards eye tests and glasses

•        Discounted meals

•        Opportunities for further education and professional development

How do I apply?

To become our Finance Manager, simply click 'Apply now' and complete your application. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to contact us at jobs@gatewaytrust.org

The Gateway Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS Disclosure at Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment.

We regularly review applications and reserve the right to close an advert early if we identify suitable candidates. To avoid disappointment, submit your application as soon as possible.

The Gateway Trust is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.