Finance Manager
St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust

based at St Mary’s Catholic School, Bishop’s Stortford

Grade: H9 28-31 (FTE £39,152 progressing to £41,771, exclusive of London Fringe allowance)

Hours: 37.5 hrs per week (Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm)

Contract: Permanent – Term Time + 5 days INSET + 3 weeks (including last week of August and two other weeks of school closure to be agreed)

Actual annual salary: £37,627 to £40,098 (pro rata inclusive of London Fringe allowance £729)

Start date: May 2026

As a growing Multi Academy Trust of nine schools, we are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Finance Manager to play a pivotal role in the strategic leadership of our Trust Finance Hub. Working closely with the CFO, you will help shape and drive the Trust’s financial strategy, ensuring strong financial stewardship and enabling high‑quality decision‑making across the organisation.

As a key leader within the finance team, you will oversee financial operations Trust-wide, guiding and supporting colleagues to deliver excellence in financial management. This is a highly influential role, providing strategic financial insight to the CFO and contributing to the long‑term financial sustainability and success of the Trust.

About this role: 

• Contribute to the strategic leadership of the Trust’s finance function within a successful and growing organisation.
•  Lead and oversee the Assistant Finance Manager and Finance Assistants to ensure robust financial management across the Trust.
• Work closely with the CFO and central finance team, providing high‑quality financial support and insight.
• Based at our central offices on the St Mary’s site in Bishop’s Stortford, with travel to Trust schools to support leaders with budgeting, financial compliance and decision‑making. 
• Bring an accountancy qualification (CIMA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent) and strong experience managing budgets and financial operations, ideally within an education setting.

What we offer:

• Variety of work and opportunity to shape financial strategy across multiple schools in the Trust.
• Support from a central Trust team and experienced professionals in each Academy
• A collaborative and values-driven working environment.
• The chance to work with committed school leaders in a dynamic and growing Trust.
• Supportive employer with excellent training and personal development opportunities.
• Excellent local government pension scheme membership with an employer’s contribution of 17.90%.

About the Trust:

Established in September 2021, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust is a family of 9 Catholic schools in the Roman Catholic Deanery of the Lea Valley and whilst each school retains its own distinctive ethos and mission, we are united in our endeavours to deliver a Catholic education excelling in the academic, pastoral and spiritual life, and which produces fully flourishing pupils.

• We take much inspiration from by the charism of St. Francis - 
• To be caring towards everyone in the community.
• Being compassionate - standing up especially for the poor and oppressed.
•  Acting with reverence towards all creation.
• Being peacemakers, reconcilers, and healers to all those in need.

How to apply:

Closing date: 10^th April 2026

Interview date: the week commencing 20^th April 2026

To apply, complete the MyNewTerm Application Form using the Supporting Statement section of the form to detail your suitability for the role. OR

Apply in writing using the forms available on our website https://www.stfrancistrust.net/ : Support Staff Application Form, Consent to Obtain References Form, Rehabilitation of Offenders Form & Recruitment Monitoring Form. Please note only applications on St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust forms will be accepted. Please contact Recruitment@stfrancistrust.net to submit an application or for more information. 

Applicants are advised to read the Notes to Applicants and Guidance Note on Reference before completing the Application Form. This is not a post for which it has been determined that priority will be given to Catholic applicants. There is no requirement for an applicant/the post holder to be Catholic or for a priest’s reference to be provided in relation to this role.

The St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A DBS disclosure is required for all successful applicants. We are committed to the equality of opportunity for all applicants.