The Pioneer Academy are looking for a Central Finance Manager to join our central team . The role will involve working working centrally as well being deployed at schools across the trust as needed. This is a full time role, working 36 hours a week, 52 weeks a year.  Experience within the education sector is essential.

For internal applications from existing staff, please send a letter of interest to the recruitment team. 

Main Purpose

• Ensuring effective operation of the finance function of the school.
• Assisting the Head of Business with all aspects of the development of school finances.
• Ensuring the safe receipt and handling of cash and the reconciliation of transactions.
• Co-ordinating and completing administrative routines relating to orders, invoices, cheques, income, payroll and the receipt and distribution of goods and services.

The Pioneer Academy is a primary multi academy trust with schools across London and South East England.  All our schools, ranging from small infant schools to large primary schools, work collaboratively, sharing resources and expertise.  Together we will continue to grow and embed an inclusive culture of high aspirations where a commitment to putting children first is the norm.  At The Pioneer Academy, we put children first, pioneering excellence and championing each and every child.  All our schools, ranging from small infant schools to large primary schools, work collaboratively, sharing resources and expertise.   Find out more about The Pioneer Academy and the location of our schools at:  www.thepioneeracademy.co.uk

If you are interested in this vacancy and would like to arrange a discussion with the Finance team, or have a tour, please contact recruitment team on 01689 283121.

At The Pioneer Academy, we take the wellbeing and mental health of our staff seriously which is why we are committed to regular reviews of staff well-being and reducing staff workload. We create bespoke career pathways for every member of staff, identifying and growing talent, with outstanding professional development opportunities at every stage of your career.  We also have an Employee Assistance Programme with a range of resources to support wellbeing which is available to all employees and their immediate family members 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

What we offer you:

• A friendly, dedicated staff team who believe in teamwork and building positive relationships across the school, the Trust and in the local community.
• High quality development programme with induction programmes for all new staff.
• Excellent CPD opportunities
• Annual conferences with keynote speakers.
• Access to professional coaching.
• A supportive and collaborative working ethos, including support from the Trust’s Central Executive Team and a range of experts, such as specialists in pupil welfare, SEND and behaviour.
• Termly forums to increase collaboration and reduce workload.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme including free counselling.
• Access to discounted wrap around childcare for staff.
• Free academy-wide social events throughout the year.

Only those shortlisted for interview will be contacted.  References will be requested for those shortlisted only and prior to interview.  In line with Keeping children safe in education 2025 online searches will be completed as part of the due diligence on shortlisted candidates, searching online content that is publicly available for inappropriate online content that may suggest that a shortlisted candidate may not be suitable to work with children, or that may harm the reputation of the school.  If any issues of concern come up in online searches, shortlisted candidates will have an opportunity to address these at interview.   An Enhanced DBS certificate will be required on provisional offer, including a check of the Children’s Barred List.  Further vetting checks, in line with the requirements of Keeping children safe in education 2025 will be completed following a provisional offer of appointment.  Where applicable, if an applicant with a provisional offer of employment has lived and/or worked outside the UK, they will be required to obtain a Certificate of Good Conduct.

The Pioneer Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Offers of employment are subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS disclosure and other employment checks. Our school Safeguarding Policy for one of our Trust schools is attached for reference.