Finance Operations Lead

Location: The White Horse Federation (Swindon, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire & Berkshire)
Hours: Full time, all year round
Contract: Permanent
Salary: Grade HAY T Upper (T54–58) £56,607 – £72,606
Start Date: 1^st May 2026

Please note: Applications will be reviewed as received and should a suitable candidate be identified, we may close the vacancy early. Early application is encouraged.

About the Role

The White Horse Federation is a Multi-Academy Trust of 30 schools across Swindon, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire, committed to delivering the very best education for our students.

We are seeking an ambitious Finance Operations Lead who is motivated by progression and eager to develop into a future Head of Finance. This role is ideal for someone looking to take the next step in their career, with the drive, capability, and leadership potential to grow into a senior finance leadership position within the organisation.

You will oversee and strengthen our finance operations across the Trust. Reporting into the senior leadership team, you will oversee the day-to-day running of the finance department, providing visible and professional leadership.

This is a key leadership role for someone who thrives in a busy, fast-paced environment and can balance operational delivery with strategic financial planning.

Key Responsibilities

       To oversee day-to-day management of the finance team.

•        To ensure that the finance team has the relevant capacity, skills, knowledge and focus to adapt to the evolving needs of the Trust.
•        To oversee month end processes, adjustments, reconciliations and preparation of consolidated management accounts in a timely manner.
•        To work with the Chief Financial Officer to develop, plan and embed financial management practices, policies and controls that reflect best practice and promote due diligence.
•        To work with the Chief Financial Officer to ensure that budgets and targets are set, implemented, monitored and measured against.
•        To ensure the department complies with best practice and legal requirements in respect of all accounting processes, statutory compliance, internal control framework, HMRC and pension regulations.
•        To maintain the integrity of finance systems, ensuring compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook, internal and external audit requirements, VAT regulations and Trust finance policies.
•        To support in the preparation of statutory financial accounts including DfE, HMRC and VAT returns, ensuring areas of risk are effectively escalated and deadlines are achieved.
•        To ensure accurate, complete and compliant financial records across the Trust.
•        To manage bank arrangements across the Trust.
•        To ensure suppliers are paid in line with payment terms.
•        To complete cash flow forecasting on a monthly basis.
•        To support the Chief Financial Officer in the conversion process of new schools.
•        To work in collaboration with other departments to ensure that the correct financial processes are followed.
•        To keep up to date with financial developments across the education sector.

We Are Looking For Someone Who:

• Has strong operational finance leadership experience
• Demonstrates excellent technical knowledge and financial control expertise
• Can lead and develop teams effectively
• Is highly organised, proactive and solutions-focused
• Communicates complex financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders
• Thrives in a collaborative, multi-site environment

What We Can Offer You

• A busy and varied role where no two days are the same
• A friendly, supportive team committed to delivering high-quality service
• The opportunity to join a forward-thinking Trust with high aspirations for students and staff
• Exciting and relevant CPD and career development opportunities
• A competitive benefits package

Employee Benefits

Health & Wellbeing

• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Gym membership discounts
• Menopause support network
• Eye care vouchers

Lifestyle & Discounts

• Discounts for Teachers (available to all Trust staff)
• Blue Light Discount
• Discounts on holidays, clothing and more
• Tusker Car Purchase Scheme

Development

• Access to up-to-date safeguarding and child protection training
• Comprehensive CPD programme
• Supportive leadership team to help you reach your full potential

Pension & Leave

• Excellent Local Government Pension Scheme*
• Employer contributions above national standards
• Enhanced family-friendly policies (maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental leave)
• An additional White Horse concessionary day’s leave per year

Ready to Apply?

We hope this gives you a flavour of what it is like to work at The White Horse Federation. If you are an experienced finance professional ready to lead operational excellence across a growing and ambitious Trust, we would love to hear from you.

Please apply today.

Safeguarding & Equal Opportunities

The White Horse Federation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check prior to appointment. References will be sought for shortlisted candidates before interview.

We value uniqueness and recognise the benefit of a diverse workforce. We are committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and operate a fair recruitment process in line with the Equality Act 2010. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.