Finance and Operations Manager

Full time, Permanent

Grade 14, 37 hours, 52 weeks a year.

Salary: £57,234 (FTE)

Working Pattern: 1.0 FTE Monday-Friday

The role provides strategic and operational finance and business management support to an allocated portfolio of Trust schools. Working closely with Headteachers, Local Governance Committees (LGCs) and the Trust Central Team, the postholder will support effective financial planning, robust budget management, regulatory compliance and the efficient operation of school services.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Will help our schools thrive through outstanding operational and financial leadership.
• Will drive excellence in finance, operations and business support across our Trust.
• Will turn strategy into success through strong financial and operational leadership.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Produce and analyse monthly management information, including income and expenditure reports, staffing reports and variance analysis.
• Investigate financial variances and support the implementation of corrective actions where required.
• Support Headteachers in the preparation of annual budgets and regular financial forecasts aligned with School Development Plans and Trust priorities.
• Support the effective financial management of services including catering, lettings, wraparound provision and nursery or preschool provision where applicable.
• Work collaboratively with school leaders to support the effective planning and resourcing of SEND provision.
• Support Headteachers in the effective operational management of people-related processes, including induction, probation, attendance management, workforce planning and employee wellbeing, working in partnership with the People & Culture Team to ensure compliance with Trust policies and procedures.
• Lead or support procurement exercises in accordance with Trust financial regulations and procurement procedures.
• Review and maintain service level agreements and contracts.
• Work with the Estates Team to support premises management, maintenance planning and capital projects.
• Develop effective working relationships with governors, school leaders and central staff.
• Support Headteachers in communicating financial and operational matters to stakeholder

Qualifications:

• GCSE English and Maths (Grade C/4 or above) or equivalent. (E)
• Relevant Level 4 qualification or equivalent experience in finance, business or operational management. (E)
• Evidence of continued professional development. (E)
• School Business Management qualification. (D)
• Accountancy qualification (AAT, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent). (D)
• Health and Safety qualification (D)

Safeguarding and recruitment:

Our Schools/Trust and all its personnel are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. For all short-listed candidates, references will be requested in advance of the interview, and an online search will be carried out. The successful applicant will be subject to a full Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure, proof of ID, social media checks, medical clearance, and checks regarding the right to work in the UK.

Why join us:

• Welcoming, inclusive workplace.
• Opportunities for growth and career progression in a Trust that invests in its people.
• A supportive environment for your professional development.
• Staff well-being offering.
• Bike to work scheme.

Benefits:

• Free parking on site.
• Access to wellbeing services.
• An excellent LGPS pension scheme
• Staff development opportunities

Learn Academies Trust is a Disability Confident employer and is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and candidates with a disability who meet the essential job criteria will be given an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at interview.

Learn Academies Trust is committed to promoting equality, valuing diversity and creating a truly inclusive Trust. We are determined to ensure all our stakeholders flourish and thrive. We aim to foster a culture where all are valued and respected. We acknowledge and celebrate all protected characteristics. We endeavour to remove all barriers to learning and participation. Our ED&I Policy and objectives are integral to all that we do.

Our vision for ED&I is simple: we aim to create an environment where everyone has a seat at the table, where everyone has a voice and where everyone belongs. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. An offer of employment will be subject to the receipt of a satisfactory enhanced level DBS disclosure with a children’s barred list check, two satisfactory references (these will be requested if you are shortlisted) and successful completion of vetting.

We reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy if organisational priorities change.