Finance Manager
Discovery Schools Academies Trust Ltd, Leicester, LE4 1EZ13 days remaining to apply
Start date details
ASAP
Closing date
24 August 2026 at 11:59pm
Date listed
11 August 2026
Job details
Job role
- Administration, HR, data and finance
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Full time equivalent salary
- £35,451.00 - £39,165.00 Annually (Actual)
Finance Manager job summary
Finance Manager
Discovery Schools Trust
Salary: Grade 10, Pay Point Range 23-26, £35,451 - £39,165*
Hours: 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year
Contract Type: Permanent
*Pending Pay Award Salary Uplift for Support Staff*We are seeking an exceptional Finance Manager to lead our finance operations, systems and financial controls across our growing Trust. This is a pivotal role that combines operational finance leadership with the opportunity to improve processes, develop systems and help shape how financial services are delivered across our academies and central services.
Working closely with the Director of Finance, school leaders and colleagues across the Trust, you will ensure our finance function operates efficiently, compliantly and to the highest professional standards, enabling our schools to focus on what matters most: delivering an outstanding education for our pupil
As Finance Manager, you will:
- Lead the Trust's finance operations, systems and financial controls.
- Oversee transactional finance functions, including purchase ledger, sales ledger, bank reconciliations and VAT processes.
- Ensure compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook, Trust Financial Regulations and statutory requirements.
- Drive improvements, automation and efficiencies across finance processes and systems.
- Manage and develop finance support staff, promoting a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
- Lead the administration and development of PS Financials, iComplete and associated finance systems.
- Support internal and external audits, ensuring strong governance and audit readiness.
- Work collaboratively with Headteachers, School Business Managers, budget holders and central teams to provide expert financial advice and support.
What We're Looking For
You will be a proactive and solutions-focused finance professional with:
- Experience in financial management and operational finance.
- Strong knowledge of financial controls, governance and compliance.
- Experience of managing and improving financial systems and processes.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- The ability to analyse problems, identify solutions and drive positive change.
- Experience of leading and developing others.
- A commitment to delivering excellent customer service and supporting colleagues across the organisation.
Experience within the education sector or academy trust environment would be advantageous, but most importantly, you'll bring a passion for improving financial processes and delivering a first-class finance service.
Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification to support your application.
Why Join Us?
This is an exciting opportunity to join a values-led organisation where your work will have a direct impact on schools, colleagues and pupils. You'll play a key role in strengthening financial operations, driving innovation and helping ensure resources are managed effectively to support educational excellence.
Professional Growth & Support
- Ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Access to learning networks and visits to other organisations.
- Supportive leadership and a highly committed team.
- Highly committed and motivated Team.
- A role which has the opportunity to make a real difference whilst having fun.
- A established Central Services Team who support schools and wider colleagues.
Work-Life & Wellbeing Benefits
- Flexible working options.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
- Defined benefit pension scheme.
- Be an integral member of the team in a vibrant school.
- Create an outstanding learning environment for the success of all of our children.
- Play a significant part in continuing to develop our school.
- Be part of a wider community of Discovery Schools Trust.
- Free childcare.
Additional Perks
- Free parking.
- Cycle-to-work scheme.
- Gym discounts.
- Eyecare vouchers.
- Dental support.
- Retail discounts.
- Annual incremental pay increases within the pay scale.
Equal Opportunities & Accessibility
We welcome enquiries from everyone and value diversity in our workforce.
Applications are welcome from all sections of the community regardless of gender identity, ethnic origin, disability, age or sexual orientation. If you require assistance completing your application, please contact hrsupport@discoverytrust.org for support.
Depending on your role, occasional travel between Discovery locations may be required. A valid driving license and appropriate business insurance are necessary, and you will need to provide evidence of these documents
More about Discovery Schools Trust
Discovery Schools Trust is dedicated to improving learning and teaching by creating a culture that promotes excellence. The needs of all children are placed at the heart of all decision making regardless of the school they attend. Teaching and learning excellence are shared through learning networks, sharing of ideas and materials as well as leading practitioners between schools. Discovery has developed a school improvement system which focuses on improving outcomes for all children. It also places staff development, talent management and succession planning at the heart of achieving outstanding organisations.
Please note that interviews for this position may be made earlier than the stated closing date if a suitable candidate is identified. Therefore, we encourage interested applicants to submit their applications promptly. Early submission will not only ensure consideration for the position but also increase the likelihood of being invited for an interview. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to receiving your application.
Safeguarding Statement
We are committed to safeguarding our pupils; therefore, the successful applicant will require an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and references.
AI
While we acknowledge the advantages of AI in crafting personal statements for applications, we strongly encourage and expect applicants to personalise and tailor responses. Please note that the Trust may utilise AI checking solutions during the application review process and will be considered when shortlisting.
Apply Now!
If you are ready to make a difference in children's lives, apply today!
Further information about the job
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.
Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.
Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children
You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Applying for the job
This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on external website (opens in new tab)About Discovery Schools Academies Trust Ltd
- Type
- Multi-academy trust
Discovery Schools Academy Trust is a multi academy trust of 13 primary schools and 2 special school dedicated to improving learning and teaching by creating a culture that promotes excellence.
The needs of all children are placed at the heart of all decision making regardless of the school they attend. Teaching and learning excellence is shared through learning networks, sharing of ideas and materials as well as leading practitioners between schools. Discovery has developed a school improvement system which focuses on improving outcomes for all children. It also places staff development, talent management and succession planning at the heart of achieving outstanding organisations.
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