Finance Manager (Fixed Term Maternity Cover)
Astrea Academy Trust, Sheffield, S9 4WG12 days remaining to apply
Closing date
15 November 2026 at 11:59pm
Date listed
29 October 2026
Job details
Job role
- Administration, HR, data and finance
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Fixed term
Full time equivalent salary
- £42,405.00 Annually (Actual)
Finance Manager (Fixed Term Maternity Cover) job summary
Finance Manager (Maternity Cover)
Astrea Academy Trust Head Office
Salary: £42,405 per annum
Contract: Fixed Term (Maternity Cover)
Start Date: January 2027
Hours: Full Time, 37.5 hours per week (part-time applications will be considered for the right candidate)
Astrea Academy Trust is a values-driven organisation committed to transforming lives through education. Serving communities across South Yorkshire and Cambridgeshire, we believe that every child deserves access to an excellent education, regardless of their background or circumstances. Through collaboration, high expectations and a relentless focus on improvement, our academies work together to overcome educational disadvantage and create opportunities for all pupils to thrive. As a growing and ambitious trust, we are committed to developing talented professionals who share our belief in the power of education to change lives.
About the RoleWe are seeking an experienced and proactive Finance Manager to join our Central Finance Team on a fixed-term basis to cover maternity leave. Reporting to the Lead Finance Manager, you will provide strategic and operational financial support to a portfolio of schools, helping leaders to make informed decisions through robust financial planning, forecasting and reporting.
Working closely with Principals, Operations Managers, Regional Directors and central teams, you will play a key role in ensuring financial sustainability, compliance and effective use of resources across the Trust. Regular travel between our academies in Cambridge, will be required.
Key Responsibilities- Act as the lead finance partner for a group of academies, building strong and effective relationships with school and central colleagues.
- Prepare and present monthly management accounts, highlighting key financial trends, risks and opportunities.
- Produce and maintain accurate financial forecasts and support schools with budget monitoring and planning.
- Lead regular finance review meetings with senior school leaders to discuss performance and future projections.
- Prepare annual budgets and support long-term financial planning using curriculum-led financial modelling.
- Complete payroll reconciliations, investigate variances and provide clear financial analysis.
- Prepare and post monthly accounting adjustments, including accruals, prepayments and inter-school cost allocations.
- Support grant monitoring, trip reconciliations and balance sheet reviews.
- Ensure financial controls and processes are followed consistently across schools.
- Provide financial insights, reports and ad-hoc analysis to support strategic decision-making.
- Contribute to the Trust's commitment to inclusion, social mobility and continuous improvement.
- GCSE English and Maths (Grade C/4 or above) or equivalent.
- Qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent) or currently studying towards a professional accounting qualification.
- Previous experience in a Finance Manager or similar role with responsibility for budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting.
- Strong experience of presenting complex financial information clearly and effectively to non-financial stakeholders.
- Proven ability to build relationships and influence senior leaders.
- Excellent analytical skills with strong attention to detail.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and confidence working with financial data.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Commitment to continuous professional development and improving financial practices.
- Experience of working with finance systems such as PSF and IMP would be advantageous.
- Opportunity to make a meaningful difference across a growing family of schools.
- Collaborative and supportive central team environment.
- A role with genuine influence on school improvement and educational outcomes.
- Commitment to professional development and career progression.
- Flexible working opportunities, with part-time arrangements considered for the right candidate.
Commitment to Safeguarding and EDI:
Astrea Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory background checks, including references and an enhanced DBS check. We value diversity and welcome applications from underrepresented groups. As a Disability Confident employer, we provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to ensure all candidates can fully demonstrate their abilities.
In line with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 and the statutory Code of Practice, the Trust requires all public-facing post holders to demonstrate fluent English. Within a school setting, this applies to all roles that involve direct or indirect interaction with pupils, parents, or members of the public.
Flexible Interview Dates:
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, so don't miss out on this exciting opportunity. Please note that interview dates are flexible, and the academy reserves the right to interview shortlisted candidates during the application window. This role is being advertised in both South Yorkshire and Cambridge to maximise suitable applications, there is only one position available.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you're ready to take the next step in your career and contribute to our dynamic and forward-thinking team, apply today and be a part of our mission to create a positive impact!
Further information about the job
Commitment to safeguarding
Astrea Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Posts are subject to enhanced DBS checks.
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 Astrea Academy Trust
- Type
- Multi-academy trust
- Website
- Astrea Academy Trust website
Astrea is a trust that is coming of age and moving beyond its foundational years into a mature phase of development, our aim is that every child gets a brilliant education. Our work starts and ends with a universal belief in high standards and expectations for every child, no matter what barriers they face.
Underpinning our vision is a commitment that knowledge and scholarship will be celebrated, we want our children to become resilient in the face of challenge and we commit to providing all Astrea children with rich opportunities and to supporting them every step of the way. I am incredibly proud of what the Astrea family has achieved and as the trust matures, we are in a strong position to embark upon this next exciting phase, where all of our energy will be focused on providing a brilliant education which helps children to learn, thrive and lead successful lives.
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