Finance Officer
The Thinking Schools Academy Trust, Chatham, ME4 6NR11 days remaining to apply
Start date details
November 2025
Closing date
21 October 2025 at 11:59pm
Date listed
10 October 2025
Job details
Job role
- Administration, HR, data and finance
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time: 37 hours per week, all year round
Contract type
- Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary
- TSAT Pay Group 3 £26,033 - £30,212 per annum
What skills and experience we're looking for
Are you ready to take the next step in your finance career?
We are excited to offer an internal opportunity for a Finance Officer to join the Central TSAT Finance Team. This role is ideal for someone with a solid understanding of finance processes who is looking to build on their experience and take on more responsibility within a supportive and dynamic environment.
As Finance Officer, you’ll play a key role in supporting the Trust’s financial operations — ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency across a range of key finance functions. You’ll also have the opportunity to work closely with internal stakeholders and help support external clients as needed.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the preparation of monthly management accounts and financial reporting.
- Assist with budget monitoring, variance analysis, and forecasting.
- Oversee day-to-day financial transactions including journals, reconciliations, and ledger maintenance.
- Ensure compliance with internal policies and financial regulations.
- Provide support and guidance to other members of the finance team as required.
What We’re Looking For:
- Proven experience in a finance-related role.
- Good understanding of accounting principles and financial systems.
- Strong analytical, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
- A team player with excellent communication and attention to detail.
- A commitment to continuous improvement and professional development.
Why Apply?
- Opportunity to grow your finance career within the Trust.
- Develop your skills in a varied and rewarding role.
- Join a collaborative team that values accuracy, service, and innovation.
What the school offers its staff
Thinking Financial aims to provide a comprehensive finance service covering all aspects of financial and business management.
We work closely with the Academies to ensure that key financial areas such as procurement, payroll and budget management are managed effectively. Our Executive Business Managers will provides strategic business management to the Academies, providing a direct link between all Central teams and ensuring effective service delivery.
Our vision is to provide a service that;
- is easy to access
- meets the needs of the Academies
- offers expert support and guidance on all areas of finance and business management
- delivers high quality and accurate reporting
- implements and maintains rigorous financial controls
- supports and benefits all students and staff
We are a committed team with several years of experience delivering these services to schools within TSAT and beyond. We are dedicated to the TSAT ambition of Transforming Life Chances and look forward to playing our part by ensuring your Academy has the support it needs from Thinking Financial.
What our Trust will offer you:
- Competitive Pay Scales:Our TSAT pay scales exceed national levels.
- Pension Scheme Membership: Secure your future with membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Annual Leave: A pro-rata annual leave entitlement of 27 days for support staff, increasing to 31 after 5 years of service.
- Collaborative Support: Benefit from resources, mentoring, and school visits across our Trust hubs.
- Training:Expanded your skills and knowledge with opportunities for Trust-funded apprenticeships and training courses.
- Knowledge and Curriculum Sharing:Regular MAT meets alongside our regional hub model offers a network of collaboration for staff to share best practice.
- Cycle2Work Scheme:Salary sacrifice scheme to purchase a new bike with National Insurance savings.
- Staff Wellbeing Focus: Access our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, free flu vaccinations, and eye care vouchers.
- TSTARS Staff Recognition:You will be part of our Staff Recognition Programme, with seasonal rewards for all staff.
- Refer a Friend: Spread the word and benefit financially from our Refer a Friend Scheme.
- Store Discounts: Support staff have access to 'Discount for Teachers' scheme that offers a huge range of money saving deals and vouchers.
- Tax Relief on Uniform: Claim for uniform maintenance, with no receipts required.
- Blue Light Card:School staff can now access the Blue Light Card for discounts across a wide range of categories including holidays, cars, days out and much more!
Further information about the job
Commitment to safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. As per KCSIE we will also undertake online searches for all shortlisted candidates, if you have any questions regarding this process please email recruitment@tsatrust.org.uk
Applying for the job
Apply for the job by following the link below.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on school website (opens in new tab)About The Thinking Schools Academy Trust
- Type
- Multi-academy trust
- Email address
- recruitment@tsatrust.org.uk
The Thinking Schools Academy Trust is a family of schools consisting of both primary and secondary schools across Kent, Essex, Hampshire and the South West.
We believe that every young person in our community deserves to have the best opportunities at life regardless of their individual circumstances. Education is the key to transforming life chances and we support and develop every member of our community to:
o Think about their Thinking
o Be their Best self
o Shape their Success
In this way we transform life chances
Arranging a visit to The Thinking Schools Academy Trust
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email recruitment@tsatrust.org.uk.
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