Finance Systems and Controls Manager
Discovery Schools Academies Trust Ltd, Leicester, LE4 1EZ18 days remaining to apply
Closing date
10 August 2026 at 12pm (midday)
Date listed
23 July 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
- £31,073.00 - £33,293.00 Annually (Actual)
Finance Systems and Controls Manager job summary
Finance Systems & Controls Manager
Discovery Schools Trust
Salary: Grade 9, Pay Point Range 19-22, £31,073 - £33,293*
Hours: 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year
Contract Type: Permanent
*Pending Pay Award Salary Uplift for Support Staff*Discovery Trust is looking for an experienced, proactive and solutions-focused Finance Systems and Controls Manager to join our Central Finance Team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in ensuring our financial systems, controls and processes are robust, efficient and fit for the future. The role leads the Trust's finance systems, controls and transactional finance operations, supporting strong governance, compliance and continuous improvement across our growing family of schools.
Reporting to the Director of Finance, you will be the lead expert for the Trust's finance systems, maintaining the integrity of financial data, strengthening financial controls and driving automation and process improvements. You will oversee transactional finance activities, support audit readiness and ensure compliance with key regulatory requirements, helping colleagues across the Trust work effectively and confidently within our financial procedures.
This is a role for someone who enjoys combining technical expertise with problem-solving, collaboration and continuous improvement. You'll work closely with school leaders, budget holders and central teams, making a real impact on how financial services are delivered across Discovery Trust.
What We're Looking For
We are seeking a finance professional who:
- Has experience of finance systems, financial controls and transactional finance operations.
- Can identify opportunities to improve processes, automate workflows and enhance service delivery.
- Has strong attention to detail and a commitment to compliance, accuracy and data integrity.
- Builds positive relationships and provides excellent support to colleagues.
- Enjoys developing others and leading a high-performing team.
- Is motivated by making a difference in an organisation that serves children and young people.
Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification to support your application.
Why Join Us?
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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