Cluster Finance Manager

FINANCE MANAGER

Warrington, Cheshire

37 hours per week, permanent

£34,434 to £38,220 (TCAT Grade 7 - NJC SCP 23 to 27)

As one of our team of Cluster Finance Managers, you will manage the operational finances for a small group of academies, producing timely monthly management reports, accurate forecasts and reliable cashflow and payroll reconciliations so heads and academy staff can make confident budget decisions. You will work day-to-day with academy colleagues while reporting to the Trust Management Accountant and Chief Finance Officer.

What you'll be doing

• Produce clear, accurate monthly management accounts and reports for assigned academies.
• Maintain and monitor academy budgets, updating forecasts and advising academy leaders on budgetary implications.
• Prepare and support the annual budget process and any in-year re-forecasts.
• Monitor and maintain cashflow, administer payment runs and ensure a positive cash position.
• Support monthly payroll administration by investigating and reconciling payroll reports prior to payment.
• Ensure all statutory reporting deadlines and internal timetables are met.
• Work collaboratively with academy staff to embed effective financial procedures and controls.

What we're looking for

Essential:

• Formal accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIPFA, CIMA, AAT) or equivalent experience.
• Practical experience of accounting processes including sales order and invoice processing and month/year end procedures.
• Strong numerical accuracy and the ability to produce clear management information on tight timescales.
• Good communication skills with the ability to build working relationships across finance and academy teams.

Desirable:

• Experience working within a school, academy or multi-academy trust finance team.
• Familiarity with academy accounting systems and ESFA reporting requirements.

About the team or department

You will join TCAT’s central finance function and work alongside other Finance Managers, the Trust Management Accountant and the Chief Finance Officer. The team provides operational finance support across multiple academies, with a focus on timely reporting, strong internal controls and supporting academy leaders to manage their budgets effectively.

What we offer

• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Occupational sickness and parental leave pay schemes.
• Minimum 26 days annual leave (increasing to 31 days after 5 years’ service), plus bank holidays.
• Agile working (minimum 3 days per week on site, subject to work commitments).
• Access to TCAT+ Reward, Recognition and Wellbeing platform (retailer discounts, discounted healthcare cash plan, cycle to work scheme and wellbeing resources).
• Access to a comprehensive CPD framework through Education Connect and online resources from the National College.

About us

The Challenge Academy Trust is a multi-academy trust of 6 primary schools, 7 secondary schools and a 16-19 sixth form college, with over 11,000 students, 1,300 employees and revenue in excess of £90 million. Recognised by the Department for Education as a ‘strong’ trust, all academies are rated Good or better by Ofsted and the Trust has a record of clean audits, positive ESFA reviews and sound financial management.

The Challenge Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references, qualifications, experience checks, medical clearance, enhanced DBS checks, social media checks, and documentary evidence showing your entitlement to work in the UK.

How to Apply

To arrange a discussion about this opportunity with TCAT please contact David Halsall, Chief Finance Officer (d.halsall@tcat.uk.com).

Equal Opportunities

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer, and our employment policies, procedures and practices are regularly reviewed to ensure compliance with legislation. We are committed to creating a workplace culture that is inclusive, positive, and fair with opportunity for all.