Finance Manager

Goodman Masson are partnered with a highly respected, award-winning Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) in North London to find a skilled and proactive Finance Manager.

Education over 2,500 pupils across a close-knit family of primary and secondary schools, our client is dedicated to providing life-changing opportunities within vibrant, diverse communities. Recently recognised nationally for their exceptional educational outcomes and community outreach, they provide a highly collaborative and supportive central services team environment where your work directly impacts the success of young people.

As the Finance Manager, you will support the monitoring and control of Trust spend, working closely with the Finance Director to successfully manage budgets and incoming resources, whilst delivering the highest standards of customer service to the academies in the Trust and other stakeholders.

You will be responsible for the day-to-day finance transactions, including banking, management accounts review and reconciliation, debtor management and reporting, and the administration and development of the finance system. This includes close working with the Accounts Payable team to ensure robust financial control, compliance and efficiency across all academies within the Trust.

You will provide a stable, flexible and resilient service that supports leadership in delivering value for money and strong financial stewardship across all income streams received by the Trust.

• Financial Control & Accounting:
  Lead month-end close procedures, balance sheet reconciliations, and correction journals. Maintain the fixed asset register and calculate annual depreciation in line with academy financial reporting standards.
• Budgeting & Income Management:
  Partner with the Finance Director to advise academy budget holders, manage self-generated income streams (including debt management/reporting), and oversee compliance for the 6th form bursary payment process.
• Cash & Compliance:
  Direct daily banking reconciliations, cash-flow forecasting, and monthly VAT 126 return submissions to HMRC.
• Systems & Operational Support:
  Act as the super-user and administrator for the Trust's finance system providing training to staff and stepping in to support the Accounts Payable team during peak periods.
• Procurement:
  Oversee the Trust's centralised contract register to support timely renewals, compliance with procurement policy, and value-for-money principles.
• Audit & Governance:
  Assist in the preparation of monthly management accounts and support the internal scrutiny and external annual audit processes by providing clean evidence.
• Academy Partnering:
  Spend time out at the local academy sites to assist with school trip costings, build visibility, and strengthen financial understanding across the school.

• Sector
  
  Experience:
  
  Prior finance experience within an educational setting, academy trust, local authority, or the wider public/not-for-profit sector is highly desirable but not essential.
• Technical Strength: A strong foundation in management accounts preparation, balance sheet reconciliations, and financial control frameworks.
• System Savvy:
  Excellent IT skills, particularly with modern finance software/ERP systems, and the ability to train/support other users.
• Communication
  
  Skills:
  
  The ability to explain complex financial matters clearly to academic leaders and senior trustees who may not have a finance background.
• Flexibility: A collaborative mindset with a willingness to travel to different academy locations in North London as required.

The Salary range is £45-£53 + Excellent benefits including Local Government Pension Scheme.

You will be predominately based in the trust's Head Office (Edmonton / Enfield area) with some travel to the academy sites which are local to the office.