Job Description

We can only accept full applications for this role, please visit our website Bridgschools.co.uk/vacancies to make an application

About this Role

We are looking for a proactive and professional

Finance Officer

to join our Multi-Academy Trust, supporting

15 thriving primary schools

.

Working closely with the

Chief Finance Officer

and the wider finance team, you will play a key role in delivering an efficient, accurate, and responsive finance service to our schools. This is a varied role where no two days are the same. You may be supporting budget monitoring and reporting, maintaining accurate financial records, assisting with payroll and pensions processes, responding to finance queries from schools, or helping colleagues make effective use of our finance systems.

You will also contribute to Trust-wide finance projects, including process improvements, system developments, and initiatives that help strengthen financial controls and support schools to operate efficiently.

We're looking for someone with practical finance experience who is confident working with financial data and systems, has strong attention to detail, and takes a solution-focused approach. You'll be personable, resilient, and able to build positive working relationships with school leaders and colleagues across the Trust.

In return, we offer:

A supportive and collaborative central finance team where your contribution is valued Hybrid working and

term-time working plus INSET+ 5 days

A wellbeing package, including access to an

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

If you enjoy working with numbers, improving processes, and making a real difference to schools through strong financial support, we'd love to hear from you.

Hours: 30-35 per week (negotiable)

Working weeks: 38 weeks + INSET + 5

Paid weeks: 45.999 per year (includes holiday entitlement)

Pay: 28410 - 32813 full-time equivalent

Actual salary 20,320 - 27381

About Bridge Schools Trust

Bridge Schools Trust is a family of schools across Cornwall, built on dedication and trust and united by a shared commitment to putting learning first.

Our values guide everything we do:

Creative in our approach to teaching and problem-solving Curious, always innovating and learning Responsible, accountable to our communities Enthusiastic, bringing energy and passion to every endeavour Excellent in our expectations and delivery Determined, rallying together to overcome challenges
By joining us, you will become part of a collaborative, supportive, and forward-thinking Trust where staff are valued, wellbeing is prioritised, and professional development is encouraged.

Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities

Bridge Schools Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, Social Media check, and satisfactory references.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.

If you have the drive and determination to enable every child to succeed, and wish to be part of a Trust that values creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement , we would love to hear from you.

Please submit your application as early as possible if you wish to apply, as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and we reserve the right to close this advert early dependant on the volume of applications received.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Reporting directly to the Chief Finance Officer, you will play a key role working within the central finance team which is responsible for providing all financial governance for the academies and their support functions (currently 15 in total). You will be responsible for maintaining 'PS Financials' accounting systems and will provide key management information in line with reporting periods. You will work closely with the Financial Controller and Chief Finance officer to ensure compliance, and to ensure accuracy and integrity of systems, processes, and data. You will also be responsible for managing budgets, controlling assets, calculating accruals, liaising with suppliers/creditors, and supporting the audit process in order to achieve financial objectives across multiple sites. Finance management is a key component in ensuring the best educational outcomes for each school, teacher, and pupil across the Trust.

Key Responsibilities

1. Assist with month-end and year-end processes, including preparing and posting journals such as payroll, accruals to support accurate financial reporting.

2. Supporting the Chief Finance Officer with the preparation and distribution of monthly forecasts and annual budgets.

3. Support schools in monitoring and recovering outstanding ParentPay balances in line with Trust policy.

4. Complete bank and balance sheet reconciliations, investigating and resolving discrepancies promptly to maintain robust financial control.

5. Process income and sales ledger transactions, including raising invoices, posting income, and resolving invoice queries.

6. Monitor aged debtors and creditors reports, escalating issues and supporting timely resolution.

7. Provide financial services administration, liaising with banks, insurance providers, auditors, and regulatory bodies to ensure efficiency and compliance.

8. Ensure all financial processes comply with HMRC, ESFA requirements, the Academy Trust Handbook, and Trust financial policies and procedures.

9. Prepare audit schedules and supporting documentation for internal and external audits and support the implementation of agreed audit action plans.

10. Produce accurate financial records and reports, undertake analysis, and provide findings, feedback, and recommendations to management.

11. Monitor expenditure against approved budgets, highlighting variances and potential risks to the Chief Finance Officer

12. Maintain the Trust's fixed asset register, including recording additions and disposals and calculating annual depreciation.

13. Maintain accurate finance system data, including supplier records, cost centre structures, and approval hierarchies.

14. Support finance system testing, upgrades, and data cleansing during system changes, new module implementation, or Trust expansion.

15. Support academy leaders and budget holders by preparing financial reports, explaining data, and responding to finance-related queries

16. To assist with the training and mentoring of academy administration staff in relation to finance policies, procedures, and processes, including integration of new academies joining the Trust

17. Contribute to finance projects and process improvement initiatives, providing input within own area of expertise.

18. Provide cover for colleagues during periods of absence, ensuring continuity of key finance functions.

19. Ensure documentation and audit trails are complete, accessible, and compliant with ESFA requirements.

Person Specification Desirable/ Essential

Qualifications and Training

GCSE (or equivalent) in Maths and English, Grade C/4 or above

E

AAT Level 3 qualified/Part qualified (or equivalent)

D

Evidence of continual professional development

D

Experience

Experience in a finance administration, accounts or finance officer role

E

A solid understanding of financial administration within the public sector or a similarly regulated environment (education desirable)

D

Experience completing reconciliations, journals (accruals/prepayments), and preparing financial reports

D

Experience of operating PS Financials or similar accounting systems to provide accurate key data for reporting purposes.

D

Experience supporting budget holders or non-finance staff with financial information. Experience supporting audits by preparing schedules/evidence

D

Experience of using Microsoft Office Packages, including Excel

E

Knowledge and Skills

Strong understanding of financial controls, documentation, and audit requirements

E

Ability to analyse financial information and provide clear findings or recommendations

E

Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately

E

Ability to prioritise workload, meet deadlines, and work effectively under pressure during financial cycles

E

Ability to work independently, using initiative, while contributing positively to a team

E

Strong organisational skills and the ability to maintain accurate records and management information systems

E

Problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify issues and contribute to improvements

E

Proactively look to streamline processes to improve service delivery, and to improve efficiency

E

Personal Qualities

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and able to build effective working relationships within the Trust, across agencies, and in the wider community

E

Adaptable, proactive, and willing to learn new systems and processes

E

Resilient, reliable, and able to work in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities

E

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: 28,410.00-32,813.00 per year

Expected hours: 30 - 35 per week

Benefits:

Additional leave Company pension Free parking Health & wellbeing programme Sick pay
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Bodmin PL31 2RQ