We are delighted to partnering exclusively with STAR Academies to recruit a Finance Manager - Projects to provide financial leadership for new Free Schools that join the Trust. This post will be based in their main office in Blackburn. For an ambitious and proactive candidate this role is offering a starting salary of £56,918 + 28 days holiday + public holidays + LG Pension (c16% employer contributions) + hybrid working.

Star Academies is a mixed Multi-Academy Trust that runs a diverse network of primary and secondary schools. The organisation currently has 33 free schools and academies, £171m t/o, with over 3500 employees.

They are a values-based organisation, committed to enhancing social mobility. All their efforts are geared towards raising the aspirations of children and young people in areas of social and economic deprivation to improve their life chances and help them succeed at the highest levels of education, employment and the professions.

Star Academies is one of the country's leading education providers, and their schools promote excellence in everything they do. In every school, the entire staff team - working in partnership with parents and the local community - is committed to nurturing today's young people and inspiring tomorrow's leaders.

Their schools work together as Star Partnerships in five cluster areas - Lancashire, Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, the Midlands and London. Schools within the Partnerships collaborate to share expertise and maximise opportunities and experiences for our pupils.

Finance Manager - Projects:

Provide financial leadership and management for new Free Schools that the Trust is opening or schools that maybe joining the Trust as part of a conversion.
Lead the development of financial operations and take responsibility for financial matters in all new Free schools or academies prior to them opening or joining the Trust.
Assume responsibility for financial compliance, budget preparation, financial reporting, audit preparation, and financial systems and processes for new free schools or academies, as well as other areas of work commensurate with the purpose of the post.
Provide specific expertise in long-term financial management, ensuring that all of the new Free schools or academies meet the requirements set out by the Department for Education (DfE) and Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and comply with their statutory obligations.
Work with the Chief Executive and Chris Financial Officer to prepare annual budgets and long term financial forecasts for each of the new Free schools or academies, managing day-to-day operational spend.
Work closely with the Star Central Projects team, ensuring compliance with financial procedures, including the purchasing of services and the preparation and monitoring of individual school budgets.
Promote best practice by ensuring that new Free schools or academies comply with the financial processes and procedures set out in the policies of the Multi-Academy Trust and Academies Financial Handbook.

Finance Manager - Projects:

You will be ACA, ACCA, CIMA/CGMA, CIPFA or equivalent qualified. Please note, part-qualified working towards qualifications will be considered.
It is essential you have worked within the Education or Not-for-Profit sector.
Successful experience of working in a school or academy financial management role, or in a similar position working alongside schools i.e. working for the LA or the independent education sector, or as a qualified accountant.
At least 3 year's experience working within financial management.
Outstanding communication skills; ability to communicate effectively at CEO, Principal, senior staff and Chair of Governors level and to liaise effectively with internal and external auditors, as well as Government agencies.
Experience of producing and presenting complex management accounts.
Knowledge of VAT and PAYE regulations.
Ability to drive organisational change.
Experience managing large and complex budgets.
Strong knowledge of financial charity regulations.
Excellent financial planning skills.
Ability to mentor and train members of staff.

Finance Manager - Projects:

£56,918 to £62,616.
28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays.
Local Government Pension (employer contributes c16%).
Hybrid working - 3 days on-site in Blackburn / 2 days at home.
Flexible working hours.
37 hours per week.
Reduced hours considered.
Free parking at the Blackburn office.
CPD Allowance, inclusive of study support package beyond probation period.

EA First Ltd are acting as an Employment Agency for this permanent vacancy.