Are you an ambitious qualified accountant looking for your next career move in the education sector?
Your opportunity
The Senior Finance Manager will work as part of the finance team, led by the Regional Finance Partner, to deliver an expert service to our schools. We are looking for an exceptional individual to provide Finance Leadership to the Regional Finance Partner to help identify financial improvements and deliver a sustainable budget. They will also undertake direct line management within the finance team. In addition, the successful candidate will be expected to provide ad-hoc support when needed by the Regional Finance Partner, and will oversee tasks including:
- managing the delivery of the monthly management reports to Headteachers
- preparing and monitoring budgets & forecast
- overseeing transactional processing within the academies
- liaising with school-based colleagues as required
- Oversight of a Trust Wide finance improvement project
We are looking for someone to work 36 hours a week, 43 weeks of the year (term time plus 4 weeks).
You may wish to work part of your hours from home or be fully based in our regional office at de Stafford, Caterham, or Southgate Primary School, Crawley. In all cases, regular visits to our schools within this region will be necessary.
What we are looking for
- Qualified Accountant or Part qualified with significant relevant experience
- Leadership and development of staff experience
- Experience of producing management accounts using financial systems
- Ideally experience of working within the education or charity sector
- Forecasting and Partnering with Budget Holders
- Experience of producing regular forecasts
Join the GLF Schools Community
As a part of GLF Schools, you will join a community of staff dedicated to transforming education. With regular progression discussions, there will be a wealth of opportunities for you to grow your career, whether in one of our 43 academies or in our central team.
- A growing Multi Academy Trust with over 2,500 colleagues and over 19,000 pupils
- Founded upon the values of Respect, Inclusivity, Integrity and Kindness
- 43 primary and secondary schools across 7 Local Authority areas across the south of England
- We work as a community whilst ensuring each school maintains its own unique identity
- Committed to ensuring all children and young people receive the best possible education
Our Employment Offer
GLF Schools has a generous employment offer, which allows all our colleagues to Grow, Learn and Flourish
- Access to our highly competitive Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexible working options
- Generous holiday allowance
- Work life and family friendly policies
- Employee wellbeing initiatives
- Career pathways and talent management
- Access to a staff benefits portal
- Community and collaboration working model
The Details
Salary: Leadership 1 - £47,160
Pro-rata salary: £44,732.65
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 36 hrs a week, 43 weeks a year (term time plus 4 weeks)
Base Location: de Stafford, Caterham or Southgate Primary School, Crawley
Closing Date: 18th October 2026
Interview Date: 22nd October 2026 (please note the quick turnaround between close date and interview date - please ensure you are fully available on the interview day)
Safeguarding Statement:
At GLF Schools, the safety and wellbeing of children and young people is our top priority. We are fully committed to safeguarding and expect everyone who works or volunteers with us to share that commitment. All roles are subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
We understand that life is busy and that flexibility matters. That’s why we’re happy to explore flexible working arrangements that help you balance your professional and personal commitments.
GLF Schools is proud to celebrate the rich diversity of our schools and communities. We’re building a culture where:
- Everyone is respected and valued.
- Discrimination is never tolerated.
- Equity and fairness are at the heart of everything we do.
- Staff, children, and students are safe to express their identities.
We believe that diversity strengthens our organisation and our community. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from groups that are underrepresented in our workforce. This includes, but is not limited to, people from diverse ethnic backgrounds, trans and non-binary individuals, people of all ages, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people of all faiths and beliefs.
To help us manage applications efficiently:
- We may close this vacancy early if we receive a strong response, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
- We may also interview shortlisted candidates before the official closing date.
In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance, we will carry out an online search and request references for all shortlisted candidates. Shortlisted candidates will also be required to complete a self-declaration form. You will have the opportunity in the application form to confirm if you would prefer referees to be contacted after your interview.
