Trust Business Manager – Grade 5
Location: Ipswich, Suffolk
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time
Hours: 37 hours per week, 52.143 weeks per year
Salary: £32,597–£35,412 (Grade 5, Points 20–24)
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced and organised Trust Business Manager to provide senior business support across up to three schools, with some central trust responsibilities.
You will work closely with Headteachers, the Chief Finance and Resources Officer (CFRO), governors and school staff. The role involves managing finances, HR and payroll processes, administration and premises-related budgets.
Key Responsibilities
Finance
- Prepare and monitor school budgets and forecasts.
- Produce monthly management reports and financial information.
- Monitor spending and help prevent overspending.
- Manage financial transactions, invoices, income and reconciliations.
- Ensure trust financial procedures and deadlines are met.
- Support cashflow forecasting and weekly BACS runs.
- Attend meetings with finance governors and trust colleagues.
HR & Payroll
- Maintain accurate staff contract and cost information.
- Support payroll processing, reconciliations and year-end procedures.
- Process staff contract changes.
Administration & Premises
- Oversee purchasing and ordering processes.
- Support school lettings and administrative services such as meals and clubs.
- Review procedures and suggest improvements.
- Support estates budgets and liaise with site staff.
- Maintain confidential records and support Headteachers as required.
What We’re Looking For
You should have:
- Strong financial, organisational and administrative skills.
- Good literacy, numeracy and IT skills.
- The ability to manage your own workload and solve problems independently.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to handle sensitive situations with tact.
- Flexibility to learn new systems and processes.
- A willingness to travel between schools when required.
Experience of academy finance or working in a school environment would be an advantage.
Pay: £32,500.00-£35,400.00 per year
Application question(s):
Experience:
- School Business Manager: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:
Work Location: In person
