Unfortunately we cannot accept CVs. Please contact Anna Fisher (CFO) at [email protected] for an application form or a further discussion on the role.
Location: Head Office Twickenham. The post holder is expected to work flexibly across Trust schools as required.
Contract details: 36 hours per week but part-time applicants will be considered (minimum 3 days). 52 week contract with 23 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays. Fixed term contract initially for 2 years.
Salary: Starting salary will be agreed based on skills and experience but likely to be in the range of £41,131-£45,750 FTE (ACAT, central scale range 9 - 10). Pay award pending.
Closing date: 12pm, 29th May 2026
Are you a proactive finance professional who thrives on variety and is eager to grow within a dynamic educational environment? Ascension Catholic Academy Trust (ACAT) is seeking an intelligent and versatile individual to join our Central Team.
Key responsibilities will include supporting central finance tasks and providing support as a school business partner support to our schools and subsidiary company to include:
- Budget monitoring, reporting and reforecasts
- Consolidation and management reporting packs
- Benchmarking and analysis
- Investment and cash flow management
- Accruals and prepayments
- VAT accounting and returns
- Monthly payroll review and submission
- Other DFE returns and reporting
- Capital project accounting and control
- Other ad hoc projects
You will work closely with the ACAT finance manager and key stakeholders in each school providing support where required and ensuring that deadlines are met and that financial plans align with strategic objectives and budgets. Specific responsibilities will also be allocated within our secondary schools.
With a new Diocesan vision recently announced for academy trusts, we anticipate this role will evolve, offering a variety of exciting opportunities for someone ready to embrace change and lead with initiative.
The ideal candidate will be a solutions-focused enthusiastic self-starter who brings unshakeable optimism and a ‘can-do’ spirit to our collaborative team. As a proactive professional with an eye for detail, you don’t just manage multiple tasks; you master them with a commitment to excellence and a genuine hunger for continuous improvement. If you are a dedicated team player who views every challenge as an opportunity to shine and is eager to progress, we want your energy to help us drive our schools and young people forward.
This role demands a strong commercial focus emphasising the delivery of best value for schools, identifying new income opportunities and ensuring cost effectiveness in a challenging funding environment.
If you are passionate about education and are ready to take on a new challenge, we want to hear from you. Join our team and make a real difference in the lives of our students and staff.
Qualifications, experience and attributes:
- Relevant accounting qualification (ACA, CIMA, CIPFA); part-qualified candidates and graduates with a relevant degree will also be considered.
- Previous experience in finance roles, ideally within the education sector or a similar organisation.
- Sound financial management skills, including budget development, monitoring, and financial analysis.
- An excellent knowledge of Excel / Google sheets and use of finance systems and a willingness to learn and develop in this area.
- Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire others to achieve shared goals.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- Knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations, and standards related to estate management, health and safety, and environmental sustainability.
- Commitment to the values and mission of ACAT, with a focus on promoting educational excellence and improving outcomes for students.
- Strong organisational abilities with strong attention to detail
- A proactive approach to ensure best practice with a commitment to continuous professional development.
Why Join ACAT?
We offer a supportive and attractive working culture that prioritises your wellbeing and professional journey.
- Flexibility: We offer flexible location arrangements across our Trust schools.
- Professional Development: We are committed to ensuring you are professionally developed.
- Wellbeing: Access to a free employee wellbeing service, including an online GP and physiotherapy appointments.
Safeguarding Note: Ascension CAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants will undergo appropriate child protection screening, including DBS and past employer checks. As part of our safer recruitment process, we conduct online searches of publicly available information for all shortlisted applicants.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: £41,131.00-£45,750.00 per year
Benefits:
- Bereavement leave
- Canteen
- Company events
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Enhanced maternity leave
- Enhanced paternity leave
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
- Work from home
Work Location: In person
