Unfortunately we cannot accept CVs. Please contact Anna Fisher (CFO) at [email protected] for an application form or further details of the role.
Contract details: 36 hours per week. 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.
Location: Head Office Twickenham. The post holder is expected to work flexibly across Trust schools as required.
Salary: Competitive starting salary will be agreed based on skills and experience but likely to be in the range of £28,221 - £29,855 FTE (ACAT central scale range 1 - 3). Pay award pending.
Closing date: 12pm, 29th May 2026
Do you thrive on variety and seek to grow within a dynamic educational environment?Ascension Catholic Academy Trust (ACAT) is seeking an intelligent and versatile graduate / trainee 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.
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:
- Graduate or educated to at least A level standard with qualifications that are transferable to a finance role.
- Work experience in finance roles is an advantage but not essential.
- A good knowledge of Excel / Google sheets and a willingness to learn and develop in this area.Strong organisational abilities with strong attention to detail.
- A proactive approach to ensure best practice with a commitment to continuous professional development.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- Commitment to the values and mission of ACAT, with a focus on promoting educational excellence and improving outcomes for students.
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. This will include financial support toward an appropriate accountancy qualification. To be discussed further at interview.
- 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: £28,221.00-£29,855.00 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
