Warrington, Cheshire 37 hours per week, permanent £47,754 to £50,788 (TCAT Grade 10 – NJC SCP 38 to 41) The Challenge Academy Trust (TCAT) is a multi-academy trust made of up 6 primary schools, 7 secondary schools and a 16-19 sixth form college, with over 11,000 students, 1,300 employees and revenue in excess of £90 million. Recognised by the Department for Education as a ‘strong’ trust, we are proud of the current financial and educational health of the trust. All of our academies are rated ‘Good’ or better by Ofsted and we are a trust that is financially secure and fully compliant, with a record of clean audits, positive ESFA reviews and a healthy surplus linked to a strong investment strategy. Reporting to the Chief Finance Officer (CFO) and jointly managing our team of Finance Managers, this is a vital role in supporting our academies through the effective and efficient management of financial resources and the production of timely, accurate monthly management reports. You will also be heavily involved in the preparation of group VAT returns, submission third party payments, central and inters trust transactions, statutory returns and support the CFO in the preparation of the Trusts annual financial accounts. We are a forward thinking, vibrant and rapidly growing trust and our people are key to our continued growth and success. This is an exciting time to join our trust To arrange a discussion about this opportunity with TCAT please contact Melissa Alexander, TCAT Development Lead by telephone (01925 971827) or email (m.alexandertcat.uk.com). Key Responsibilities: Provide accurate, robust data and information to support analytical work within Trust academies and other business activities as directed. Adhere to the period/year-end financial closure deadlines including the preparation of the Group VAT return and provide assistance in the production of other statutory reports to be published and submitted by the Trust. Lead on the short-term budget planning for the Trust and provide support to the Finance Managers in preparing short term budgets and medium term financial forecasts each financial year. Identify potential improvements to processes and procedures to improve efficiency and control ensuring these are discussed, approved and implemented in a considered way. To supervise the work of the Finance Managers and support the supervision of the academy-based finance staff. Qualifications, Experience & Skills: Formal accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIPFA, CIMA, AAT) or qualified through experience. A minimum of 3 years’ experience of working within finance and accounting within the last 5 years. Significant experience of management accounting in a high compliance environment. Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. Ability to motivate team members to ensure high performance, taking responsibility for own and other professional development. Why Join Us? Be part of a forward-thinking and ambitious Trust with a strong commitment to educational and operational excellence. Opportunity to shape the financial future of a growing organisation. Collaborative and supportive working environment. Opportunities for professional development and career progression. To apply, visit our website by clicking "Apply Now" Recruitment Timetable: The closing date for applications is noon on 07 February 2025. Terms and Benefits Eligible for membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme. Occupational sickness and parental leave pay schemes, A minimum of 26 days annual leave (increasing to 31 days after 5 years eservice), in additional to bank holidays Agile working opportunities (minimum 3 days per week on site, subject to work commitments). Access to TCAT our Reward, Recognition and Wellbeing platform, including access to retailer discounts and benefits, discounted healthcare cash plan, cycle to work scheme and online resources to support physical, emotional, professional, financial and social wellbeing. Access to a comprehensive CPD framework though ‘Education Connect’, our professional development arm, and online resources from the ‘National College’. The Challenge Academy Trust is committed to promoting the safeguarding and welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are made subject to an Enhanced DBS check. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer, and our employment policies, procedures and practices are regularly reviewed to ensure compliance with legislation. We are committed to creating a workplace culture that is inclusive, positive, and fair with opportunity for all.