Finance Manager (Projects)

Do you want to join a team that provides outstanding leadership, strategic direction and support to some of the best schools in the country? Do you want to play your part in delivering outstanding learning and teaching to young people in disadvantaged communities? If so, joining the Star team might just be the best career move you ever make.

About Star Central

Star Central, which is based at our head office in Blackburn, Lancashire, provides leadership, strategic direction and support to Star Academies, Star Institute and our schools.

The Star Central team includes experts from a range of professional backgrounds, who work together to provide an outstanding support service to the Star community. We support our schools to provide educational and operational excellence and to cultivate a strong Star community, with the aim of nurturing today's young people and inspiring tomorrow's leaders.

Who we're looking for

We are delighted to be looking to recruit a Finance Manager - Projects to provide financial leadership for new Free Schools that join the Trust. This post will be based in our main office in Blackburn with hybrid working arrangements in place. For an ambitious and proactive candidate this role is offering a starting salary of £56,918 + 28 days holiday + public holidays + Local Government Pension.

The successful candidate will provide financial leadership and management for new Free Schools that the Trust is opening or schools that maybe joining the Trust as part of a conversion. They will also lead on the development of financial operations and take responsibility for financial matters in all new Free schools or convertor academies prior to them opening or joining the Trust.

We are looking for a ACA, ACCA, CIMA/CGMA, CIPFA or equivalent qualified. It is essential you have worked within the Education or Not-for-Profit sector and ideally experience of working in a school or academy financial management role, or in a similar position working alongside schools i.e. working for the LA or the independent education sector, or as a qualified accountant.

You will have:

• Evidence of relevant continuous professional development.


• A minimum of three years of experience in financial management.


• Successful experience of working in a school or academy financial management role, or in a similar position working alongside schools i.e. working for the LA or the independent education sector, or as a qualified accountant.


• The ability to introduce and maintain effective and robust financial systems.


• The ability to analyse financial issues and to interpret complex information and to offer sound, reliable professional advice.


About Star Academies

Star Academies is a high-performing multi-academy trust that runs more than 30 primary and secondary schools. We are a values-based organisation that works to improve the life chances of young people in areas of social and economic deprivation to help them succeed at the highest levels of education, employment and the professions. Every single day you'll be rewarded with the opportunity to shape a young person's future - our STAR values embody what we believe is needed to succeed.

Professional development is key to our ongoing success, so we continually invest in our employees through our learning and development centre, Star Institute. With a wealth of training, mentoring and progression opportunities across a growing group of academies, joining our team of leading education experts could propel your career to the next level.

We can also offer you a range of rewards and benefits, including competitive salaries and pension schemes, generous holiday entitlements and healthcare cash plans.

Find out more

Please download the job description and person specification below for further information about the role. For an informal and confidential discussion about the role please contact Star Central by calling .

Key Dates

Closing Date: Friday, 31 May 2024 at midnight.

Interview Date: Week commencing 10 June 2024.

Proposed Start Date: Monday, 02 September 2024.

Application Process

To apply for this vacancy please use the 'Apply for job' link below. You should ensure your application form and supporting statement address all elements of the person specification. We will only consider candidates who meet the vast majority of the essential criteria outlined in the person specification.

Our Commitment

Star Academies is committed to safeguarding, safer recruitment and promoting the welfare of pupils. Our comprehensive recruitment and selection processes aim to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. Successful candidates are subject to rigorous pre-employment checks.

We are equally committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity. We aim for our workforce to be representative of society and that each employee feels respected and able to give their best. We are committed to providing equality and fairness in our recruitment and employment practices and not to discriminate on any grounds. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.


• Evidence of relevant continuous professional development.


• A minimum of three years of experience in financial management.


• Successful experience of working in a school or academy financial management role, or in a similar position working alongside schools i.e. working for the LA or the independent education sector, or as a qualified accountant.


• The ability to introduce and maintain effective and robust financial systems.


• The ability to analyse financial issues and to interpret complex information and to offer sound, reliable professional advice.
  
  Star Academies is a high-performing multi-academy trust that runs more than 30 primary and secondary schools. We are a values-based organisation that works to improve the life chances of young people in areas of social and economic deprivation to help them succeed at the highest levels of education, employment and the professions. Every single day you'll be rewarded with the opportunity to shape a young person's future - our STAR values embody what we believe is needed to succeed.


Professional development is key to our ongoing success, so we continually invest in our employees through our learning and development centre, Star Institute. With a wealth of training, mentoring and progression opportunities across a growing group of academies, joining our team of leading education experts could propel your career to the next level.

We can also offer you a range of rewards and benefits, including competitive salaries and pension schemes, generous holiday entitlements and healthcare cash plans.