Senior Finance Officer – Systems and Process

Based in Guildford, Surrey

Salary: LPT Grade 7, £34,970 - £37,274 per annum

Actual Salary: £23,236 - £25,066 per annum (pro-rata) based on 25 hours per week, term time only (43 weeks per year).

Hours: 25 hours per week

Working pattern: Monday to Friday (hours can be worked over 4 days), term time + 4 weeks (43 weeks per year)

Job overview

Join Learning Partners Academy Trust's Central Finance Team as our Senior Finance Officer – Systems and Process and play a pivotal role in developing and enhancing the systems and processes that underpin effective financial management across the Trust. Working closely with schools, budget holders and central teams, you will act as the Trust’s specialist for finance, purchasing and budget systems, ensuring data integrity, robust controls and efficient processes that support informed decision-making and high-quality financial reporting.

This is an exciting opportunity for a finance professional with a passion for systems, data and continuous improvement. As well as leading on finance system administration, development and process enhancements, you will contribute to a broad range of finance activities, gaining valuable exposure to operational and management finance. The role offers the chance to shape the future of the Trust’s finance function, drive efficiencies through innovation and technology, and make a meaningful impact on the services we provide to our schools and communities.

The Role

Reporting to the Finance Transformation Manager, you will:

• Oversee and develop the Trust's finance systems and processes, ensuring finance, purchasing and budget systems are effectively managed, continuously improved and support high-quality financial management, reporting and decision-making.

• Provide specialist expertise, support and training to schools and central teams, maintaining data integrity, strong financial controls and compliance while driving efficiencies through system development, automation and process improvement.

• Contribute to the delivery of a high-quality finance service through financial reporting, analysis, month-end and year-end activities, supporting budget holders and helping to develop colleagues, policies and working practices across the Trust.

(Please see the job description for full details on the role)

You will have:

• You will be a detail focused and proactive individual with experience working in a finance or systems based environment, where accuracy, controls and data integrity are essential.

• You will bring strong problem solving and analytical skills, confidence supporting colleagues with system or finance queries, and the ability to explain technical concepts clearly to non technical users.

• You will be very comfortable using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and able to work collaboratively and independently in a busy environment. 

• Experience of finance, ERP or purchasing systems, and experience within a school, Multi Academy Trust or public sector setting, would be an advantage.

About Learning Partners 

Learning Partners Academy Trust is a thriving and growing Multi Academy Trust (MAT) built on strong partnership and collaboration. Our family of schools work closely together to share expertise, support one another, and deliver the very best outcomes for every child.

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying for this exciting role, please use the links provided to access the full job description and person specification and apply online.

Please note, your application will take you to our ATS system (SAMpeople Recruit). You will be required to enter your details again to fully complete your application process.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss this role further, please contact Lisa Wilde, lwilde@ learningpartners,org

Closing date: Tuesday 7th July

Important Information

· The closing date given is a guide only. There may be some occasions where we close a vacancy due to a high a volume of applications being received. It is therefore advisable that you submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

· When completing the application form please ensure that you clearly evidence your relevant skills and experience in relation to the requirements detailed in the job description. 

· Please ensure you check your emails regularly as this is how we will communicate with you throughout the recruitment process.