Working Hours: 36 hours per week. 52 weeks. Permanent contract.
Annual Salary: SWAN Grade 10 to SWAN Grade 11, £48,698 to £55,486
The SWAN Trust is seeking a dynamic and highly motivated Finance Manager to join our central team, working closely with the Chief Finance Officer (CFO) to deliver high quality financial services across our 10 schools.
This role allows for Hybrid working, the main base will be in the Central Office based within Beaufort Primary School, Woking.
About the Role
This is an exciting new opportunity to take on a pivotal position within the Trust, supporting strong financial management, compliance and reporting. You will lead on financial analysis, oversee key processes and provide strategic insight and operational support to ensure resources are used effectively to support educational objectives.
Key responsibilities include:
- Lead financial reporting and analysis, including producing consolidated monthly management account with clear variance commentary.
- Drive the Trust’s budgeting and forecasting processes, including the annual 3-year forecasts, and scenario planning.
- Ensure compliance and financial control, maintaining adherence to the Academy Trust Handbook, ESFA requirements and internal policies.
- Provide strategic, financial support and guidance to Headteachers, senior leaders, and stakeholders to aid decision-making and accountability.
- Oversee financial operations, including cash flow management, procurement reporting and ensuring accurate and timely financial transactions.
- Manage and develop the finance team, including line management, mentoring and promoting continuous improvement across systems and processes.
We are looking for someone who:
- A qualified or part-qualified accountant (or equivalent experience)
- Strong financial management, reporting and analytical skills.
- A proactive, solutions-focused approach with high attention to detail.
- Experience leading or supporting teams and driving improvements.
- Experience working in the education or public sector is desirable but not essential
We can offer you:
- Hybrid working
- A friendly, professional and committed team with a strong ethos of working together
- Training as required
- Opportunity to work with staff and leaders across 10 schools
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Access to an Employee Assistance Programme
- A Cycle to Work Scheme
Application closing date: Monday 6th July 2026
Interview date: To be confirmed
Applications should be made using The SWAN Trust Application Form (CVs will not be accepted).
Please note that all applications will be considered upon receipt and for an exceptional candidate an appointment may be made before the closing date. Therefore, it is recommended that if you wish to apply for this position, you do so as soon as possible.
We look forward to receiving your application.
The SWAN Trust, a multi-academy trust which incorporates 10 schools within the Woking area. The schools work closely together and aim to support each other through purposeful collaboration that enhances educational opportunities and supports improvements in the quality of learning for all our children.
The SWAN Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to demonstrably share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. Shortlisted applicants will be required to supply details of any unspent convictions and conditional cautions and any spent convictions and adult cautions that are not protected (i.e., that are not filtered out) as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended). If you are appointed you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
The SWAN Trust welcomes applications from under represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.