Finance Officer

If you are interested in this role, please read the 'How to Apply' section

Are you a detail orientated individual looking to grow your career in finance? Do you want to make a difference in the education sector? The Rowan Learning Trust are seeking to appoint a dedicated Finance Officer to join our dynamic central team. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to work within a supportive team environment and contribute to the success and stability of our Trust.

About us

The Rowan Learning Trust is a multi\-academy trust based in the North\-West of England. Our trust is currently made up of 12 schools based cross Wigan, Bury, Knowsley, Lancashire and Cheshire West \& Chester. Our trust is built on the firm belief that everyone can reach their full potential wherever they are in our community.

We are an education charity. Our schools work collaboratively, as one entity, to improve and maintain high educational standards across the whole organisation. We are built on a foundation of strong values that underpin our philosophy: Kindness, Respect and Integrity.

The role: Finance Officer
Location: Goose Green, Wigan, Greater Manchester
Working hours: 37 hours per week
Grade: Grade 6 (SCP 14\-20\)
Salary: £30,515 \-£33,673

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Management

• Manage purchase and income ledgers, ensuring accurate processing of invoices, orders, supplier payments, income receipts, and staff expenses.


• Administer BACS payment runs, credit card transactions, petty cash, and weekly banking activities in line with financial procedures.


• Monitor budgets and cash flows for school trips and activities, highlighting potential cost recovery issues.


• Support efficient financial operations by maintaining accurate financial records and controls.

• Complete monthly bank and petty cash reconciliations, investigating and resolving discrepancies.


• Prepare monthly VAT returns and ensure compliance with HMRC regulations.


• Support month\-end procedures, including accruals, prepayments, accounting schedules, and finance checklists.


• Reconcile supplier and customer accounts, monitor outstanding commitments, and ensure ledgers remain accurate and up to date.


• Provide financial information and documentation for internal and external audits.

• Act as the main point of contact for suppliers, schools, staff, and internal stakeholders to resolve financial queries and maintain positive working relationships.


• Liaise with schools regarding trips, events, music provision, charitable funds, and associated income collection and banking.


• Support colleagues managing cashless payment systems and provide financial guidance where required.


• Escalate financial issues and concerns to senior finance management as appropriate.


• Participate in meetings, training, and collaborative activities to support the Trust's objectives.

• Maintain accurate financial records by processing supplier requests, invoices, income transactions, expenses, and banking entries in a timely manner.


• Ensure compliance with financial regulations, internal procedures, VAT requirements, debt management policies, and audit standards.


• Adhere to policies relating to safeguarding, health and safety, confidentiality, data protection, and equal opportunities.


• Undertake general finance administration duties and contribute to continuous improvement of financial processes.


• Maintain professional development and support the wider aims, values, and ethos of the Trust.

Essential skills and experience

• English \& Maths GCSE Grade C or equivalent


• Previous financial background with knowledge of financial banking procedures including accounts and bank reconciliation.


• Prior knowledge of purchase and sales orders and invoices.


• Good communication skills that meet our expectations both orally and written.


• Ability to work under pressure and accurately to deadlines as well as internally and externally set performance indicators.


• A professional approach that meets our expectations.


• Excellent organisational skills.


• Methodical approach to tasks with a keen eye for detail


• Ability to prioritise and successfully complete a range of tasks to targets and deadlines.


• Enthusiasm for the work and commitment to complete demanding tasks.


• Flexibility in the day to day working pattern


• Ability to develop and implement new procedures.


• Willingness and ability to undertake further qualification (if necessary) and training for development in the post.


• Excellent record of attendance and punctuality.


• The ability to organise workload.


• The ability to work as a member of a team.


• The ability to work independently without direct supervision.


• The ability to maintain confidentiality.


• Sense of humour


• An empathy with children

• Experience of creating and updating financial spreadsheets.


• Working knowledge of IT packages used for the preparation and presentation of statistical and financial data.


• Experience of Local Government in a financial environment.


• Working knowledge of education finance software

• Be part of a Trust that is dedicated to making a difference for its students and staff


• This is an impactful role \- you will play a vital part in supporting our schools and helping to make a difference in education


• Every day is different, with a range of challenges to keep you engaged


• Local government pension scheme with generous employer contribution rates


• Support for further qualifications and your CPD


• A network of staff for sharing best practices


• A growing organisation with plenty of future career development opportunities

Due to safer recruitment practices, we can only accept applications from candidates who have completed our application form. The application form, job description and person specification can be found on The Rowan Learning Trust website in the VACANCIES section. *We will not accept applications from candidates who haven't completed this.*

If you have any questions, please contact Rebecca Worthington, Human Resources Officer (r.worthington@rlt.education).

Please ensure that applications are submitted by 11\.59pm on Wednesday 16th September 2026\. Interview date TBC, start date as soon as possible.

The Rowan Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. References will be taken up for all shortlisted candidates prior to interview. The successful applicant will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS Disclosure.

Job Types: Full\-time, Permanent

Pay: £15\.82\-£17\.45 per hour

Benefits:

• Bereavement leave


• Company pension


• Enhanced maternity leave


• Free parking


• Health \& wellbeing programme


• On\-site parking


• Sick pay

• Wigan, Greater Manchester: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

• GCSE or equivalent (preferred)

• United Kingdom (preferred)

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