Hours of work: 32.5
Working pattern: Part-time, term-time only
(As the position is part-time/term-time only, the above salary will be pro rata)
Closing date: Monday 01 June 2026
For more information and to apply for the above post, please contact:
Mulberry Baird Primary and Mulberry Silverdale Primary
Parker Road
Hastings
East Sussex
TN34 3TH
Phone: 01424 425670
Email: ***email_hidden***
Website:
Please note, we do not accept CVs.
Contract: Permanent
Mulberry Baird Primary and Mulberry Silverdale Primary have an exciting opportunity for a Finance Assistant to join our dynamic team.
You will lead and manage Mulberry Silverdale Primary & Mulberry Baird Primary school’s financial operations, ensuring effective budgeting under the direction of the Principal and Director of Finance MST, on accurate financial reporting and full compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements. The Finance Officer supports the Principal and governing body in making informed financial decisions, ensuring that resources are used efficiently to support high-quality education and improved outcomes for pupils. The role works closely alongside the Business Manager (HR and Operations Lead) to ensure a coordinated approach to staffing, payroll, resource planning and the efficient day-to-day running of the school’s support functions.
We are seeking someone who:
* Has a relevant qualification in business management, finance, or administration (or equivalent experience)
* Experience of financial management and budget planning.
* Strong organisational and skills.
* Understanding of health and safety and compliance requirements.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
* Ability to work strategically and operationally.
* Ability to work under pressure in the academy environment
* Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
* A cooperative, flexible and adaptable approach; an excellent team-worker
* Knowledge of school funding and financial systems (e.g. local authority funding)
To lead and manage Mulberry Silverdale Primary & Mulberry Baird Primary school’s financial operations, ensuring effective budgeting under the direction of the Principal and Director of Finance MST, on accurate financial reporting and full compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements. The Finance Officer supports the Principal and governing body in making informed financial decisions, ensuring that resources are used efficiently to support high-quality education and improved outcomes for pupils. The role works closely alongside the Business Manager (HR and Operations Lead) to ensure a coordinated approach to staffing, payroll, resource planning and the efficient day-to-day running of the school’s support functions.
Key accountability
Financial Management
* to have day to day responsibility for the financial affairs of the two schools.
* Preparation and development of monthly management accounts and reporting, budget holder reporting and overall reporting on the financial state of the accounts to the CEO, CFO and Governors as requested.
* Supporting the CFO and Director of Finance with the preparation of the Trust’s annual budgets including, as required, attending budget setting and review meetings with Principalsand key finance staff in academies in the trust.
* Responsibility for the management of the relevant school accounting function, ensuring their efficient operation according to agreed procedures, maintaining those procedures.
* Support the CFO and Director of Finance in the preparation of financial and statistical returns for the DFE within the statutory / regulatory deadlines.
* As directed by the CFO and/or Director of Finance, liaise with both internal and external auditors regarding periodic and annual audits, the accounts and other financial returns. To include the preparation and maintenance of supporting schedules for financial returns.
* Providing guidance, training and support to all school staff on financial matters.
Financial Control
* Ensuring compliance with the trust’s financial regulations and procedures. These are in accordance with the Academy Trust Handbook.
* Ensuring all financial reconciliations are undertaken in a timely manner, in accordance with the agreed annual finance planning timetable.
* Ensuring that resources for all activities are effectively provided and deployed appropriately. Maintain accurate financial information and ensure that procedures for managing and monitoring funding from external bodies are followed.
* Regular monitoring of monthly and annual salaries for all staff across the schools, including additional payments.
* Responsibility for the security of all moneys handled in the schools, ensuring that accurate records are kept.
* Managing income generation, including the letting of the schools’ facilities, establishing contracts with local and national business, charitable organisations and grant making bodies.
* Ensure that all financial transactions are processed timely and accurately via the Trust’s financial system.
* Ensuring full awareness of changes in financial regulations and undertaking any necessary training to ensure that the best financial practices are followed, and compliance maintained.
Contract management
* Maintain the contracts register for the schools, tracking key milestones, expiration dates, and obligations.
* Supporting the CFO and Director of Finance in negotiating and monitoring of contracts, tenders and services at all Trust Schools.
* Monitor contract renewals, extensions, or terminations. Initiate and manage the renewal or termination process, as appropriate.
* Demonstrate best value and value for money practices in procurement for goods and services.
* Continuously improve contract management processes and procedures and associated reporting.
Fixed Asset Management
* Maintain and update a comprehensive register of fixed assets, including property, equipment, and intangible assets, ensuring accurate records of acquisition, depreciation, and disposal.
* Manage the disposal of assets that are no longer needed, ensuring proper documentation and compliance with disposal policies and regulations.
* Assist in internal and external audits related to fixed assets, providing documentation and explanations as required.
Human Resources
* Support the Business Manager (HR & Operations) to ensure efficient school operations and cover duties in absence as directed by the Principal, Chief People Officer or Senior Trust HR Lead.
Safeguarding and Compliance
* Ensure that all business and operational functions support safeguarding requirements.
* Maintain compliance with relevant legislation, including health and safety, data protection and employment law.
* Support safeguarding practices, including safer recruitment procedures.
Confidentiality
During the course of your employment you may see, hear or have access to information on matters of a confidential nature relating to the work of the Mulberry Schools Trust orsta ff .Undernocircumstancesshouldsuchinformationbedivulgedorpassedontoanyunauthorisedpersonor organisation.
Additional Duties
* PlayafullrolewithinthelifeoftheTrustcommunity,supportitsethosand encourage all staff and students to follow this example.
* PromoteandsupportallTrust policies.
* Continuepersonalprofessional development.
* Undertakeanyotherdutycommensuratewiththe role.
* The postholder will be expected to undertake ongoing training as directed by the Principal or Director of Finance.
The duties above are neither exclusive nor exhaustive and the post holder may be required by the Principal, CFO, Director of Finance, CPO to carry out appropriate and reasonable duties in addition within the context of the job, skills and grade .
To apply for this role or to find out more information – please email:
***email_hidden*** or call us on 01424 425670.
Closing date – 1 st June 2026
Interviews – 3 rd /4 th June 2026
Additional Information
The Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff will be expected to hold or be willing to obtain an enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to .
All school based staff have the responsibility for promoting the safeguarding and welfare of children. All school staff should be aware of the school’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and work in accordance with this document at all times.