FINANACE AND ADMIN TEAM LEADER Grade/Range: MAT Grade 9 (26 – 29) Actual Salary: £35,188 – £38,830 (based on weeks worked) Location: Woodlands School Packington Lane, Coleshill B46 3JE (with some flexibility) Hours per week: 37 Working Weeks: 40 (Term Time2) Contract Type: Permanent Start Date: ASAP About Us Unity MAT is a small but ambitious Multi Academy Trust made up of three special schools within the Warwickshire area, these being Brooke School in Rugby, Welcombe Hills School in Stratford Upon Avon and Woodlands School in Coleshill. The Trust is committed to delivering high-quality education and strong operational support across our family of schools. Our Core Team provides the central services that enable our schools to focus on delivering the best outcomes for pupils. We are seeking a skilled and motivated Finance & Admin Team Leader to manage and continue developing our central finance and administration service. The Role The Finance & Admin Team Leader will play a key role within the Core Team, overseeing the day-to-day delivery of finance and administrative support across the Trust. The successful candidate will lead the finance and admin team, ensuring robust financial processes, strong compliance, and excellent service to our schools. Reporting to the Trust Finance Manager, this role is key to helping to maintain effective financial systems and procedures that support the Trust’s financial sustainability and operational efficiency. It is anticipated that you will be based at Woodlands School in Coleshill however there will be a requirement to visit all of our schools on a regular basis in line with the needs of the service. There is also flexibility to work at our other schools and for occasional homeworking, as appropriate and agreed. Key Responsibilities • Oversee the finance and administration service across the Trust on a day-to-day basis. • Line manage and support members of the finance and admin team, ensuring high standards of performance and service delivery. • Complete bank reconciliations and ensure accurate financial records are maintained. • Prepare and submit VAT 126 returns in line with HMRC requirements. • Manage and monitor procurement processes, ensuring compliance with Trust policies and value for money. • Oversee income collection and generation, including monitoring outstanding income and ensuring timely processing. • Maintain and improve financial procedures, controls, and reporting processes. • Supporting the preparation and completion financial reports and returns • Preparing for and assisting with reviews, e.g. audits and internal scrutiny • Providing financial advice & dealing with queries • Ensure compliance with the Academies Trust Handbook and other relevant financial regulations. • Work collaboratively with schools and the Core Team to provide efficient financial and administrative support. About You We are looking for a proactive and organised professional who combines strong financial knowledge with excellent leadership and communication skills. The successful candidate will have: • A recognised finance, accounting or school business qualification. • Experience working in a finance role, ideally within the education or public sector. • Experience of managing or supervising staff. • Strong knowledge of financial processes including bank reconciliations, VAT returns, and procurement. • Experience of financial systems (preferably Access) and MIS systems (preferably Arbor). • Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail. • The ability to build positive working relationships with colleagues across multiple sites. • Good IT skills and experience using of Microsoft Systems. Reward & Benefits We offer: • a competitive salary • access to the local government pension scheme & significant employer contribution (currently 22%) • excellent training and development opportunities • enhanced employee assistance programme (including GP helpline, financial & legal advice line and carer support for employee and household members) • well-being app & staff discounts • Occupational Health Service • a friendly and inclusive working environment • talented, dedicated and hardworking colleagues • Family friendly and Employee Health & Well-being policies • Term time working with some flexibility to take leave in term time • Free parking Key Dates Closing Date: Monday 13th April 2026 @ 9am Shortlisting: Shortly following closing date Interview Date: Friday 17th April 2026 For a confidential/informal discussion about the role please contact Helen Dainty (Finance Manager) on 01675 463590 or via email on munday.h1@welearn365.com or Angela Perry (Director of Finance & Operations) on 07876 853653 or perry.a@welearn365.com Further information Application packs including Job Description, Person Specification, Guidance for Applicants and Application Form can be obtained from https://www.unitymat.co.uk/about-us/vacancies Applications Official application forms must be completed. CVs will not be accepted. Please see Guidance for Applicants for further details. Applications must be sent by email to recruitment@unitymat.co.uk before the closing date detailed above. We reserve the right to close the recruitment early if a large volume of suitable applications are received. Safer Recruitment Unity MAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We follow robust safer recruitment processes, including online searches, during all recruitment. Please see application pack for further details This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and is eligible for an enhanced DBS check including a Children's Barring List Check. It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. Equal Opportunities We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from candidates of all ages, backgrounds and those with disabilities