About the Role

Are you an organised, enthusiastic finance professional looking to make a genuine impact within a values-driven organisation? Co-op Academies Trust is seeking a dedicated Finance Assistant to join our central finance team.

Working under the guidance of our experienced central trust team, you will play a vital role in ensuring the efficient, accurate, and seamless administration of our financial operations. This role requires a high level of professionalism, tact, and commitment, offering you the opportunity to take ownership of key processes and deliver excellent support across the Trust.

Key Responsibilities

1. Master Data: Manage the end-to-end creation and maintenance of supplier and debtor master data, ensuring data integrity, adherence to internal controls, and timely processing of changes. Maintain comprehensive documentation to support all master data creations, amendments, and compliance requirements.
2. Supplier Invoices & Payments: Process supplier invoices accurately, matching them to purchase orders and goods received notes. Ensure correct payment authorisation, identify intercompany transactions, and assist with payment runs to guarantee suppliers are paid within agreed timescales.
3. Sales Ledger & Debtor Control: Raise sales invoices from documentation, checking for accuracy prior to distribution. Proactively chase debtor payments in line with agreed credit control procedures.
4. Reconciliations & Month-End: Reconcile and maintain credit card log sheets for month-end review. Support the Assistant Finance Manager with essential month-end procedures and reporting routines.
5. Communication & Mailbox Management: Manage the finance mailbox, handle incoming calls, manage post, and resolve queries from suppliers, debtors, budget holders, and Academy staff.
6. Compliance & Audit: Maintain organised, accurate filing systems suitable for audit standards while ensuring all confidential data is handled securely and tactfully.

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for a collaborative team player with a sharp eye for detail, strong numerical skills, and a positive, proactive approach to problem-solving.

Essential Requirements

1. GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above.
2. Practical experience working in a finance or accounts-based position.
3. Proven experience matching and processing supplier invoices and handling stakeholder queries.
4. Strong numerical and analytical capabilities with exceptional attention to detail.
5. Good working knowledge of basic accounting procedures across purchase ledger, sales ledger, and payments.
6. Solid IT skills, including familiarity with Google applications.
7. Excellent communication skills and the ability to organise workload effectively during busy peak periods.

Desirable Requirements

1. AAT qualification or actively working towards AAT.
2. Experience within an education, public sector, charity, or multi-academy Trust setting.
3. Hands-on experience with finance/accounting systems, credit control, and month-end reconciliations.

Personal Qualities

1. Professional, reliable, and conscientious attitude.
2. Ability to work flexibly and independently while supporting the wider team.
3. High integrity when handling sensitive financial data.
4. Strong commitment to co-operative principles, British Values, and the Ways of Being Co-op.

What We Offer

At Co-op Academies Trust, we care about our staff and provide an environment where you can grow, develop, and feel valued.

Competitive Salary: NJC scale column point 15–19.

Hybrid Working: Enjoy a balanced working routine with 2 days per week in our modern 1 Angel Square office in Manchester and the flexibility to work from home for the remainder.

Professional Development: Support for ongoing learning and professional development, including study support where applicable.

Values-Driven Culture: A supportive and collaborative culture anchored in co-operative values, dedicated to improving lives through education.

How to Apply

If you are ready to bring your finance skills to a team where your work truly matters, we would love to receive your application!

Safeguarding & Equal Opportunities

Co-op Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults as its number one priority. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and encourage applications regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage or civil partnership status.

Notice to Recruitment Agencies: We kindly request that recruitment agencies do not send unsolicited CVs or speculative applications, as we prioritise direct recruitment for our roles. Any unsolicited profiles submitted will be treated as direct applications to Co-op Academies Trust, and agency terms or fees will not apply. We appreciate your cooperation.