Financial Management

The financial management service is led by the Trust’s Finance Director, who works with a specialist team of finance staff. The service includes:

• Strategic financial planning – Trust schools have a designated Finance lead who works with the Headteacher and other key management personnel on all aspects of school finance.  This includes annual budget setting, monthly forecasting and production of monthly accounts.  Trust schools can expect a minimum of one meeting per half term with their designated finance lead to monitor financial performance and set budgets.
• All key statutory financial reports are produced centrally, and results discussed with Headteachers and Local Governing Committees as appropriate.  This includes the Accounts Return, Budget Forecast Return and Schools Resource Management Self-Assessment tool
• Schools benefit from a centralised finance team who manage all transactional aspects of school finances; raising purchase orders on advice from Trust schools, processing and paying invoices. Members of the Trust Finance Team are available through the school day and during holidays for any queries schools may have
• Accounts and Internal processes are thoroughly audited by both Internal and External audit on a regular basis.
• Financial training for staff and governors as required.
• Support for schools joining the Trust, with advice and hands on help with the academy conversion process.