Senior Finance Officer - Full-time

Maplesden Noakes School, Maidstone

• Ref:KCC886-5401-405S
• Posted:23/02/2026
• Pay:MNS Range 9 (currently £36,851.00 - £41,937.00)
• Start Date:Easter 26
• App Close Date:09/03/2026 at 08:00
• Interviews:to be advised

Advert

Senior Finance Officer – required from Easter 2026

Step into a key role in our expanding Finance Team.  The Maplesden Noakes School is looking for an experienced, motivated Senior Finance Officer to play a key role in supporting the financial management of our school. Working closely with the Head of Finance, you will help deliver an efficient, accurate and compliant finance service that underpins the school’s strategic priorities and day‑to‑day operations.

This is a varied and hands‑on role, ideal for someone with strong technical finance skills and experience within a school or academy trust environment. You will support budgeting, forecasting and financial planning, coordinate month‑end and year‑end processes, prepare management accounts, maintain robust financial controls and contribute to audit readiness. You will also act as a senior point of reference within the team, providing guidance to colleagues and deputising for the Head of Finance when required.

We are looking for someone who is AAT Level 4 qualified (or equivalent through experience), highly organised, analytical and confident working with financial systems and Excel. You will bring a strong understanding of education finance, excellent attention to detail and the ability to communicate financial information clearly to a range of stakeholders. Experience in procurement, value‑for‑money processes or supervising others would be an advantage.

If you’re proactive, solutions‑focused and keen to contribute to a high‑performing finance function within a supportive school environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Working hours are 37 per week 8.00am until 4.00pm Monday to Thursday and 8.00am until 3.30pm on Friday (inclusive of a 30-minute lunch break). As this is an all-year-round role, you will receive 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays plus additional leave during the Christmas holidays. Up to 20% of annual leave can be taken during term time, subject to line management agreement. Some hybrid working is also possible.

The salary range for MNS 9 is currently Point 27 (£36,851.00) to Point 32 (£41,937.00) per annum. The successful candidate will be appointed within this range, depending on experience.   In addition, the school makes a substantial contribution towards you being a member of the Local Government Pension Scheme.

Further details about the role are available to view on the attached job description/person specification.

Closing date for applications is Monday 9^th March 2026 (8 am).  This date may be brought forward in the event that suitable candidates are found earlier.  Early applications are therefore recommended.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE – WE ARE LOOKING TO FILL THIS VACANCY BY DIRECT APPLICATION ONLY

Maplesden Noakes School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As such, this post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Services check. 

Information about the school

Maplesden Noakes is an 11-18 co-educational non-selective school. The school has an excellent reputation, is popular with parents and regularly over-subscribed.

Maplesden Noakes is situated on the west side of Maidstone approximately 40 miles south-east of London. The school benefits from having strong links with the local business community.

We believe passionately in equity and diversity. Our school is committed to embracing the lived experience of people of every race, sexuality and gender. We believe strongly in giving everyone the opportunities they deserve, no matter what social barriers may have held them back in the past.

The school ensures that there is the right work-home balance to support the wellbeing of all staff. We are dedicated to providing outstanding training and development within a supportive setting. Other benefits include, but are not limited to, wellbeing afternoons, free annual flu vaccinations, long service celebrations, bespoke CPD and a staff rewards system.

Staff who have been employed by the school for two or more years and/or are recruited to fill a vacant post for which there is a demonstrable skill shortage, receive preference in terms of admission to the school for their child(ren).

We look forward to receiving your application.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Heidi Lishman
• Address:Great Buckland , Maidstone, Kent, ME16 0TJ
• Telephone: (01622) 759036
• Email: lishman.h@maplesden.kent.sch.uk

Fax: (01622) 661707

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• Senior Finance Officer Job Description
• Safer Recruitment 2025
• Privacy Policy 2025