Job details
Job role: Other support role
Visa sponsorship
Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
Full time
Contract type
Permanent
Full time equivalent salary
£72,289-£76,029
Pay scale
NJC PO11 (54-57)
Job Purpose
The Finance Director will play a pivotalrole in supporting the CFOO by providing operational leadership and financialmanagement across the Trust. The postholder will lead day-to-day financeactivity, with a particular focus on the secondary phase schools and sharedservices, while providing oversight of primary phase finance. Working withinthe strategic financial framework set by the CFOO, the Finance Director willoversee financial planning, compliance, reporting and risk management acrossall academies within the Trust ensuring robust financial controls are in placeand that key financial risks and issues are escalated appropriately.
Key Responsibilities
- Supportthe CFOO in the development, implementation and delivery of the Trust’sfinancial strategy, ensuring alignment with the Trust’s educational prioritiesand long-term sustainability.
- Leadfinance activity for the secondary phase schools and shared services team,including preparation of annual budgets, forecasts and financial plans, anddirect line management of the secondary school finance managers.
- Provideoversight of primary phase finance through line management of the Head ofPrimary Finance, operating within the strategic financial framework and overalloversight of the CFOO.
- Ensurethe timely preparation and submission of all statutory financial returns,including Budget Forecast Returns and other Department for Education (DfE)requirements
- Overseefinancial reporting, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with theAcademies Trust Handbook and DfE requirements.
- Lead and managethe Trust’s finance team, providing guidance to finance managers and seniorleaders while fostering high performance and continuous improvement.
- Ensureeffective financial controls, policies, and procedures are in place and adheredto.
- Monitorfinancial performance and provide insightful analysis to supportdecisionmaking.
- Supportcapital projects, including financial planning and reporting for estates andinfrastructure developments.
- Contributeto risk management processes, including financial risk assessments andmitigation strategies.
- MonthlyGAG transfer statement preparation for all schools, along with raisingBACs/account transfers/posting requirements for other schools. Distribution of DfE remittances and filing.
- Coordinatethe operational delivery of statutory external audit requirements, acting asthe main day-to-day contact for auditors and escalating key issues to the CFOOas required. Second in charge for internal audit
- CentralBank Account Coordination. Ensure that all schools move to agreed bankingplatform and manage all signatory information and banking controls .
- Ensureimplementation of all Chart of Account changes, Policy and Procedures
- Leadcommunications to finance managers on changes to Access, Chart of Accounts,Financial Policy Changes and preparing draft Financial Policies and Procedures(FPP) annual updates.
- Collectinformation from respective schools for audit reporting, and other statutoryreports.
- Pensionsaudit co-ordination.
- Providesupport for finance training across our schools and shared services
- Deputisefor CFOO when necessary (finance committee, audit committee)
- Leadthe continuous development of the finance function, promoting high standards ofperformance, customer service, professional development and continuousimprovement.
This is a not definitive list of responsibilities as the CFOO may need todelegate key responsibilities when support is needed.
Person Specification
Essential
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Proven experience in a senior finance role, ideally within theeducation or public sector.
- Strong understanding of financial regulations relevant toeducational trusts (e.g., Academies Trust Handbook).
- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to manage complex financial information and present itclearly to nonfinancial stakeholders.
- High level of integrity and commitment to the Trust’s values andmission.
Desirable
- Experience working within a multi-academy trust or similarorganisation.
- Knowledge of financial systems used in education (e.g., Access,PS Financials, Sage).
- Experience in managing capital projects and funding streams.
Benefits
- Generous Local Government Pension Scheme employer’s contributionof 17.4%
- Generous annual leave entitlement of 28 days.
- A supportive Employee Assistance Programme
- Professional development opportunities.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Collaborative and supportive working environment.
What the school offers its staff
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Local Government Pension Scheme
Employee Assistance Programme
Local Government Pension Scheme
Further information about the job
The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.
Visas cannot be sponsored.
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.
Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.
Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
- childcare disqualification
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
- medical
- online and social media
- prohibition from teaching
- right to work
- satisfactory references
- suitability to work with children
You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
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