Job Overview 

We are looking for an ambitious and motivated Financial Controller to join our Central Team. This is a pivotal role for a forward-thinking finance professional who aspires to become a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) within the next 3 to 5 years.  Reporting directly to the Interim CFO, you will work closely with a small, dedicated team responsible for delivering high-quality monthly management accounts, budgeting, financial monitoring, and ensuring robust financial control across our schools. 

This role offers a unique opportunity to grow within a supportive and values-driven organisation, playing a key part in shaping the financial future of our trust.  

About Us 

The Trust is a highly successful and growing multi-academy trust in the Northwest of England. We have 1 Secondary school and 11 Primary schools. Over the next few years, we expect more schools to join the Trust. Our mission is to help schools provide a high-quality education; we are passionate about providing the right support for our individual schools and helping to ensure outstanding learning opportunities for every child. 

Our experienced team understands the wide and varied demands placed upon schools which enables us to offer the best possible support. 

We also encourage our schools to share best practice to ensure mutual support and expertise is at the heart of everything we do. 

Job Purpose 

To provide an effective, compliant and consistently high-quality financial support to the schools. The role requires the individual to support our schools through timely and accurate financial/management reporting, producing robust and measurable budgets, provide excellent financial systems and processes. As the Trust works collaboratively with its schools there is a need to interface directly with staff at the schools from Head Teachers to Finance Clerk. The role also involves the submission of VAT, payroll, and year-end preparation.  The sector is highly regulated and financial and governance compliance forms part of this role. The purpose of this role is to support schools with their finances and ensure they maximise the use of their resources and achieve best value. 

At the Trust, it is not just about what we do but also about how we do it. We are seeking individuals who can demonstrate our core behaviours which set out the expectations we have of our staff. 

Who we’re looking for 

• A qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
• A friendly, approachable leader who builds trust and communicates clearly
• Strong experience in financial reporting, payroll, compliance, and budget analysis
• Ability to lead and mentor finance staff across multiple school settings
• Ambition to progress into a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) role within 3–5 years
• Previous experience in a school, Multi-Academy Trust, or public sector organisation