Director of Finance – Education Sector
Location: FarnhamSalary: £64,000 – £71,000 + benefitsContract: Full-time, permanentA Strategic Leadership Opportunity
My client is seeking an exceptional Director of Finance to join a high-performing and ambitious Multi Academy Trust in a key leadership role.
This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced education finance professional to play a central role in shaping financial strategy, driving performance, and supporting the continued growth of a successful Trust.
Working closely with the COO, CEO, Headteachers, and Trust Board, you will provide strategic financial leadership, ensuring that robust financial planning underpins high standards of education across all schools.
Why This Role Stands Out
This position offers far more than a traditional finance role:
* A highly visible leadership position influencing Trust-wide strategy
* The opportunity to shape and develop financial direction within a growing organisation
* A varied, multi-site remit offering both challenge and complexity
* Close collaboration with senior educational leaders to deliver meaningful outcomes
* The ability to enhance systems, processes, and the overall finance function
Key Responsibilities
You will lead all financial activity across the Trust, combining strategic insight with operational delivery:
* Develop and drive long-term financial strategy aligned to Trust goals
* Provide high-quality financial analysis, insight, and modelling
* Oversee budgets, forecasting, and management reporting across multiple schools
* Ensure strong financial governance, compliance, and audit standards
* Manage statutory reporting, ESFA returns, and risk frameworks
* Lead, develop, and motivate the finance team
* Partner with Headteachers and senior leaders on resource planning
* Identify efficiencies and promote value for money and continuous improvement
This is a multi-site role requiring regular presence across the Trust.
About You
You will be a credible and experienced finance leader, ideally operating at Trust level or ready to step up:
* CCAB qualified (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
* Significant senior finance experience within the education sector (essential)
* Strong knowledge of academy trust funding, compliance, and regulations
* Proven success in financial planning, analysis, and strategic delivery
* Experience in a multi-site or complex organisation
* Confident communicator with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and Boards
* Strategic yet hands-on, with a strong delivery focus
* Passionate about making a positive impact within education
Why Join
My client is a well-regarded Multi Academy Trust known for collaboration, high standards, and continuous improvement.
They offer:
* A key role in shaping the future of a growing Trust
* A supportive and forward-thinking leadership team
* A culture that values expertise, innovation, and development
* The opportunity to make a meaningful, lasting impact on education
Next Steps
If you are an experienced education finance leader seeking a role with real influence, challenge, and purpose, I would welcome your application.