Director of Finance
Location: To be based at William Henry Smith School but requirement to work across all Foundation Sites
Contract: Full time, Permanent, All year round, 37 hours per week
Salary: £63,837.00 - £67,435.00 per annum
Responsible to: Chief Executive Officer / Executive Principals
Responsible for: Finance Team
Key Relationships: Chief Executive Officer; Principals; Registered Manager (Children’s Home); Head of Care; Designated Safeguarding Leads; SLT and Operational Managers; Board of Trustees / Governors; External Regulators, and local authorities
Closing Date: 10th June 2026, Midnight
Interview Date: 24th June 2026
Start Date: TBC
Purpose of the Job
The Director of Finance will provide professional leadership and management of all financial aspects across the organisation. You will ensure strong financial stewardship, effective planning, compliance with statutory requirements, and the delivery of value for money in line with the Foundation’s vision, values, and strategic priorities. This role will act as the Foundation’s principal financial advisor, supporting the CEO, Board of Trustees, Governors and senior leaders with clear, evidence-based advice to inform decision‑making and ensure resources are directed to achieving the best possible outcomes for children and young people. To be an active presence, contributing to strategic direction, supporting effective decision‑making, and promoting a culture of collaboration and accountability across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the development and delivery of the Foundation’s financial strategy, ensuring it aligns with the Foundation’s mission, vision and values.
* Act as the principal financial advisor to the CEO, Board of Trustees, Governors, Trustees and senior leaders.
* Lead and oversee all aspects of financial management across the Foundation, ensuring compliance with Foundation policies, ESFA regulations, Companies House and Charity Commission requirements.
* Lead the annual budgeting process and ensure the timely and accurate production of financial reports, including monthly/termly management accounts and preparation of year‑end statutory accounts in compliance with all relevant regulations and accounting standards.
* Monitor financial performance across all services, providing professional challenge and support where required.
* Lead and manage the finance team, including recruitment, training, and ongoing professional development.
About You
* Has experience in a progressive finance leadership role, including strategic financial planning, budget management and forecasting
* Has experience of leading and developing finance teams with a proven track record of making and implementing essential change
* Has strong understanding of financial regulations, accounting standards and governance requirements
* Is values‑driven, committed to safeguarding, student welfare, equality and diversity
* Is self‑motivated and proactive, with a willingness to undertake further training and continuous learning
Legal Disclosure Considerations
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended 2013)
Posts which involve substantial access to children are exempt from provisions contained within this Act. Under this Act, applicants can withhold certain criminal background information. However, if shortlisted, a subject disclosure form will be provided. Successful applicants will be required to have an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service disclosure and a DBS barred list check (children). Failure to complete this form will result in the application not proceeding further. The possession of a criminal record will not automatically debar you from consideration for the post for which you have applied. Any information given will be treated as confidential and will be used only in relation to the post for which you have applied.
Commitment to Safeguarding
William Henry Smith Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Our recruitment process aims to create and maintain a safe workforce and contains robust vetting procedures. The successful applicant will be appointed subject to references and enhanced child/adult DBS check including barred list (this is a regulated activity position). The successful candidate will be subject to a rigorous safer recruitment process and must adhere to a strict code of conduct regarding behaviour. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to online searches in accordance with KCSIE 2025.
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