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Director of Finance
Location: South Farnham Educational Trust (multi-site role)
Salary: L9 - L13 (£64,500 - £71,030), commensurate with experience
Contract: Full-time, permanent
About the Role
South Farnham Educational Trust (SFET) is seeking an exceptional Director of Finance to provide strategic financial leadership across our growing family of schools. This is a senior and influential role at the heart of the Trust, ensuring financial sustainability, operational excellence, and high-quality support for our leaders, staff, and governors.
Working closely with the CFOO, CEO, Headteachers and the Trust Board, you will lead Trust-wide financial planning, reporting, compliance and systems development. You will play a key part in shaping SFET's long-term direction, ensuring our resources are aligned with our ambition to deliver outstanding educational outcomes for all pupils.
This is a multi-site role and will require regular presence across our schools and central team.
As a key member of the central leadership team, you will:
* Lead medium- and long-term financial planning aligned with Trust priorities
* Provide expert financial analysis and modelling to support strategic decision-making
* Oversee Trust-wide budgeting, forecasting and monthly management reporting
* Ensure strong internal controls, compliance and efficient financial systems
* Lead on statutory financial returns, audit processes and risk management
* Manage, develop and inspire the Trust's finance team
* Support procurement, tendering and value-for-money initiatives
* Build strong relationships with Headteachers, budget holders, auditors, and external partners
About You
We are looking for an accomplished and forward-thinking finance leader who:
* Is a CCAB-qualified accountant with significant senior-level financial management experience
* Brings strong analytical skills, financial modelling expertise and excellent attention to detail
* Has proven experience producing management accounts, budgets and forecasts
* Understands financial compliance, audit processes and sector-relevant regulatory frameworks
* Is an inspiring leader who can motivate and develop a high-performing team
* Communicates financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues
* Can work strategically while maintaining a hands-on, solutions-focused approach
* Demonstrates professionalism, integrity and alignment with SFET's values experience in the education, charity or public sector is desirable but not essential.
We Offer
* A professional, supportive and values-driven culture
* The opportunity to influence Trust-wide strategy at a senior level
* A collaborative environment where your expertise will have real impact
* Ongoing professional development and leadership opportunities
Key Statistics
* 11 schools (primary and secondary)
* 5021 pupils
* 669 employees
* 864 ECTs trained/assessed
* 201 trainee teachers
Safeguarding Statement
South Farnham Educational Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from under represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.
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