The Kite Academy Trust
Surrey
Salary:
£80,000 – 95,000
Job type:
Full Time, Permanent
Start date:
From January 2026
Apply by:
29 September 2025
Job overview
Director of Finance
Permanent
Full time 36 hours 52 weeks
Salary Pay Range: £80,000 – 95,000
The Kite Academy Trust is seeking an exceptional Director of Finance to join our ambitious Trust at an exciting and pivotal stage in our journey. With a professional accountancy qualification, strong executive experience and a proven track record of significant impact across multiple schools or complex organisations, the Director of Finance will utilise their outstanding analytical abilities, sound judgement and entrepreneurial mindset to provide strategic leadership and management across all financial aspects of the Trust's activities.
This is a strategically significant position for the Trust. The post holder will work closely with the CEO and Board of Trustees to ensure the Trust works effectively and efficiently towards the delivery of its mission, vision and strategic goals, and is compliant in all areas of financial operations.
We are looking for a Director of Finance who:
* Has experience of strategic financial planning and management, including budget setting and income generation, in a multi-academy trust (MAT) or similarly complex organisation
* Has extensive experience in budget leadership and financial management
* Has financial leadership experience, including leadership of a business function and team of employees
* Has proven ability to identify and leverage commercial opportunities to enhance income generation
* Has working knowledge of key business service policies, practices and relevant legislation
* Can demonstratable commercial awareness and strategic thinking
* Will prioritise the promotion of our Trust mission, vision, values and one team ethos
And in return we will offer you:
* A trust which is committed to continuously improving colleague wellbeing
* The opportunity to play a pivotal role in the Trust's strategic design and direction
* An ever increasing range of employee benefits
* Genuine career and salary progression opportunities
* The opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking and highly driven Executive Team
* 24 days annual leave (Increasing to 28 after 5 years of service)
* Workplace pension through LGPS
Whether you have developed your career in education or another field, you will have a good understanding of the education sector and MAT context, as well as a passion for improving outcomes for children. If you are looking for an exciting and career-defining role within a dynamic and aspirational trust, do get in touch. For an informal and confidential conversation with our CEO please contact Nicola Macbeth on or
nicola..academy.
To apply, please complete the application form provided alongside this recruitment pack.
The application form includes a supporting statement where you will be required to outline your experience in relation to the job description and person specification.
Completed application forms should be submitted to
nicola..academy.
Application process:
Closing date: Monday 29th September 2025 at 12 pm
Interviews: Thursday 9th and Friday 10th October 2025
Start: From January 2026
The Kite Academy Trust is an equal opportunities employer, committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants are subject to an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check and satisfactory employment references.
We have a number of policies and procedures in place that contribute to our safeguarding commitment, including our Child Protection Policy which can be viewed in the Policies section of our website. We actively support the Government's Prevent Agenda to counter radicalism and extremism.
In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance, we may also conduct an online search about any shortlisted candidates as part of our due diligence to identify any matters that might relate directly to our legal responsibility to meet safeguarding duties.
About The Kite Academy Trust
The Kite Academy Trust
Stratford Road, Ash Vale
Surrey
GU12 5PX
United Kingdom
The Kite Academy Trust is built around our shared vision - for every pupil to be happy and healthy; to contribute positively to their communities and achieve academic excellence. Collaboration at every level across the Trust is a vital element in our continuing success and we believe that by working as one Kite team, we are stronger together.
Our staff are important to us and we are committed to being an Employer of Choice:
* We are a forward-thinking, evolving Trust, making our academies exciting, innovative places to work
* Each Academy maintains their individuality and capacity for innovation, while contributing to Trust-wide collaboration that facilitates sharing of knowledge, experience and best practice
* Our well-established networks provide support for all staff groups
* We encourage career development for all staff, including opportunities for secondment within the Trust for both teaching and support staff
* Our appraisal process encourages staff to take responsibility for identifying their own strengths and areas for development
* We invest in high quality, varied CPD for all staff which comprises a mix of internally and externally facilitated courses
* We know how important it is to achieve a good work-life balance and offer benefits such as flexible working and sabbatical leave
* Our Induction Policy provides a comprehensive welcome programme, along with our Early Career Teacher Induction Policy which offers tailored support through a combination of mentoring and networking sessions
* We recognise the
School Teachers' Pay & Conditions
, the
Teachers' Pension Scheme
and
Local Government Pension Scheme
.
- Our
Admissions Arrangements
offer children of staff preferential admission to the academy where they work
- Our staff can access discounted childcare at our academy breakfast and after-school clubs
- Staff have access to a benefits programme with discounts and special offers, and wellbeing support services
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