The Cabot Learning Federation – a mature schools trust home to 36 academies operating across a range of phases and specialisms – is now seeking a Finance Director to join the Executive Team and lead on the Trust’s financial strategy and operations.
Key Responsibilities
* Working closely with the COO to develop a financial strategy that meets the needs of the organisation and puts pupils at the heart of the planning.
* Building and maintaining professional and productive working relationships with colleagues at all levels, including Board members, academy councils and senior leaders.
* Being a role model for compliance with the CLF Financial Regulations and championing a value-for-money culture across the Trust, supporting leaders to make good spending decisions.
* Leading, supporting and coaching the Finance team, supporting the ongoing development of senior leaders and regularly providing clear expectations and feedback.
* Overseeing the preparation of monthly management accounts and other regular financial data.
* Leading an effective procurement and purchasing strategy for the Trust.
* Overseeing the preparation of the group financial statements and annual external audit in accordance with the Companies Act, Charities SORP and relevant DfE requirements.
* Ensuring effective accounting systems, controls and reporting operate across the Federation.
* Supervising the Federation’s taxation affairs, including the filing of all statutory returns.
* Managing the CLF’s portfolio of investments.
* Monitoring the Trust’s performance against financial KPIs, making recommendations to improve financial performance.
Skills and Experience
* A recognised accountancy qualification (CIMA, ACA or ACCA) with extensive senior-level experience.
* Proven experience of leading financial strategy, planning and transformation across a complex organisation.
* Strong understanding of financial governance, regulatory frameworks, and systems of internal control.
* A track record of delivering value for money and driving organisational performance improvement.
* Significant experience in leading, developing, and inspiring high-performing teams.
* Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data and translate it into strategic insight.
* The confidence and credibility to influence, challenge, and advise executive leaders, Trustees, and stakeholders.
* Experience working with external partners, including auditors, regulators, and funding bodies.
* Strong communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly to diverse audiences.
* Advanced knowledge of legislative and best-practice developments within finance and a good understanding of current developments in the education sector.
* Access to a generous pension through the Local Government Pension Scheme.
* Generous annual leave entitlement.
* A comprehensive induction and ongoing commitment to wellbeing and career progression through a range of training, apprenticeships and in‑role/wider‑Trust development opportunities.
* Wellbeing support through an employee assistance programme.
* Health benefits, including wellness sessions, gym discounts, and flu jabs.
* A range of generous family leave options, including above‑industry‑average occupational maternity pay.
* Cycle‑to‑work scheme and on‑site parking.
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