DescriptionSupporting documentsEmployerLocation
Job Title: Financial Controller
Location: Central Trust Office, Guildford. This is an office based role, with travel to schools within the Trust as needed. Hybrid and flexible working is possible, recognising the realities of a senior finance role
Grade / Salary: GST Grade K (£60,342 - £67,120 FTE) (6 scale points within banding for progression)
Hours / Working Pattern: 36 hours, All Year Round
Contract Type: Permanent
Reporting to: Chief Finance & Operating Officer (CFOO)
Responsible for: 4 direct reports
Purpose of the Role
This is a senior, influential finance role with real scope to shape how financial control, reporting and systems operate across a growing Multi‑Academy Trust
As Financial Controller, you will own and strengthen the Trust’s financial control environment, lead and develop a capable central finance team, and provide high‑quality, decision‑ready financial information to senior leaders and Trustees. You will work closely with the Chief Finance & Operating Officer (CFOO) but have clear ownership of core financial processes, systems and controls.
This is not a “fire‑fighting” role. The Trust has an established finance team and systems in place. We are now looking for someone who enjoys embedding good practice, improving how things work, and building resilient, sustainable processes that support schools effectively.
If you are a qualified finance professional who values clarity, influence and purposeful work – and who wants to use their expertise in a values‑driven organisation – this role offers both challenge and balance.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Control & Assurance
1. Own the Trust’s financial control framework, ensuring processes are clear, proportionate and consistently applied
2. Maintain oversight of financial risk, internal controls and segregation of duties across the Trust
3. Act as the primary lead for external audit, managing timetables, queries and follow‑up actions
Monthly reporting & insight
4. Oversee the preparation of accurate monthly management accounts and supporting commentary
5. Ensure reports are timely, accessible and meaningful for Trustees, Headteachers and budget holders
6. Work with the CFOO to develop reporting, dashboards and financial insight that genuinely support decision‑making
Leadership & team development
7. Line‑manage and support a skilled central finance team, including Management Accountants and the Finance Operations Team Leader
8. Set clear expectations, priorities and standards, while fostering a professional, supportive team culture
9. Support continuous improvement through coaching, development and smarter ways of working
Systems & process improvement
10. Lead system improvements, automation and process refinement to reduce manual effort and improve reliability
11. Take ownership of finance systems access, controls and data integrity
12. Champion continuous improvement rather than constant change
Statutory, VAT & payroll oversight
13. Ensure accurate and timely statutory returns, including annual accounts and DfE submissions
14. Act as technical lead for VAT (including partial exemption), escalating specialist issues where appropriate
15. Provide senior oversight of payroll and associated reconciliations
Working with colleagues
16. Build strong, constructive relationships with school leaders, School Business Managers and central colleagues
17. Provide financial advice that balances control, pragmatism and trust
18. Support workforce planning and change with clear financial input, alongside HR colleagues
What we’re looking for
Essential
19. Fully qualified CCAB accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA)
20. Strong background in financial control, reporting and assurance
21. Experience leading and developing finance staff
22. Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non‑financial audiences
23. Sound judgement, calm decision‑making and a solutions‑focused mindset
Desirable (but not essential)
24. Experience in education or public sector environments
25. Familiarity with Xero & IMP Planner
26. Experience improving finance processes and reporting frameworks
We are more interested in professional judgement, leadership approach and mindset than a perfect sector match.
What we offer (and why people stay)
27. Real influence over how finance operates across a large Trust
28. A supportive, values‑driven culture where professionalism and kindness matter
29. A senior role that values clarity, boundaries and sustainable workload
30. Hybrid and flexible working, recognising the realities of senior finance roles
31. Opportunity to improve systems and processes thoughtfully, not reactively
32. Professional respect, trust and autonomy
About The Good Shepherd Trust
The Good Shepherd Trust is a growing Multi‑Academy Trust of 24 schools across Surrey and Hampshire. Our vision is “flourishing together” – building communities where children and adults can thrive.
Strong financial stewardship underpins everything we do. Our central team works closely with schools to provide robust oversight while respecting local context and expertise.
Safeguarding
The Good Shepherd Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be required to undertake appropriate safeguarding checks and training in line with statutory guidance.
Safeguarding Statement
The Good Shepherd Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We ensure that all our employment practices reflect this commitment. All appointments are made subject to an enhanced DBS clearance (Disclosure and Barring Service), satisfactory references and qualification checks. The Head of Inclusion, Safeguarding and Wellbeing will be required to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people, and follow Trust policies and the staff code of conduct.