Financial Controller in Luton

Recruitment Lead at Advantage Schools, Multi Academy Trust (Sixth-Form, Secondary, Primary & Nursery)

Advantage Schools is seeking an experienced and committed Financial Controller to join our hardworking and dedicated Finance Team. You will oversee and manage all financial operations across the Trust including line management of the team. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the role requires a highly skilled and motivated manager with extensive experience in managing staff, financial and management reporting, and operational activities within the educational sector. This position is crucial for ensuring the financial stability, accountability, and efficiency of the Trust, in line with statutory and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Day-to-day management and mentoring of the central finance team within the Trust, including finance managers and finance officers, ensuring high performance and professional development.
• Fostering a culture of continuous improvement, efficiency, and transparency within the finance function across the MAT.
• Ensuring accountability across the team by monitoring delivery, quality of output, and adherence to deadlines, and being accountable to the CFO for overall team performance.
• Building strong and effective working relationships to support clear communication, collaborative problem‑solving, and the efficient operation of the finance function.
• Lead the preparation and submission of accurate monthly and annual financial reports for the Trust, ensuring compliance with all statutory requirements and regulations.
• Oversee the preparation of consolidated financial statements for the Trust, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow forecasts, in line with ESFA and Charity SORP requirements.
• Provide analysis and commentary on financial performance, highlighting areas of concern and recommending actions to the CFO.
• Ensure the timely preparation and submission of the Trust’s annual accounts and statutory returns to the DfE and other relevant bodies.
• Manage the preparation of budgets and forecasts for each school and for the Trust as a whole, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and priorities.
• Develop and implement systems for monitoring and controlling the financial performance of each school within the MAT.
• Manage accounts payable and receivable functions, ensuring systems are in place to provide a reliable service to our schools.
• Ensure supplier relationships are maintained, and necessary due diligence is carried out on new suppliers.
• Work with the CFO to implement the procurement strategy that enables efficiency of purchasing and leverages our buying power to secure best value for money.
• Manage cash flow across the Trust, ensuring sufficient funds are available to meet operational and strategic objectives.
• Monitor and manage investment strategies to maximise returns while ensuring safety of funds.
• Oversee bank reconciliations, ensuring accuracy and compliance with Trust policies.
• Lead the budgeting process for the Trust and individual schools, providing guidance and support to finance staff.
• Collaborate with senior leadership teams to ensure budgets are realistic and aligned with the educational objectives of each school and the Trust strategic objectives.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations and policies, including DfE, HMRC, and the Charity Commission.
• Work closely with the Trust’s auditors to facilitate smooth and efficient audits, ensuring all financial records are accurate and up to date.
• In the absence of the CFO, provide advice and support to trust committees and executive team on financial matters and ensure appropriate financial controls are in place.
• Advise and guide Principals and School Business staff in financial matters to ensure consistency and compliance across the Trust.
• Continuously review and improve financial processes and systems, ensuring they are efficient, effective, and aligned with best practices.
• Oversee integration of financial systems across the Trust, ensuring all schools have access to up-to-date financial data and reporting tools.
• Ensure all financial data is accurately maintained and easily accessible for reporting and auditing purposes.
• Lead on ad‑hoc financial projects, including capital expenditure planning and funding proposals for new initiatives.
• Liaise with external stakeholders, including auditors, regulatory bodies, and financial consultants, to ensure the Trust’s financial operations are transparent and compliant.
• Contribute to the strategic development of the Trust’s overall financial and operational goals.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will have

• ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent qualification with significant experience in a financial management role.
• Proven experience as a Financial Controller or similar role, with specific experience in financial management within a Multi‑Academy Trust, educational setting, or non‑profit sector.
• Strong understanding of financial regulations, accounting standards, and the funding framework for academies (including DfE requirements).
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data.
• High proficiency in financial software and Excel; experience with MAT‑specific financial systems (e.g., PS Financials, Sage, FMS) is an advantage.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

Job Specifications

• Job type: Permanent, Full time, 52 weeks, 37 hours per week.
• Location: Trust Central Office at The Vale Academy, Dunstable LU5 4QP.
• Reports to: Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
• The Trust reserves the right to interview and appoint a suitable candidate before the deadline date.

About Advantage Schools

Advantage Schools is a Multi‑Academy Trust that operates across six schools, providing a supportive and collaborative culture for its finance professionals. We value integrity, excellence and continuous improvement.