At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations and ensure robust financial controls for a multi-academy trust.
- Company: Cabot Learning Federation, a high-performing educational organisation in the South West.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment focused on growth and excellence.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in education while advancing your finance career.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with experience in financial management and team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 55747 - 61534 £ per year.
Cabot Learning Federation (CLF) is a mature and high-performing multi‑academy trust operating across the South West, committed to delivering excellent educational outcomes for all students. With a growing family of academies and a strong central support function, we are focused on sustainable growth, operational excellence, and delivering value for money across our organisation. We are now seeking an experienced and strategic Financial Controller to play a pivotal role in leading our financial operations and supporting the Trust’s long‑term financial sustainability.
This is a senior finance leadership role within the Trust’s central team. Reporting into the Director of Finance (or equivalent senior leader), you will take ownership of the Trust’s financial control environment and operational finance function. You will ensure that robust systems, processes, and controls are in place, while also providing high-quality financial insight and analysis to support strategic and operational decision‑making. This is an excellent opportunity for a technically strong finance professional who is keen to make a meaningful impact within the education sector.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the preparation of accurate and timely monthly management accounts across the Trust
- Oversee consolidated financial reporting, ensuring clarity and consistency across multiple academies
- Manage the budgeting and forecasting processes, working closely with budget holders and senior leaders
- Provide insightful financial analysis, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities
- Develop, implement, and continuously improve robust financial controls and procedures
- Ensure compliance with ESFA regulations, Academies Financial Handbook, and relevant financial standards
- Oversee balance sheet reconciliations and ensure integrity of financial data
- Lead on year‑end processes, including statutory accounts preparation and external audit coordination
- Act as a key contact for auditors, regulators, and other external stakeholders
- Lead, manage, and develop the finance team, fostering a high‑performance and collaborative culture
- Provide coaching, mentoring, and professional development opportunities for team members
- Allocate and oversee workloads to ensure efficient delivery of all finance activities
- Work closely with senior leadership, headteachers, and operational leads to support financial planning
- Provide clear financial advice and challenge to non‑finance stakeholders
- Support business cases, investment decisions, and strategic projects across the Trust
- Contribute to financial strategy and long‑term financial planning
- Drive continuous improvement in financial systems, processes, and reporting tools
- Support the implementation of system upgrades or new financial technologies
- Promote best practice in financial management across all academies
We are looking for a motivated, proactive, and technically strong finance professional with a passion for delivering high-quality financial management in a complex organisation.
About You- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
- Significant experience in a financial controller or senior finance role
- Strong technical accounting skills and up‑to‑date knowledge of financial reporting standards
- Experience managing financial controls, audits, and compliance frameworks
- Proven ability to manage and develop teams effectively
- Excellent analytical skills with strong attention to detail
- Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to non‑finance audiences
- Experience working within the education sector, academies, or public sector environment
- Knowledge of ESFA requirements and academy trust financial regulations
- Experience working in a multi‑site or group organisation
- Highly organised with the ability to manage competing priorities
- A proactive and solutions‑focused approach
- Strong interpersonal skills and collaborative mindset
- Integrity and commitment to high professional standards
- Opportunity to play a key role in a large, values‑driven organisation
- Make a meaningful impact in the education sector
- Supportive and collaborative working environment
- Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
Cabot Learning Federation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references.
Financial Controller in Bristol employer: Affinity Partnerships
Cabot Learning Federation is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where finance professionals can make a meaningful impact in the education sector. With a commitment to ongoing professional development and career progression, employees benefit from competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, all while contributing to the Trust's mission of delivering excellent educational outcomes across the South West.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in education. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial knowledge and understanding of the education sector. Be ready to discuss how your skills can help improve financial processes at Cabot Learning Federation.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams and improved financial operations in previous roles. This will highlight your fit for the Financial Controller position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at Cabot Learning Federation.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Financial Controller role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm for the education sector.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've improved financial processes or led successful projects in previous roles. We appreciate results-driven candidates.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Affinity Partnerships
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your technical accounting skills. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting in your previous roles.
✨Understand the Education Sector
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial regulations and standards that apply to academies and the education sector. Being able to speak knowledgeably about ESFA requirements will show that you're serious about making an impact in this role.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led finance teams in the past. Highlight your experience in coaching and developing team members, as well as how you've fostered a collaborative culture. This is crucial for a senior role like this one.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. You'll need to provide clear financial advice to non-finance stakeholders, so being able to communicate effectively is key. Think of examples where you've successfully done this before.
