At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function, ensuring effective financial stewardship and strategic planning.
- Company: Waterton Academy Trust, a dynamic multi-academy trust focused on collaboration and integrity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to shape financial strategy.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and influence in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial governance and support the best outcomes for students.
- Qualifications: Strong finance skills, attention to detail, and ability to build relationships.
The predicted salary is between 56601 - 60617 £ per year.
Location: Walton Primary Academy, The Grove, Walton, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF2 6LD
Contract Type: Permanent
Contract Term: Full-Time
Salary: Leadership Scale B1 to B4 £56,601 to £60,617 (pending confirmation of pay award)
Closing Date: 8:00am, Mon 27th Jul, 2026
Start Date: As soon as possible
Interview Date(s): TBC
About this Role
Thank you for your interest in the role of Head of Finance at Waterton Academy Trust. We are delighted to share this opportunity with individuals who are passionate about strong financial stewardship, effective systems and controls, and ensuring that every pound of public funding supports the best possible outcomes for our children and young people.
Waterton Academy Trust is a dynamic and growing multi-academy trust, comprising primary, early years and specialist settings across Wakefield and Barnsley. We are proud of our strong culture of collaboration, integrity and ambition for all learners. As a publicly funded organisation, we recognise our responsibility to safeguard public funds, maintain robust financial controls and provide high-quality financial leadership across all academies.
This role is central to ensuring that our finance function continues to run smoothly, efficiently and effectively as the Trust grows. The Head of Finance will work alongside the Chief Financial Officer to provide strategic and operational leadership of the Trust finance function. The postholder will lead and support the central finance team, prepare and review management accounts, support budget planning and forecasting, strengthen financial reporting, and provide expert advice and guidance to school and Trust leaders.
A key aspect of the role will be helping to shape the next stage of our finance service. This includes developing fit-for-purpose systems and controls, improving consistency across academies, supporting the use of financial modelling and scenario planning, and ensuring that leaders have clear, timely and user-friendly financial information to support decision-making.
The role combines strategic influence with hands-on operational delivery. It requires strong technical finance capability, attention to detail, the confidence to provide constructive challenge and the ability to build effective relationships with colleagues across the central team, academies, auditors and external partners.
As Waterton continues to grow, there is genuine scope for this role to develop further in influence, breadth and impact. For the right candidate, this is an opportunity to deepen senior leadership experience, deputise for the CFO when required, contribute to Trust-wide financial strategy and play a significant role in shaping a finance function that is resilient, responsive and ready for future growth.
If you are committed to strong governance, collaborative working, continuous improvement and achieving the best possible use of public funds, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Head of Finance in Barnsley employer: Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council
Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff. As a Community Reablement Support Worker, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable individuals while enjoying flexible working hours and a strong commitment to employee growth and training. Join us in Barnsley, where your contributions are valued, and you can truly help foster independence in our community.
Contact Details:
Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
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