At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance team and ensure accurate financial reporting for our diverse multi-academy trust.
- Company: Join Cabot Learning Federation, supporting over 18,000 students across 36 schools in the South West.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous pension, annual leave, wellness support, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a culture that values diversity and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on education while developing your leadership skills in finance.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant or QBE with strong financial management experience and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
About Us
Cabot Learning Federation is a large and diverse multi-academy trust in the South West of England that runs and supports more than 36 schools, including primary, secondary, specialist, and post-16 education settings. It serves around 18,000 students and employs over 3,000 staff. CLF is committed to excellence and making a positive impact and our people bring unique perspectives, all driven by a shared moral purpose and a passion for making a positive impact, whether in a teaching, leadership or support role. We are proud to foster a culture where everyone can thrive, feel valued, and make a meaningful difference to the lives of others.
The Role
CLF are seeking to recruit an experienced and visionary Financial Controller who will provide leadership capacity to the finance team as well as technical expertise. You will be responsible for the day-to-day operations and transactions of the finance department and will lead on delivering statutory financial information. The FC will support the Finance Director to deliver the vision for finance across the Trust and ensure the output from the finance department will be accurate, timely, current and to a high standard. This role will develop and embed a culture of continuous improvement within the team and ensure the service provided to our academies and other provisions is of the highest quality requiring the establishment of key relationships with both internal and external stakeholders. The scope of their role and responsibilities has Trust wide impact and the post holder will need to develop an in-depth knowledge of the Federation’s activities and goals.
About You
- Be a qualified accountant or QBE with substantial financial and management accounting experience.
- Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and demonstrable experience of leading and engaging with finance and other corporate functions to develop a mature and rounded service.
- Have an excellent understanding of financial and management accounting processes, financial reporting and audit planning as well as being adept at managing both your own and your team’s priorities.
- Working with the Leadership team particularly the Estates and Facilities team, Operations, IT team and HR team, you will be a strong leader able to communicate well with your peers and teams members and have resilience to adapt quickly to changing priorities and demands from internal and external stakeholders.
- Knowledge of Public Sector accounting, SORP, Charity law and VAT.
In return for your hard work and dedication you will enjoy a wide variety of benefits including:
- Access to a generous pension through the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Generous annual leave.
- A comprehensive induction and ongoing commitment to wellbeing and career progression, through a range of training, apprenticeships and in-role/wider-trust development opportunities.
- Well-being 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.
- Additional benefits like cycle to work scheme, on-site parking plus many more!
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Closing date 5th July; Interview date 17th July
Financial Controller in Gloucester employer: Cabot Learning Federation
Cabot Learning Federation is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that empowers over 3,000 staff members to thrive. With a strong commitment to employee well-being and professional development, the Federation offers generous benefits such as a robust pension scheme, extensive annual leave, and tailored training opportunities, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in education finance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in Gloucester
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Cabot Learning Federation. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Cabot Learning Federation.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Cabot Learning Federation. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller in Gloucester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Cabot Learning Federation and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Cabot Learning Federation how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cabot Learning Federation
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Cabot Learning Federation.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Cabot Learning Federation's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
