Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday, all year round. (Part-time 4 days per week, may be considered and can be discussed at interview.)
Additional information: You will work through a blended model that includes home working and working at Federation House, Kingswood, Bristol.
Provisional Start Date: 01 September 2026 (Subject to completion of pre‑employment checks)
Shape financial strategy and sustainability across our trust
We are seeking an experienced and visionary Finance Director to lead the financial strategy and operations of the Cabot Learning Federation. This is a pivotal executive leadership role, where you will provide assurance to the Chief Operating Officer, CEO and Board of Trustees across all financial matters, including financial sustainability, risk, and control frameworks.
As a key member of the Executive Team, you will play a central role in shaping the long-term financial direction of a large and growing multi-academy trust. You will lead the development and delivery of Trust-wide financial strategy, ensuring that resources are aligned to priorities and deliver maximum impact for pupils, staff, and communities.
Working closely with senior leaders, Principals, Trustees, and external stakeholders, you will oversee financial planning, statutory reporting and compliance across the Trust. You will ensure robust systems of internal control, champion value for money and drive a culture of accountability, innovation and continuous improvement.
In this role, you will lead and develop a high‑performing finance function across central and academy teams, ensuring strong financial management, effective business partnering and high‑quality support for decision‑making at every level of the organisation.
About you
You will be a highly accomplished and strategic finance leader, combining strong technical expertise with the ability to influence at executive and board level.
You will have:
- A recognised accountancy qualification (CIMA, ACA or ACCA) with extensive senior‑level experience
- Proven experience of leading financial strategy, planning and transformation across a complex organisation
- Strong understanding of financial governance, regulatory frameworks and systems of internal control
- A track record of delivering value for money and driving organisational performance improvement
- Significant experience of leading, developing and inspiring high‑performing teams
- Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data and translate it into strategic insight
- The confidence and credibility to influence, challenge and advise executive leaders, Trustees and stakeholders
- Experience working with external partners, including auditors, regulators and funding bodies
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly to diverse audiences
It would also be advantageous if you have:
- Experience within the education, public sector or charity environment
- Knowledge of academies finance frameworks and regulatory requirements
- Experience of leading change, innovation or organisational growth programmes
What we’re looking for
- You will be an inspiring and values‑driven leader who:
- Demonstrates vision, resilience and a strategic mindset
- Leads by example and promotes a strong culture of financial probity and accountability
- Champions collaboration and builds strong relationships across teams and stakeholders
- Is committed to continuous improvement, innovation and delivering high standards
- Shares our commitment to equity through education and improving life chances for all pupils
Why join CLF in this role?
As Finance Director, you will join our Executive Team at a critical stage in our growth, helping to shape the financial future of a large, complex and ambitious organisation.
We offer:
- A strategic executive leadership role with Trust‑wide impact
- The opportunity to shape financial strategy and influence organisational direction
- Hybrid working across our Bristol offices and Trust academies
- A collaborative, values‑driven environment focused on continuous improvement
- Strong professional development and leadership opportunities
Why work at CLF?
We are a diverse and inclusive community of 36 academies across five cluster regions in the South West that is committed to excellence and making a positive impact. Our people bring unique perspectives, but we’re all driven by a shared moral purpose and a passion for making a positive impact, whether in a teaching, leadership or support role. We’re proud to foster a culture where everyone can thrive, feel valued, and make a meaningful difference to the lives of others.
We are an equal opportunity employer and proud to serve a diverse student population and our communities. We strongly believe that representation matters and so encourage applications from underrepresented and global majority groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.
We aim to remove any barriers to employment, ensuring everyone can compete on equal terms. Job share, part‑time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.
What we can offer you:
- 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!
As a Disability Confident Committed Employer, we are dedicated to equity and inclusion and commit to interviewing applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria. We aim to provide an inclusive and accessible recruitment process, and support employees throughout their employment. If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, or require any adjustments to support you through the application or interview process please let us know how we can assist.
