At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning and reporting for a growing Catholic Academy Trust.
- Company: Emmaus Catholic Academy Trust, dedicated to excellent education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a mission-driven team committed to safeguarding children.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial strategy in education.
- Qualifications: Experience in financial planning and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Emmaus Catholic Academy Trust (Diocese of Salford) is dedicated to providing great Catholic education which enables all pupils within our family of schools to flourish. As part of our continued growth and commitment to excellence, we are seeking to expand our central team with the appointment of a Head of Financial Planning and Reporting to support our CFO.
The Head of Financial Planning and Reporting is a pivotal leadership position, responsible for the ongoing financial planning and reporting across a rapidly growing Catholic Academy Trust, leading the central business partnering team, maintaining strong relationships with school leaders and working with the Financial Controller and CFO to enhance systems and processes and advise the board on financial efficiency and the ongoing financial strategy.
Supporting the CFO with delivery of the finance strategy and leading a team of up to 10 Finance Business Partners, including Senior Finance Business Partners, in a catholic-academy trust of over 50 schools (primary and secondary) and responsible for the ongoing budgeting and strategic financial planning, including monthly reporting and forecasting at a consolidated level, deputising for the CFO where appropriate.
The post holder will be responsible for delivering robust financial strategy, strong financial governance, and high-quality financial operations across Emmaus CAT. They will ensure that Emmaus CAT remains financially resilient, compliant, and able to invest effectively in educational outcomes. Working closely with the CFO and the Financial Controller, you will provide strategic financial insight to the Board and Executive Team, and support school leaders to achieve value for money and sustainable school improvement.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS application and will be subject to further safer recruitment checks, such as references, with ID documents retained on file. All shortlisted candidates will be subject to an online check, as part of our due-diligence in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025.
Strategic Finance Lead: Planning, Reporting & Governance in Sale employer: Emmaus Catholic Academy Trust
Emmaus Catholic Academy Trust is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its staff within a supportive and collaborative work culture. With a strong commitment to educational excellence, employees benefit from meaningful opportunities to contribute to the financial strategy of a rapidly expanding network of schools, while enjoying a focus on safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The Trust fosters a sense of community and purpose, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking to make a significant impact in the education sector.
Contact Details:
Emmaus Catholic Academy Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Finance Lead: Planning, Reporting & Governance in Sale
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and finance sectors. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Emmaus Catholic Academy Trust thoroughly. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. We want to see you shine, so practice common interview questions and have your own ready to ask.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! As a Strategic Finance Lead, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and manage relationships. Share specific examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully led projects or improved processes.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Finance Lead: Planning, Reporting & Governance in Sale
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in financial planning and reporting. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Strategic Finance Lead, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As this role involves leading a team, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past, especially in a finance context. We love to see how you can inspire and guide others!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it's necessary. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised on our end!
How to prepare for a job interview at Emmaus Catholic Academy Trust
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Strategic Finance Lead, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. This shows you can provide the strategic insight the board is looking for.
✨Understand the Mission
Emmaus Catholic Academy Trust is all about providing excellent education. Familiarise yourself with their values and mission. Be prepared to explain how your financial strategies can support their educational goals and enhance financial efficiency.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
You'll be leading a team of Finance Business Partners, so highlight your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams, fostered collaboration, and improved processes. This will show that you're ready to take on a pivotal role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in financial planning and reporting, and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your ability to navigate complex situations effectively.
