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, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on educational outcomes and financial strategy.
- Qualifications: Professional accountancy qualification required; strong leadership skills essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Your Role
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.
Qualifications
- Professional full or part accountancy qualification essential.
Safeguarding Information
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 FP&A Leader for Education Trust Growth in Sale employer: Emmaus Catholic Academy Trust
Emmaus Catholic Academy Trust is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment that prioritises the growth and development of its staff. With a strong commitment to educational excellence and community values, employees benefit from professional development opportunities, a focus on financial resilience, and the chance to make a meaningful impact across over 50 schools. Located in the Diocese of Salford, this role offers the unique advantage of contributing to a mission-driven organisation that values both financial integrity and the welfare of children.
Contact Details:
Emmaus Catholic Academy Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic FP&A Leader for Education Trust Growth in Sale
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved with finance. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Emmaus Catholic Academy Trust thoroughly. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led teams in financial planning and reporting. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to drive results and support strategic initiatives.
✨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 being part of our team at Emmaus CAT.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic FP&A Leader for Education Trust Growth 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 Head of Financial Planning and Reporting, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a pivotal leadership position, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to lead teams effectively. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past, especially in a financial context. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and drive their teams towards success!
Highlight Your Strategic Insight:This role requires strong strategic financial insight, so be sure to include any experiences where you’ve contributed to financial strategy or governance. We’re looking for candidates who can think critically and provide valuable insights to support our CFO and Board.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Emmaus Catholic Academy Trust
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Strategic FP&A Leader, 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 strategic decisions in previous roles. This will show your potential employer that you can provide the financial insight they need.
✨Understand the Educational Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current trends and challenges in the education sector, especially within Catholic academies. Being able to speak knowledgeably about how financial strategies can impact educational outcomes will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a team of Finance Business Partners, so be prepared to share examples of your leadership style. Discuss how you've successfully managed teams, fostered collaboration, and driven results in past positions. Highlighting your ability to mentor and develop others will resonate well.
✨Align with Their Values
Emmaus Catholic Academy Trust is dedicated to providing excellent education rooted in Catholic values. Make sure to express your commitment to these values during the interview. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your alignment with their mission and how you can contribute to their goals.
