At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and drive operational excellence in a dynamic Multi-Academy Trust.
- Company: Join a well-established, high-performing organisation focused on education and community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy a strategic leadership role with excellent pension and benefits.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for progression and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while shaping the future of education finance.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with significant senior-level finance experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
HB Partners are delighted to be partnering with a well-established and high-performing Multi-Academy Trust to recruit an experienced and strategic Finance Director. This is a key senior leadership role, offering the opportunity to shape financial strategy, drive operational excellence, and support long-term sustainability across a complex and evolving organisation.
The Opportunity
Reporting into the Chief Financial Officer, you will take a lead role in delivering high-quality financial leadership across the organisation. You will partner closely with senior stakeholders, providing insight, challenge, and direction to support strategic decision-making and organisational growth. This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified finance leader who thrives in a values-driven environment and is looking to make a meaningful impact.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead strategic financial planning, including long-term forecasting and financial modelling
- Oversee budgeting, management accounts, and financial reporting across multiple sites
- Ensure robust financial controls, compliance, and risk management processes
- Support audit processes and statutory reporting requirements
- Drive continuous improvement of financial systems, processes, and reporting tools
- Provide clear financial insight to non-finance stakeholders, including senior leadership and board members
- Lead, develop, and mentor a finance team, promoting high performance and continuous improvement
- Support procurement activity, ensuring value for money and effective contract management
About You
- Fully qualified accountant (CCAB)
- Significant senior-level finance experience, including team leadership
- Strong technical expertise across financial reporting, controls, and compliance
- Proven experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels
- Advanced Excel and financial systems experience
- Experience within education, public sector, or not-for-profit environments is highly desirable
Whats on Offer
- A strategic, high-impact leadership role with opportunities for progression
- Opportunity to influence organisational direction and performance
- Collaborative and purpose-driven working environment
- Excellent pension scheme and benefits
Finance Director in Southampton employer: HB Partners Ltd
HB Partners offers an exceptional working environment for finance professionals, particularly those passionate about making a difference in the education sector. With a strong focus on values-driven leadership, employees benefit from a collaborative culture that encourages professional growth and development, alongside a competitive pension scheme and comprehensive benefits. This role not only allows you to shape financial strategy but also provides the opportunity to influence the future of a multi-academy trust, making it a truly rewarding career choice.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in education or public sectors. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation's financial strategies and challenges. Show them you’re not just a numbers person but someone who understands their mission and can contribute to their long-term sustainability.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in budgeting and financial reporting. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the key responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description. Highlight your experience in financial leadership and strategic planning to show us you're the right fit for this role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about the role and how your background aligns with our values-driven environment. Don’t forget to mention specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since you'll be working closely with senior stakeholders, it's crucial to demonstrate your excellent communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application to show us you can engage and influence at all levels.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at HB Partners Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Director, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial planning and analysis. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the organisation and be ready to discuss how you've used these in past roles to drive strategic decisions.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
This role involves partnering closely with senior stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated complex financial information to non-finance colleagues. Show that you can influence and engage effectively at all levels.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
You'll be leading a finance team, so be prepared to discuss your leadership style and how you've developed high-performing teams in the past. Think of specific instances where you've mentored team members or driven continuous improvement.
✨Understand the Sector
Since experience in education or the public sector is desirable, do your homework on the challenges and opportunities within these environments. Be ready to discuss how your background aligns with the values-driven approach of the organisation.
