Director of Finance in Farnham

Howett Thorpe is delighted to be partnering with a forward-thinking and highly respected Multi-Academy Trust that is embarking on a transformative phase of growth. With a strong reputation for educational excellence and a clear vision for the future, the Trust is continuing to expand its consortium of schools in a measured and values-led manner, ensuring that quality, culture and educational outcomes remain at the heart of every decision.

Benefits

• Generous pension scheme
• Flexible and supportive working environment
• Professional development and career progression opportunities
• Strategic leadership role with significant influence across the organisation
• Opportunity to shape and develop a growing finance function
• Exposure to executive leadership and Board-level stakeholders
• The chance to make a meaningful impact within a values-led organisation
• Ability to work remotely during School holiday, but office based during term time

About The Role

As part of this exciting journey, a newly created Director of Finance position has been established. Reporting directly to the CFO, this role presents a rare opportunity for an ambitious finance leader to become a key contributor to the Trust's ongoing evolution, helping to shape the financial strategy, infrastructure and operational capability required to support sustainable growth.

This is far more than a traditional finance leadership role. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to influence organisational direction, support strategic decision-making and play a pivotal role in building a finance function that is fit for the future. Working closely with the CFO, CEO, Trustees, Headteachers and senior leadership teams, you will be a trusted advisor across the organisation, providing the financial insight and commercial acumen required to support both current operations and future ambitions.

A key focus of the role will be the continued enhancement of systems, processes and reporting capabilities across the Trust. The Director of Finance will be instrumental in identifying opportunities for automation, improving the accessibility and quality of management information, and ensuring that financial processes remain scalable as the organisation continues to grow. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys creating positive change and leveraging technology to drive efficiency, accuracy and better decision-making.

The Trust is seeking an individual who is motivated by the opportunity to build, improve and innovate rather than simply maintain the status quo. The successful candidate will help create the foundations that support the next chapter of the organisation's growth, whilst maintaining the high standards of financial stewardship, governance and operational excellence that underpin its success.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading strategic financial planning, forecasting and financial modelling activities across the Trust.
• Supporting growth initiatives, organisational development and change programmes through robust financial analysis and business case development.
• Overseeing Trust-wide budgeting, forecasting and management reporting processes.
• Delivering insightful financial information to support strategic decision-making at Executive and Board level.
• Driving the enhancement of finance systems, reporting tools and operational processes.
• Identifying and implementing automation opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy and accessibility of financial information.
• Ensuring robust financial governance, compliance and internal controls are maintained across the organisation.
• Leading audit processes and supporting statutory and regulatory financial reporting requirements.
• Supporting the development of a scalable finance function capable of supporting future growth.
• Management of the finance team ensuring high standard of performance is achieved.

This is a role with significant long-term potential. As the Trust continues to grow and evolve, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to grow alongside it, taking on increasing levels of responsibility and helping to shape the future of both the finance function and the wider organisation.

The successful Director of Finance will have:

• Hold a formal accounting qualification – ACCA / CIMA / ACA or equivalent
• Experience of leading and managing finance team
• Strong knowledge of financial controls, compliance, audit processes
• Experience in the Education, Charity or Public Sector such as knowledge of SORP, FRS102
• Strong analytical, financial modelling and forecasting skills
• Advanced Excel skills

Howett Thorpe are acting as a recruitment agency in relation to this role and comply with all relevant UK legislation and do not discriminate on any protected characteristics.