At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and enhance systems for a growing Multi-Academy Trust.
- Company: Join a respected Multi-Academy Trust focused on educational excellence and growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy a generous pension, flexible work environment, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Significant long-term potential with opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while shaping the future of finance in education.
- Qualifications: Must hold an accounting qualification and have experience in finance leadership.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 90000 £ per year.
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.
Director of Finance – 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
Director of Finance – 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
Finance Director - Contract to Permanent in Farnham employer: Howett Thorpe
Howett Thorpe is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and flexible working environment that prioritises professional development and career progression. As part of a forward-thinking Multi-Academy Trust, employees have the unique opportunity to influence strategic decisions and contribute to meaningful change within the education sector, all while enjoying generous benefits such as a robust pension scheme and the ability to work remotely during school holidays.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director - Contract to Permanent in Farnham
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Howett Thorpe. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director - Contract to Permanent in Farnham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Howett Thorpe.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Howett Thorpe's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Howett Thorpe
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Howett Thorpe.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Howett Thorpe will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Howett Thorpe employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
