At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and drive innovation in a growing Multi-Academy Trust.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking Multi-Academy Trust with a strong reputation for educational excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, professional development, and the chance to make a meaningful impact.
- Other info: Opportunity for remote work during school holidays and significant career progression.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance in education and influence strategic decisions at all levels.
- Qualifications: Must hold a formal accounting qualification and have experience in finance leadership.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 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.
Benefits
- 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.
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
We comply with all relevant UK legislation and do not discriminate on any protected characteristics.
Financial Director in Farnham employer: Howett Thorpe
Howett Thorpe is an exceptional employer, offering a flexible and supportive working environment that prioritises professional development and career progression. As a Director of Finance within a forward-thinking Multi-Academy Trust, you will have the unique opportunity to shape financial strategy and influence organisational direction while making a meaningful impact in the education sector. With a strong commitment to values-led growth, this role provides exposure to executive leadership and the chance to innovate within a growing finance function, all while enjoying the benefits of remote work during school holidays.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Director in Farnham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Director of Finance role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the Trust's values and recent initiatives. Show us that you’re not just a finance whiz but also someone who aligns with their mission and can contribute to their growth story.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss how your experience in financial planning and analysis can help shape the Trust’s future. We want to hear how you can drive efficiency and innovation in their finance function.
✨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 serious about joining a forward-thinking organisation like this Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Director in Farnham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Director of Finance role. Highlight your leadership experience, financial expertise, and any relevant achievements in the education sector to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our Trust's growth. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Financial Acumen:In your application, don’t forget to demonstrate your strong analytical and forecasting skills. We want to see how you've used these abilities in past roles to drive positive change and improve financial processes.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates about your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at Howett Thorpe
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Director, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the education sector and be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive strategic decisions in previous roles.
✨Understand the Trust's Vision
Familiarise yourself with the Multi-Academy Trust’s mission and values. Be ready to articulate how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their transformative growth phase.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role involves leading a finance team and influencing senior stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams and collaborated with executives to achieve financial objectives, highlighting your strategic leadership skills.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about challenges you've faced in financial planning or compliance and how you overcame them, especially in a dynamic environment like education.
