Head of Finance, luton, bedfordshire

The Head of Finance plays a key strategic and operational leadership role in managing the financial health of our Multi-Academy Trust. Reporting to the Director of Finance, this role ensures strong financial planning, governance, and compliance, supporting our schools, shared services, and trading companies in achieving long-term financial sustainability and value for money.

As Head of Finance, you will drive the development and continuous improvement of financial operations, working closely with senior leaders, budget holders, and procurement teams to enhance financial performance, efficiency, and transparency.

The role includes developing and executing the Trust’s financial strategy, ensuring robust financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting, maintaining a strong control environment and optimising financial operations.

Greenshaw Learning Trust is a highly successful multi academy trust that provides excellent quality, comprehensive and inclusive education through primary schools and secondary schools. Our schools are based in London, Surrey, Berkshire, Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire, Bristol and Plymouth. We also have three shared service hubs where our central teams can be based out of. We are building a family of like-minded schools that collaborate to provide mutual support, share their good practice and learn from each other, whilst retaining and developing their own distinctive character. We thrive from collaboration at every level. We encourage a culture of sharing ideas and learning from one another. As a Trust of schools, we are ‘AlwaysLearning’.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and develop the finance team, fostering a high-performing, collaborative, and supportive work environment.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and professional development opportunities to team members.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and best practice within the finance function.
• Contribute to the development and execution of the Trust’s long-term financial strategy, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and sustainability.
• Provide insightful financial analysis and recommendations to inform strategic decision-making by senior leaders and trustees.
• Lead the development of multi-year financial forecasts and models, incorporating scenario planning and risk assessment.
• Identify and evaluate financial risks and opportunities, recommending mitigation strategies and capitalising on potential advantages.
• Oversee the efficient and accurate processing of all transactional finance operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable and banking.
• Manage cash flow, investments, and treasury activities, optimising liquidity and maximising returns in accordance with the Trust’s financial strategy and risk appetite.
• Oversee the effective management and administration of the Trust’s core financial systems, including Sage Intacct, IMP, SAP Concur and Planergy.
• Ensure strong financial controls and compliance within all operational areas.
• Oversee the annual budget development process for all Trust schools, ensuring alignment with educational priorities and resource allocation.
• Collaborate with Headteachers to provide financial guidance and support in budget preparation and management.
• Monitor financial performance against budget, analyse variances, and recommend corrective actions.
• Develop and utilise financial models, benchmarking data, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive efficiency, cost optimisation, and value for money.
• Ensure full compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook, ESFA regulations, charity law, tax obligations, and all other relevant statutory requirements.
• Oversee the accurate and timely preparation and submission of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports to trustees, senior leaders, and regulatory bodies.
• Manage the external and internal audit processes, ensuring timely resolution of audit recommendations.
• Maintain a robust financial control environment, encompassing effective policies, procedures, risk management frameworks, and internal controls.
• Lead the financial onboarding of new schools joining the Trust, ensuring seamless integration and compliance.
• Cultivate strong working relationships with key stakeholders, including trustees, senior leaders, Headteachers and external partners.
• Provide financial training and support to Headteachers and school staff.
• Promote a culture of financial awareness and accountability across the Trust.

Person Specification

• Full professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent).
• Demonstrable experience of significant financial leadership at a senior level within a multi-academy trust (MAT), education sector, public sector, or non-profit organisation.
• Comprehensive understanding of the Academy Trust Handbook, ESFA financial regulations, funding mechanisms, and compliance requirements.
• Proven track record of success in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation within a complex organisation.
• Extensive experience in managing internal and external audits, ensuring regulatory compliance, and managing statutory reporting obligations.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data, identify trends, assess risks, and develop effective mitigation strategies.
• Experience in cost control and value for money initiatives.

Closing date for receipt of applications is Sunday 16 March 2025. We reserve the right to appoint before the closing date.

We are committed to building an inclusive, diverse workplace where everyone can thrive. If you require any support or adjustments to interact with us, please let us know.

Greenshaw Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

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