At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial control, management accounting, and payroll to support educational outcomes.
- Company: Lion Academy Trust, dedicated to enhancing pupil success and community impact.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, pension scheme, and unlimited professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in pupils' lives while advancing your finance career.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong financial expertise and a passion for public service.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
At Lion Academy Trust (LAT), we take pride in providing an outstanding environment for pupils so they can succeed in their academic and general development. We are seeking a values‑led, technically strong, and experienced finance professional to join our senior leadership team.
As a senior finance leader, you will be responsible for ensuring the Trust maintains a strong, reliable, and well‑evidenced financial control environment, accurate management accounting, and effective payroll and pension assurance. You will turn Trust priorities into deliverable finance programmes, providing high‑quality financial insight that directly supports educational outcomes across all our schools.
If you are a qualified accountant who balances a meticulous eye for numbers with a passion for public service and making a difference to pupils, we want to hear from you.
Benefits- An opportunity to use your skills and knowledge to make a real difference to the pupils within our community.
- Annual leave entitlement, from 29 days, increasing to 32 days after five years (+ 8 bank holidays).
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Unlimited access to CPD and career development through providers such as The National College and The Key.
- Free access to an Employee Assistance Programme providing support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - this can include physiotherapy, legal and financial specialist support, counselling and wellbeing services.
- Perks at Work exclusive rewards and discounts programme.
- Cycle to work, technology and home salary sacrifice schemes.
Application Closing Date: 16 August 2026. Interview dates to be arranged: Week commencing 27 August 2026, subject to candidate availability.
NB: Suitable candidates may be interviewed before the closing date and the school reserves the right to withdraw the position if an early appointment is made. Applicants are therefore encouraged to apply early.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will require two positive references from current and previous employers. The position is subject to an enhanced DBS and medical checks.
Head of Financial Control, Management Accounting and Payroll in London employer: LION ACADEMY TRUST
Lion Academy Trust is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and supportive work culture that prioritises the educational impact of our financial decisions. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer professional development opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students across the UK. Join us in a role where your expertise will not only drive financial excellence but also contribute to the success of our schools and communities.
