Financial Controller in Kettering

Financial Controller - Multi Academy Trust

Location

Thrapston, Northamptonshire

Contract Type

Permanent

Salary

Lead and develop a Finance Operations team within education.

Partner directly with the CFO on strategic financial planning.

Hands‑on financial accounting role managing a team.

Develop your career within a Trust committed to professional growth.

Company Overview

This Multi‑Academy Trust of 12 primary & secondary schools is committed to enhancing strategic financial insight across its schools and leadership teams.

It focuses on efficient allocation of resources, integration of finance with curriculum planning, and compliance with ESFA and academy handbook requirements.

The Trust values continuous improvement and invests in ongoing professional and personal development.

With a strong emphasis on collaboration, high standards, and courteous service, it creates an environment where finance professionals can grow while making a real difference to students and staff across its schools.

Position Overview

As Financial Controller, you will play a key role in ensuring financial sustainability across the Trust.

Working closely with the CFO, you will manage capital and revenue budgets, produce financial reports and statements, and lead the Finance Operations team of 4 staff.

You will maintain robust financial controls, manage risk, and ensure compliance with financial and legal obligations.

You will build strong relationships with external stakeholders including banks, the Df E, and auditors, and identify opportunities for cost savings and improved efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Manage and monitor capital and revenue budgets effectively.
• Support the CFO in producing regular finance reports and budget packs.
• Prepare financial statements including cash flow, income and balance sheets.
• Perform monthly balance sheet reconciliations and fixed asset reporting.
• Maintain the Key Financial Controls Framework across the Trust.
• Conduct fixed asset verifications and stock takes.
• Manage financial risk and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Build and maintain relationships with banks, the Df E, auditors and stakeholders.
• Organise and follow up on internal and external audits.
• Lead, develop and manage the Finance Operations team (4 staff).
• Monitor cost‑effectiveness of services and identify savings opportunities.
• Oversee transactional processes including banking, purchase ledger and sales ledger.
• Manage working capital and cash flow forecasting.
• Partner with the CEO, Regional Executive Principals and School Business Managers.

Requirements

• Proven experience managing budgets and financial controls in a similar role.
• Ideally fully‑qualified ACCA, CIMA, ACA or CIPA accountant.
• Strong technical accounting skills including balance sheet reconciliations and financial statements.
• Experience leading and developing finance teams.
• Knowledge of compliance requirements, ideally within education or the public sector.
• Ability to build effective relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Experience managing audits and working with external bodies.
• Strong analytical skills to identify cost savings and efficiency improvements.
• Understanding of working capital management and cash flow forecasting.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and professional development.

Benefits

• Competitive salary of £51-58k.
• Leading public sector pension contributions.
• Role is office‑based with flexibility to work from home during quieter periods.
• Commitment to ongoing professional and personal development.
• Supportive leadership and clear career progression opportunities.

You’ll join a Trust that genuinely values its people and invests in their growth.

Working alongside committed professionals, you will be part of an organisation focused on continuous improvement, high standards, and making a positive impact on education.

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