At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations and ensure compliance for a growing Multi Academy Trust.
- Company: Join Monarch Education, a leading education recruitment provider in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, CPD opportunities, and a referral bonus scheme.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial sustainability in education while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Professional accountancy qualification and experience in senior finance roles required.
The predicted salary is between 58641 - 58641 € per year.
Salary: £55,747 - £61,534 per annum
Contract: Full-time, fixed-term until 31 December 2026
Start Date: July 2026
Location: Hybrid - Home-based with two days per week in the office in Kingswood, Bristol
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Financial Controller to join a growing Multi Academy Trust. This is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring robust financial management, compliance, and strategic financial planning across the Trust. Working closely with the Chief Financial Officer and senior leadership team, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the Trust's long-term financial sustainability and the delivery of high-quality education outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the day-to-day financial operations of the Trust, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance
- Prepare monthly management accounts and financial reports for senior leadership and Trustees
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes
- Ensure compliance with ESFA regulations, Academies Financial Handbook, and statutory requirements
- Manage cash flow, financial controls, and risk management processes
- Support audits and liaise with external auditors and stakeholders
- Line manage and develop finance team members
- Contribute to strategic decision-making and financial strategy
About You
- Demonstrate strong technical accounting expertise, with the capability to lead on statutory accounts preparation and ensure full compliance with relevant frameworks and regulations
- Hold a recognised professional accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with substantial post-qualification experience in a senior finance position
- Have a proven track record of leading, developing, and motivating high-performing finance teams within a complex organisational environment
- Bring solid experience of managing month-end processes, delivering accurate financial reporting, and meeting tight deadlines
- Possess excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret financial data, identify risks, and drive continuous improvement
- Be confident in influencing and challenging senior stakeholders, providing clear and credible financial insight and advice
- Have experience leading audits, managing external relationships, and maintaining high standards of compliance across financial operations
- Demonstrate strong communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly to both financial and non-financial audiences
- Show strong proficiency in financial systems and advanced Excel skills
Benefits of Working with Monarch Education:
- GCA Approved Supplier opportunity to enhance your CPD portfolio through our Affinity Academy
- Free Safeguarding training
- Refer a friend scheme - £200 bonus (you can make unlimited referrals)
- Online portal to manage your pay and timesheets
To learn more about us and what makes Monarch one of the leading education recruitment providers nationwide, please visit our website.
Affinity Workforce Solutions and Monarch Education are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all its temporary workers to share these commitments. As this role involves working with children on a daily basis, regulated activity is that any successful applicant's applications will, in accordance with statutory guidance, be subject to 2 employment references, an enhanced DBS check and a right to work in the UK check. This vacancy is based in the United Kingdom. Monarch Education operates in the UK and can only process applications from candidates who are currently UK residents and eligible to work in the UK.
Whilst we will endeavour to contact you following your response, due to the high volume of applications we regret that this cannot always be possible. If you have not had notification from us within 30 days, please take your application as not being successful this time but we will keep your details on file for future opportunities.
Financial Controller employer: Monarch Education
Monarch Education is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work culture that prioritises professional development and employee well-being. With the flexibility of a hybrid working model based in Kingswood, Bristol, employees benefit from a collaborative environment while enjoying opportunities for continuous learning through CPD initiatives and safeguarding training. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the education sector while advancing your career in a role that values your expertise and contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who work in education. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial knowledge and the specific challenges faced by Multi Academy Trusts. We want you to be ready to impress with your insights and solutions!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've developed finance teams and managed complex financial operations. We love hearing about your successes and how you can bring that to our Trust.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate candidates like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Financial Controller role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in financial management and compliance, to show us you’re the perfect fit for our team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you want to join our Multi Academy Trust and how your skills align with our mission. Be genuine and let your personality shine through!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've improved financial processes or led successful teams to grab our attention.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it!
How to prepare for a job interview at Monarch Education
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you’ll need to demonstrate your technical accounting expertise. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets, forecasts, and compliance in previous roles. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the numbers but can also lead financial operations effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
You’ll be managing a finance team, so it’s crucial to highlight your experience in leading and developing high-performing teams. Prepare examples of how you’ve motivated your team and contributed to their professional growth. This will help the interviewers see you as a strong candidate for a leadership role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle financial challenges. Think of specific scenarios where you identified risks or improved processes. Being able to articulate these experiences will demonstrate your analytical skills and strategic thinking.
✨Communicate Clearly
You’ll need to present complex financial information to both financial and non-financial audiences. Practice explaining financial concepts in simple terms. This will not only showcase your communication skills but also your ability to influence and advise senior stakeholders effectively.
