At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations and ensure compliance for a growing Multi Academy Trust.
- Company: Join a dynamic Multi Academy Trust focused on educational excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, CPD opportunities, free training, and referral bonuses.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial sustainability and education outcomes.
- Qualifications: Professional accountancy qualification and experience in senior finance roles.
The predicted salary is between 55747 - 61534 € 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
- 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
Important Information
All pay rates provided are inclusive of rolled up holiday pay. Equal Opportunities – MonarchAffinity Workforce Solutions and Monarch Education are committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare of children and young people and expect all temporary workers to share these commitments. As this role involves working with children on a daily basis, regulated activity requires any successful applicant's applications to be subject to 2 employment references, an enhanced DBS check and a right to work in the UK check.
Financial Controller employer: Monarch Education
As a Financial Controller at our Multi Academy Trust, you will be part of a dynamic and supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and employee well-being. With the flexibility of a hybrid working model based in Kingswood, Bristol, you will enjoy a range of benefits including opportunities for continuous professional development, a referral bonus scheme, and a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Join us to make a meaningful impact on the financial sustainability of our educational initiatives while advancing your career in a collaborative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the finance sector! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Financial Controller role.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interviews by researching the Trust and its financial operations. Think about how your experience aligns with their needs and be ready to discuss specific examples. We want you to showcase your skills and confidence, so practice common interview questions and have your own questions ready to impress!
✨Showcase Your Skills
When you get the chance, demonstrate your technical accounting expertise and leadership abilities. Bring along examples of your past work, like reports or presentations, to show how you’ve successfully managed finances before. We believe that tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we often have exclusive roles listed there that you won’t find anywhere else. Let’s make sure you’re in the running for that Financial Controller position!
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, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that align with the job description and show us your passion for financial strategy.
Showcase Your Qualifications:Don’t just list your qualifications; explain how they make you a strong candidate. If you’ve got an ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualification, let us know how your post-qualification experience has prepared you for this position.
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 all the amazing candidates like you!
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
This role involves managing a finance team, so be prepared to share examples of how you've developed and motivated your team in the past. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, as well as how you’ve contributed to strategic decision-making within your organisation.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex financial situations. Prepare scenarios where you had to interpret financial data, identify risks, or manage audits. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨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 help you during the interview but also demonstrate your ability to influence and challenge senior stakeholders effectively.
