Finance Director in England

The Cabot Learning Federation – a mature schools trust home to 36 academies operating across a range of phases and specialisms – is now seeking a Finance Director to join the Executive Team and lead on the Trust’s financial strategy and operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Working closely with the COO to develop a financial strategy that meets the needs of the organisation and puts pupils at the heart of the planning.
• Building and maintaining professional and productive working relationships with colleagues at all levels, including Board members, academy councils and senior leaders.
• Being a role model for compliance with the CLF Financial Regulations and championing a value-for-money culture across the Trust, supporting leaders to make good spending decisions.
• Leading, supporting and coaching the Finance team, supporting the ongoing development of senior leaders and regularly providing clear expectations and feedback.
• Overseeing the preparation of monthly management accounts and other regular financial data.
• Leading an effective procurement and purchasing strategy for the Trust.
• Overseeing the preparation of the group financial statements and annual external audit in accordance with the Companies Act, Charities SORP and relevant DfE requirements.
• Ensuring effective accounting systems, controls and reporting operate across the Federation.
• Supervising the Federation’s taxation affairs, including the filing of all statutory returns.
• Managing the CLF’s portfolio of investments.
• Monitoring the Trust’s performance against financial KPIs, making recommendations to improve financial performance.

Skills and Experience

• A recognised accountancy qualification (CIMA, ACA or ACCA) with extensive senior-level experience.
• Proven experience of leading financial strategy, planning and transformation across a complex organisation.
• Strong understanding of financial governance, regulatory frameworks, and systems of internal control.
• A track record of delivering value for money and driving organisational performance improvement.
• Significant experience in leading, developing, and inspiring high-performing teams.
• Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data and translate it into strategic insight.
• The confidence and credibility to influence, challenge, and advise executive leaders, Trustees, and stakeholders.
• Experience working with external partners, including auditors, regulators, and funding bodies.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Advanced knowledge of legislative and best-practice developments within finance and a good understanding of current developments in the education sector.

Access to a generous pension through the Local Government Pension Scheme. Generous annual leave entitlement. A comprehensive induction and ongoing commitment to wellbeing and career progression through a range of training, apprenticeships and in‑role/wider‑Trust development opportunities. Wellbeing support through an employee assistance programme. Health benefits, including wellness sessions, gym discounts, and flu jabs. A range of generous family leave options, including above‑industry‑average occupational maternity pay. Cycle‑to‑work scheme and on‑site parking.