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- Tasks: Lead the finance function and drive financial performance across multiple schools.
- Company: Respected Multi Academy Trust in Birmingham with a focus on strategic leadership.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional growth opportunities, and flexible working arrangements.
- Why this job: Step into a senior role and make a real impact on education finance.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior finance roles, ideally within an education or not-for-profit sector.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking team and enjoy a dynamic work environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
RM Recruit is working in partnership with a respected Multi Academy Trust in the Birmingham area to recruit a Head of Finance on a permanent basis. This is a key strategic leadership role, acting as the Trust's number one finance professional and ensuring robust financial management across all schools within the organisation. The successful candidate will provide high-quality financial leadership, drive financial performance, and support the Trust's long-term strategic goals. This is an excellent opportunity for the ideal candidate to step up into a senior role whereby you will be given autonomy to stamp your mark on the finance team.
Main duties include:
- Lead the finance function for the Trust, providing strategic oversight, leadership, and day-to-day management.
- Produce accurate and timely monthly management accounts, forecasts, and budgets for senior leadership and the Board.
- Oversee preparation of statutory accounts and ensure full compliance with ESFA, Charities Commission, and Companies House regulations.
- Drive robust financial planning, scenario analysis, and long-term financial forecasting.
- Lead and develop the finance team to ensure high performance and continued professional growth.
- Partner with Heads, Principals, and senior stakeholders to support decision-making and ensure strong financial stewardship across each academy.
- Maintain and improve internal controls, financial systems, and processes to ensure best practice.
- Lead on year-end processes, external audits, and internal audit actions.
- Oversee cash flow management, financial governance, and risk management.
- Work closely with the CEO/COO to support the Trust's strategic and operational objectives.
As the ideal candidate, you will possess proven experience in a senior finance role, ideally as Financial Controller, Head of Finance, Finance Director, or equivalent. Previous experience working within an Academy Trust, education finance environment, or similar regulated/not-for-profit sector is essential. You will possess strong technical accounting knowledge, ideally with experience of ESFA/Academy Trust Handbook requirements. Ideally, you will possess excellent leadership skills with the ability to influence and support senior stakeholders and lead a small team. Experience of using PS Financials is desirable however, not essential. This role is mostly working from their offices with some home working available to the ideal candidate.
If you are looking for a new challenge in a forward thinking academy Trust, or are looking for a step up in seniority and responsibilities, we encourage you to apply.
RM Recruit is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of race, gender, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.
Head of Finance employer: RM Recruit
Contact Detail:
RM Recruit Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education finance sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Head of Finance role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Multi Academy Trust's financial performance and strategic goals. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in making a positive impact on their financial management.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings! Reach out directly to the Trust or similar organisations through our website. Express your interest in potential roles and showcase how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led finance teams in the past and how you plan to drive financial performance in this new role. Confidence is key!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Finance role. Highlight your relevant experience in financial leadership and management, especially within an Academy Trust or similar environment. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
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 strategic leadership role. Share specific examples of how you've driven financial performance and supported long-term goals in previous positions.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a key player in our finance team, we need to see your leadership chops! In your application, mention any experience you have in leading teams, developing talent, and influencing senior stakeholders. We love a candidate who can inspire others!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows us you're keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at RM Recruit
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them to drive performance in previous roles. This shows you’re not just familiar with numbers, but you can leverage them strategically.
✨Understand the Trust's Goals
Research the Multi Academy Trust’s mission and strategic objectives. Be prepared to discuss how your financial leadership can align with their long-term goals. This will show that you’re not only interested in the role but also invested in the organisation’s success.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll be leading a finance team, so it’s crucial to articulate your leadership approach. Think about examples where you’ve developed team members or improved team performance. This will help interviewers see how you can foster a high-performing finance function.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially around financial planning and risk management. Prepare specific scenarios from your past experience where you successfully navigated challenges. This will highlight your ability to think critically and act decisively.
