Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and ensure effective resource use for educational excellence.
- Company: Join a rapidly growing Multi-Academy Trust with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, pension scheme, and employee perks.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public education and shape the future of schools.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with senior leadership experience in finance.
- Other info: Opportunity to lead a high-performing team and drive impactful change.
The predicted salary is between 78000 - 102000 £ per year.
Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership Trust (MNSP) is entering an exciting phase. Already responsible for 36 schools, with strong predicted growth in the next 12-18 months, they are a high-performing and rapidly expanding Trust with a strong reputation for school improvement, financial strength and educational excellence. With a £150m+ turnover and a clear commitment to supporting 3000 staff and improving outcomes for pupils, they are seeking an exceptional Finance Director to lead their finance function into the next stage of organisational growth.
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, you will provide strategic leadership, assurance and financial stewardship at the highest level - ensuring resources are used effectively to deliver the very best outcomes for children across the Trust.
The Opportunity
This is a rare and career-defining role for a senior finance leader who wants to make a genuine difference in public education. You will:
- Lead at Scale and Influence Trust-Wide Strategy: Shape and deliver the Trust's multi-year financial strategy, investment plans and capital priorities. Provide clear analysis, advice and constructive challenge to senior leaders, the CEO and Trustees. Play a pivotal role in driving financial sustainability during a period of significant growth.
- Ensure Rigorous Governance, Controls and Compliance: Lead internal controls, audit, external scrutiny and statutory reporting - including DfE returns and preparation of financial statements. Maintain full compliance with the Academies Handbook, Companies House and financial regulation.
- Drive Financial Excellence Across the Trust: Oversee monthly management accounts, budgeting, forecasting and KPI reporting. Manage reserves and cashflow, recommending investment options to maximise returns. Lead procurement strategy and ensure best value across all schools.
- Play a Key Role in Due Diligence & Growth: Lead financial due diligence for incoming schools and support seamless onboarding.
- Develop and Lead a High-Performing Finance Function: You will manage a team of 25 staff, including Management Accountants, Accounts Payable/Receivable teams, and Payroll. With some staff school-based, you'll ensure strong capacity, clear processes, and professional excellence across multiple sites.
Why Join MNSP?
- A financially strong, well-run and respected Trust with outstanding school improvement capability.
- A leadership culture focused on outcomes, not bureaucracy - lean, agile and impactful.
- Significant opportunity to shape the strategic future of a large and growing educational organisation.
- A chance to make a profound difference to children's lives across the South West.
What They’re Looking For
Essential:
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA).
- Successful track record in senior financial leadership within a complex, multi-site organisation.
- Strong experience in audit, financial reporting, and leading high-performing finance teams.
- Ability to translate strategy into robust financial models, budgets and operational plans.
- Excellent communication, influence and interpersonal skills - comfortable working with school leaders, teachers and Trustees.
- Deep commitment to integrity, public value and improving outcomes for children.
Highly Desirable:
- Experience within a Multi-Academy Trust or public-sector organisation.
- Up-to-date knowledge of the Academies Handbook and MAT finance regulation.
- Experience in capital bids, capital project oversight, risk management and onboarding new academies.
Benefits:
- £90,000 - £110,000
- Government Pension Scheme
- 26 days' holiday + bank holidays (rising to 31 after 5 years' service)
- Blue Light Card - offering savings on shopping, travel and leisure
- Cycle-to-Work Scheme
- Free Eye Tests
- EAP Scheme
Finance Director in Midsomer Norton employer: Robert Half
Contact Detail:
Robert Half Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director in Midsomer Norton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and finance sectors. Attend events, webinars, or even local meet-ups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Finance Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching MNSP thoroughly. Understand their financial strategies and challenges. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their goals. We want to see you shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've led teams and driven financial excellence in previous roles. Use specific examples that highlight your impact on organisational growth.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director in Midsomer Norton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Finance Director role. Highlight your leadership in financial strategy and any relevant achievements in multi-site organisations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about improving educational outcomes and how your experience makes you the perfect fit for MNSP.
Showcase Your Financial Acumen: In your application, be sure to mention specific examples of how you've driven financial excellence and compliance in previous roles. This will demonstrate your capability to lead the finance function effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Robert Half
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Director, you’ll need to be on top of your financial game. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership Trust, like turnover, budgeting processes, and compliance standards. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with finance but also understand the specific context of the organisation.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Prepare to share examples of how you've led high-performing finance teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This role is all about strategic leadership, so demonstrating your ability to inspire and manage a team will be crucial.
✨Understand the Educational Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current trends and challenges in public education finance, especially within Multi-Academy Trusts. Being able to discuss how financial strategies can impact educational outcomes will set you apart as a candidate who truly understands the mission of MNSP.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with insightful questions for your interviewers. Ask about their vision for financial sustainability during growth or how they measure success in their finance function. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
