At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and planning for a multi-site educational trust.
- Company: Join South Farnham Educational Trust, a high-performing Multi Academy Trust.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive culture, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for leadership and growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education while making a real impact on students' lives.
- Qualifications: CCAB-qualified accountant with senior-level financial management experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: South Farnham Educational Trust (multi-site role)
Salary: Competitive
Contract: Full-time, permanent
About the Role
South Farnham Educational Trust (SFET) is seeking an exceptional Director of Finance to provide strategic financial leadership across our growing family of schools. This is a senior and influential role at the heart of the Trust, ensuring financial sustainability, operational excellence, and high-quality support for our leaders, staff, and governors. Working closely with the CFOO, CEO, Headteachers and the Trust Board, you will lead Trust-wide financial planning, reporting, compliance and systems development. You will play a key part in shaping SFET’s long-term direction, ensuring our resources are aligned with our ambition to deliver outstanding educational outcomes for all pupils. This is a multi-site role and will require regular presence across our schools and central team.
As a key member of the central leadership team, you will:
- Lead medium- and long-term financial planning aligned with Trust priorities
- Provide expert financial analysis and modelling to support strategic decision-making
- Oversee Trust-wide budgeting, forecasting and monthly management reporting
- Ensure strong internal controls, compliance and efficient financial systems
- Lead on statutory financial returns, audit processes and risk management
- Manage, develop and inspire the Trust’s finance team
- Support procurement, tendering and value-for-money initiatives
- Build strong relationships with Headteachers, budget holders, auditors, and external partners
About You
We are looking for an accomplished and forward-thinking finance leader who:
- Is a CCAB-qualified accountant with significant senior-level financial management experience
- Brings strong analytical skills, financial modelling expertise and excellent attention to detail
- Has proven experience producing management accounts, budgets and forecasts
- Understands financial compliance, audit processes and sector-relevant regulatory frameworks
- Is an inspiring leader who can motivate and develop a high-performing team
- Communicates financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues
- Can work strategically while maintaining a hands-on, solutions-focused approach
- Demonstrates professionalism, integrity and alignment with SFET’s values
Experience in the education, charity or public sector is desirable but not essential.
Why Join Us?
SFET is a high-performing, ambitious Multi Academy Trust committed to excellence, collaboration and professional growth. As Director of Finance, you will play a central role in shaping the future of a thriving organisation that supports thousands of pupils and hundreds of staff across multiple schools.
We offer:
- A professional, supportive and values-driven culture
- The opportunity to influence Trust-wide strategy at a senior level
- A collaborative environment where your expertise will have real impact
- Ongoing professional development and leadership opportunities
Key Statistics
- 11 schools (primary and secondary)
- 5021 pupils
- 669 employees
- 864 ECTs trained/assessed
- 201 trainee teachers
Interested?
To find out more about this exciting opportunity or to visit the School/Trust, please contact us (details are enclosed in the "advert" attachment).
Deadline date: Monday 1st June 2026
Director of Finance employer: Sfet
South Farnham Educational Trust is an exceptional employer that fosters a professional, supportive, and values-driven culture, making it an ideal place for the Director of Finance to thrive. With a commitment to excellence and collaboration, you will have the opportunity to influence Trust-wide strategy while enjoying ongoing professional development and leadership opportunities in a multi-site role that impacts thousands of pupils and hundreds of staff across our schools.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Finance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Director of Finance role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities at places like SFET.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your financial modelling skills and understanding the specific challenges faced by multi-academy trusts. Show them you’re not just a numbers person, but someone who can drive strategic decisions.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your leadership style! Be ready to discuss how you’ve inspired and developed finance teams in the past. They’ll want to see that you can motivate others while keeping everything compliant and efficient.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the SFET family and making a real impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Director of Finance role. Highlight your CCAB qualifications and relevant experience in financial management, as well as any specific achievements that align with SFET's goals.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for education and how your financial expertise can help shape the future of SFET. Don't forget to mention your leadership style!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In your application, be sure to showcase your strong analytical skills and financial modelling expertise. We want to see how you can support strategic decision-making and ensure financial sustainability across our schools.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a seamless application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and for you to stay updated on your progress!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sfet
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Director of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the education sector and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive strategic decisions in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've inspired and developed finance teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you motivated your team to overcome them.
✨Understand the Trust's Vision
Familiarise yourself with South Farnham Educational Trust’s goals and values. Be prepared to discuss how your financial strategies can align with their mission to deliver outstanding educational outcomes for pupils.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think through potential financial challenges the Trust might face and how you would approach them, ensuring you highlight your analytical and strategic thinking.
