At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations and enhance governance in a dynamic education environment.
- Company: Join Shaw Education Trust, a growing family of schools dedicated to transforming lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, health plans, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working available; be part of a supportive and collaborative network.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education while shaping futures and inspiring communities.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong financial controls and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
Shaw Education Trust is seeking an experienced Financial Controller to join our Finance team on an interim basis, working within a new leadership structure and supporting the continued development of our Trust-wide financial function. This is a key senior finance role for a professionally qualified accountant with strong technical accounting experience, ideally gained within a complex, multi-site organisation.
You will bring a strong understanding of financial controls, statutory reporting, compliance, audit and financial systems, alongside the ability to identify opportunities to improve processes and strengthen financial governance. We are looking for someone who is confident, analytical and solutions-focused, with the ability to lead and develop finance colleagues, work autonomously and build effective relationships with senior leaders, schools, Trustees, auditors and external stakeholders.
If you are an experienced finance professional who can make an immediate impact, provide strong financial leadership and help shape an effective and robust finance function, we would be keen to hear from you.
At Shaw Education Trust, we believe every role has the power to transform a life. Our values—opportunity, integrity, community, and equity—guide everything we do. Our vision is “Opening doors to the world through the power of learning.” We bring this to life through our mission: working together to inspire communities where every school is valued, every voice matters, and every learner thrives.
We are a dynamic and growing family of primary, secondary, and special schools, proudly serving communities from Birmingham to Bury. Our people are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to their development through high-quality training, apprenticeships, talent development programmes, and research opportunities, empowering our staff to thrive as skilled, confident professionals. We champion wellbeing, value every voice, and foster a culture where you feel supported, motivated, and inspired to make a real difference.
You will join a collaborative network of schools where shared expertise and a strong professional community drive success. Every academy within our Trust has an equal voice, and every colleague plays a vital role in shaping tailored learning experiences that raise aspirations and build brighter futures.
If you have the passion, dedication, and drive to help shape lives and create futures filled with promise, we would love you to join our team. Together, let’s make the remarkable happen. We believe every child has the potential to be extraordinary.
Shaw Education Trust offers the following employee benefits with your Teaching or Support Staff employment:
- An excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (Support Staff) / Teachers Pension (Teaching Staff)
- Generous holiday entitlement from your first day of employment (37 days holiday rising to 39 days after 5 years’ service including Bank Holidays)
- Access to Medicash Health & Wellbeing Plan: Enjoy health services designed to support your well-being.
- Free DiscountForTeachers Scheme for all staff (Support and Teaching), exclusive discounts to save money with a wide selection of discounts and exclusive offers from hundreds of the biggest brands.
- Free Eye Tests
- Cycle to work scheme
- Access to our Institute of Education and fantastic opportunities to help you grow, contribute and flourish in your role and in the Trust.
We know our people are the key to our success and so we’re committed to ensuring the employment experience at Shaw Education Trust is a rewarding one.
Contract type: FTC, until 31st January 2027
Location: SET Head Office, based at the Kidsgrove Secondary School site, with hybrid working available where appropriate. The role may also require regular visits to Trust schools and other locations as required.
Financial Controller employer: Shaw Education Trust
Woodhey High School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where every staff member is valued and empowered to thrive. With a strong commitment to employee development through comprehensive training programmes and a focus on wellbeing, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to transforming lives and shaping futures. Located in a vibrant community, this is an inspiring place to work, where your contributions truly make a difference in the lives of students.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Shaw Education Trust. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Shaw Education Trust.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Shaw Education Trust's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shaw Education Trust
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Shaw Education Trust.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Shaw Education Trust will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Shaw Education Trust employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
