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- Tasks: Lead finance strategy to support children with Special Educational Needs.
- Company: Values-driven organisation focused on nurturing relationships and community.
- Benefits: Generous leave, professional development, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Join a compassionate community that values your voice and growth.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on young lives while shaping financial strategies.
- Qualifications: Strong financial acumen and relational leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
At Solent Academies Trust, we know that when strong relationships are nurtured, people thrive, and when people thrive, so do the children and young people we serve. We are a values‑driven organisation, proud to support pupils with Special Educational Needs in environments where connection, respect and belonging sit at the heart of every decision we make.
At an exciting and pivotal point in our journey, we are seeking an exceptional Director of Finance to join our senior leadership team.
This is not a traditional Director of Finance post. Yes, you will bring strong financial acumen, strategic insight and professional rigour, but what matters most to us is how you lead. We are looking for a thoughtful, relational leader who builds trust with ease, communicates with clarity and warmth, and understands that behind every financial decision are real lives, families and communities.
Working closely with the Chief Finance and Operating Officer, you will play a central role in shaping the Trust’s future. You will lead and develop our finance function with integrity and credibility, guiding a sustainable financial strategy across our academies while navigating the complexities of high‑needs provision. Your work will directly support our ability to deliver outstanding care, education and inclusion for our pupils.
You will be part of a compassionate, ambitious community that values difference, prioritises wellbeing and invests in its people. This is a place where your voice is heard, your contribution is recognised and your professional growth is actively supported.
- High‑quality professional development and leadership support
- Local Government Pension Scheme (including a 17.9% employer contribution and 50/50 option)
- Life assurance and confidential wellbeing support services
- Generous annual leave, increasing with service
- A range of additional employee benefits and recognition schemes
This is a rare opportunity to step into a senior leadership role where your financial expertise will shape not only an organisation, but the futures of the children and young people we serve.
Please click the apply link to arrange a discussion via our dedicated recruitment website. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance, all applicants are required to complete the application form, which is also available on the same website. Solent Academies Trust has a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Successful applicants will be subject to relevant pre-employment checks, including references and enhanced DBS clearance.
Locations
Finance Director - Contract to Permanent in Cosham, Hampshire employer: Solent Academies Trust
Contact Detail:
Solent Academies Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director - Contract to Permanent in Cosham, Hampshire
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and finance sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. The more people know you’re on the hunt for a Finance Director role, the better your chances!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their values, mission, and the specific challenges they face in supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Think of examples where you’ve built trust, communicated effectively, and made impactful financial decisions. These anecdotes will showcase your relational leadership style and how you can contribute to the Trust’s vision.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining a compassionate community that values wellbeing and professional growth.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director - Contract to Permanent in Cosham, Hampshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for making a difference shine through. We want to see how motivated you are to support young people and contribute to our values-driven mission.
Be Authentic: Don’t be afraid to show your personality! We’re looking for a thoughtful leader who communicates with warmth. Share your experiences and insights in a way that feels true to you.
Highlight Your Leadership Style: This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about how you lead. Make sure to emphasise your relational leadership skills and how you build trust within teams and communities.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our dedicated recruitment website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly, and you can find all the necessary forms there too!
How to prepare for a job interview at Solent Academies Trust
✨Understand the Values
Before your interview, take some time to really understand the values of Solent Academies Trust. They prioritise connection, respect, and belonging, so think about how your own values align with theirs. Be ready to share examples of how you've fostered these values in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role is all about relational leadership, so be prepared to discuss your approach to leading teams. Think of specific instances where you've built trust and communicated effectively. Highlight how you’ve made financial decisions that positively impacted real lives and communities.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Since this position involves shaping the Trust’s financial strategy, brush up on your strategic financial expertise. Be ready to discuss how you can see the bigger picture and navigate complexities, especially in high-needs provision. Bring along ideas or strategies that could benefit the Trust.
✨Emphasise Professional Development
Solent Academies Trust values professional growth, so don’t shy away from discussing your own development. Talk about how you’ve invested in your skills and how you plan to continue growing in this role. This shows that you’re not just looking for a job, but a place to make a meaningful impact.