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- Tasks: Lead finance strategy to support education for children with Special Educational Needs.
- Company: Values-driven organisation focused on nurturing relationships and community impact.
- Benefits: Generous leave, professional development, pension scheme, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Join a compassionate community that values diversity and invests in your growth.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful difference in young people's lives through strategic financial leadership.
- Qualifications: Strong financial acumen and relational leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ 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 - Investment (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 - Investment (Permanent) in Cosham, Hampshire
✨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 dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the Trust’s values and mission. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Be ready to share examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your personality! When you get the chance to meet the team, let your warmth and relational skills shine through. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can build trust and communicate effectively.
✨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, you’ll find all the info you need to prepare for the next steps.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director - Investment (Permanent) in Cosham, Hampshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your personality and passion for the role, so don’t be afraid to share your story and what drives you.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and mission of Solent Academies Trust. Highlight your experience in finance but also how you connect with people and communities, as that’s what matters most to us.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: We’re looking for a relational leader, so be sure to illustrate your leadership approach in your application. Share examples of how you've built trust and communicated effectively in previous roles.
Follow the Application Process: Don’t forget to apply through our dedicated recruitment website! It’s super important to complete the application form as per the guidelines, ensuring you meet all the requirements we’ve set out.
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 a sustainable 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 you've successfully implemented in the past.
✨Emphasise Professional Development
Solent Academies Trust values professional growth, so don’t shy away from discussing your own development. Talk about any training or leadership support you've received and how it has shaped your career. Show them that you're not just looking for a job, but a place where you can grow and contribute meaningfully.