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- Tasks: Lead finance strategy to support education for children with Special Educational Needs.
- Company: Join Solent Academies Trust, a values-driven organisation making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, professional development, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: This is a unique opportunity to impact lives through finance.
- Why this job: Shape futures while working in a compassionate, ambitious community.
- Qualifications: Strong financial skills and a collaborative leadership style are essential.
The predicted salary is between 47185 - 131056 £ 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.
More than a finance role
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.
About you
We are particularly keen to hear from people who:
- Are motivated by purpose and driven to make a meaningful difference in young people’s lives
- Bring a collaborative, relational leadership style and build high‑trust, high‑performing teams
- Combine strategic financial expertise with the ability to see the bigger picture
- Lead with professional rigour, empathy and a sense of humour
- Are as comfortable working with people as they are with numbers
You may already be working in education, or you may be looking to bring your expertise from another sector. What matters most is your alignment with our values and your commitment to creating lasting impact.
Why join Solent Academies Trust?
Because here, your work genuinely matters. 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.
We offer:
- A strong organisational culture rooted in relational practice, belonging and wellbeing
- 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
- A dedicated wellbeing inset day
- 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.
To find out more about the role, we encourage informal and confidential conversations with our recruitment partners, Propelo. 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.
Closing date: Wednesday 3rd June, noon
Interviews: Tuesday 23rd June
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
Director of Finance in Cosham, Portsmouth employer: Solent Academies Trust
Contact Detail:
Solent Academies Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Finance in Cosham, Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the organisation's values and mission. Show how your leadership style aligns with their focus on relationships and community impact. We want to see that you get what they're all about!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles, especially in finance. Highlight your ability to lead with empathy and build trust—those are key traits they’re after.
✨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 the Solent Academies Trust team.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance in Cosham, Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your passion for making a difference shine through. We want to see how motivated you are by purpose and how you can contribute to the lives of young people.
Be Relational: Remember, this role is all about building trust and relationships. Use your application to demonstrate your collaborative leadership style and how you connect with others, both in finance and beyond.
Highlight Your Strategic Insight: We’re looking for someone who can see the bigger picture. Make sure to showcase your strategic financial expertise and how it aligns with our mission to support pupils with Special Educational Needs.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our dedicated recruitment website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and allows you to access all the information you need about the role.
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 relationships and wellbeing, so think about how your leadership style aligns with these principles. Be ready to share examples of how you've built trust and fostered collaboration in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
While this role is about more than just numbers, you still need to demonstrate your strong financial expertise. Prepare to discuss your experience with strategic financial planning and how you've navigated complex financial situations in the past. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to see the bigger picture while managing finances.
✨Emphasise Relational Leadership
This position requires a thoughtful, relational leader. Think about how you can convey your ability to lead with empathy and warmth. Prepare anecdotes that illustrate your collaborative approach and how you've successfully built high-performing teams in the past.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making process. Think about potential challenges you might face in this role, especially regarding high-needs provision, and prepare your thoughts on how you would address them. This will show your strategic insight and readiness to tackle real-life issues.