At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance strategy to support children with Special Educational Needs and foster community impact.
- Company: Solent Academies Trust, a values-driven organisation focused on education and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, professional development, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Join a compassionate community that values your voice and invests in your growth.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful difference in young people's lives while shaping the future of education.
- Qualifications: Strong financial acumen, strategic insight, and relational leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 € 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.
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.
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.
Director of Finance employer: Solent Academies Trust
At Solent Academies Trust, we pride ourselves on being a values-driven organisation that prioritises the wellbeing and professional growth of our employees. As a Director of Finance, you will join a compassionate community dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people with Special Educational Needs. With a strong organisational culture rooted in relational practice, generous benefits, and a commitment to your development, this is an exceptional opportunity to lead with purpose and impact.
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 or finance world. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities you might not find on job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Solent Academies Trust and think about how your values align with theirs. Be ready to share how your leadership style can make a difference in their community.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your soft skills! Remember, they’re looking for someone who can build trust and communicate effectively. Share examples of how you've led teams with empathy and humour.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Solent Academies Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for making a difference in young people's lives shine through. We want to see how motivated you are by purpose and how your values align with ours.
Be Relational:Remember, this role is all about building trust and relationships. Use your application to highlight your collaborative leadership style and how you've successfully built high-performing teams in the past.
Connect the Dots:Make sure to connect your financial expertise with the bigger picture. We’re looking for someone who understands that behind every number is a real-life impact, so share examples of how you've navigated complex financial decisions with empathy.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our dedicated recruitment website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you have access to all the resources you need during the process.
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 demonstrated these values in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role is all about relational leadership, so be prepared to discuss your leadership style. Think of specific instances where you've built trust within a team or led with empathy. Highlight how you balance financial acumen with a people-focused approach.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, especially in high-needs environments. Prepare scenarios where you've navigated complex financial decisions while considering the impact on real lives. This will show your ability to see the bigger picture.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Ask about the Trust's future plans or how they measure success in their finance function. This not only shows your interest but also your commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.
