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- Tasks: Lead finance strategy to make a real difference in young people's lives.
- Company: Join a compassionate community dedicated to supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, wellbeing support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a values-driven organisation prioritising wellbeing and growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education while nurturing strong relationships and trust.
- Qualifications: Strong financial acumen and a collaborative leadership style.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
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.
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.
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. 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.
Reporting to 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.
Benefits
- 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.
Director of Finance in 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 Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to education or finance. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. Building relationships can open doors you didn’t even know existed!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your personality! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, let your passion for making a difference shine through. Share stories that highlight your leadership style and how you’ve positively impacted teams or projects in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the unexpected! In interviews, be ready for scenario-based questions that test your strategic thinking and relational skills. Think about how you would handle real-life situations in finance that also involve empathy and collaboration.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our community at Solent Academies Trust, where we value every voice and contribution.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for making a difference in young people's lives shine through. We want to see how your values align with ours and how you can contribute to our mission.
Be Relational: Highlight your collaborative leadership style in your application. We’re looking for someone who builds trust and communicates with warmth, so share examples of how you've fostered strong relationships in your previous roles.
Think Strategically: Don’t just focus on the numbers; show us how you see the bigger picture. We want to know how your strategic financial expertise can help shape our future and support our academies in delivering outstanding care and education.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to join our compassionate community.
How to prepare for a job interview at Solent Academies Trust
✨Know Your Numbers and the Bigger Picture
As a Director of Finance, it's crucial to demonstrate your financial expertise while also showing that you understand how those numbers impact real lives. Prepare to discuss specific financial strategies you've implemented in the past and how they contributed to broader organisational goals.
✨Showcase Your Relational Leadership Style
This role requires a collaborative approach, so be ready to share examples of how you've built trust and high-performing teams. Think about times when you've successfully navigated challenges through effective communication and empathy—these stories will resonate well.
✨Align with Their Values
Research Solent Academies Trust's values and be prepared to articulate how your personal values align with theirs. Highlight your commitment to making a meaningful difference in young people's lives, especially those with Special Educational Needs, as this will show you're a great cultural fit.
✨Bring Your Sense of Humour
While professionalism is key, don’t shy away from showing your personality. A sense of humour can help build rapport during the interview. Share light-hearted anecdotes that still reflect your professional journey, demonstrating that you can balance rigour with warmth.