At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and planning across multiple schools to ensure educational excellence.
- Company: South Farnham Educational Trust, a supportive and values-driven educational organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to influence educational outcomes.
- Other info: Join a collaborative environment with opportunities for growth and leadership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of education while leading a dynamic finance team.
- Qualifications: CCAB-qualified accountant with senior-level financial management experience.
The predicted salary is between 64500 - 71030 £ per year.
This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.
Location: South Farnham Educational Trust (multi-site role)
Salary: L9 - L13 (£64,500 - £71,030), commensurate with experience
Contract: Full-time, permanent
About the Role
South Farnham Educational Trust (SFET) is seeking an exceptional Director of Finance to provide strategic financial leadership across our growing family of schools. This is a senior and influential role at the heart of the Trust, ensuring financial sustainability, operational excellence, and high-quality support for our leaders, staff, and governors. Working closely with the CFOO, CEO, Headteachers and the Trust Board, you will lead Trust-wide financial planning, reporting, compliance and systems development. You will play a key part in shaping SFET's long-term direction, ensuring our resources are aligned with our ambition to deliver outstanding educational outcomes for all pupils. This is a multi-site role and will require regular presence across our schools and central team.
As a key member of the central leadership team, you will:
- Lead medium- and long-term financial planning aligned with Trust priorities
- Provide expert financial analysis and modelling to support strategic decision-making
- Oversee Trust-wide budgeting, forecasting and monthly management reporting
- Ensure strong internal controls, compliance and efficient financial systems
- Lead on statutory financial returns, audit processes and risk management
- Manage, develop and inspire the Trust's finance team
- Support procurement, tendering and value-for-money initiatives
- Build strong relationships with Headteachers, budget holders, auditors, and external partners
About You
We are looking for an accomplished and forward-thinking finance leader who:
- Is a CCAB-qualified accountant with significant senior-level financial management experience
- Brings strong analytical skills, financial modelling expertise and excellent attention to detail
- Has proven experience producing management accounts, budgets and forecasts
- Understands financial compliance, audit processes and sector-relevant regulatory frameworks
- Is an inspiring leader who can motivate and develop a high-performing team
- Communicates financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues
- Can work strategically while maintaining a hands-on, solutions-focused approach
- Demonstrates professionalism, integrity and alignment with SFET's values; experience in the education, charity or public sector is desirable but not essential.
We Offer
- A professional, supportive and values-driven culture
- The opportunity to influence Trust-wide strategy at a senior level
- A collaborative environment where your expertise will have real impact
- Ongoing professional development and leadership opportunities
Key Statistics
- 11 schools (primary and secondary)
- 5021 pupils
- 669 employees
- 864 ECTs trained/assessed
- 201 trainee teachers
Safeguarding Statement
South Farnham Educational Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from under represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.
Director of Finance in Farnham employer: SOUTH FARNHAM EDUCATIONAL TRUST
South Farnham Educational Trust is an exceptional employer that fosters a professional, supportive, and values-driven culture, making it an ideal place for the Director of Finance to thrive. With a commitment to ongoing professional development and leadership opportunities, you will have the chance to influence Trust-wide strategy while working collaboratively with a dedicated team across multiple sites. The Trust's focus on financial sustainability and operational excellence ensures that your expertise will have a meaningful impact on delivering outstanding educational outcomes for all pupils.
Contact Details:
SOUTH FARNHAM EDUCATIONAL TRUST Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Finance in Farnham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Director of Finance role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the South Farnham Educational Trust thoroughly. Understand their financial goals and challenges, and think about how your skills can help them achieve their mission. This will show you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience in financial management and how it aligns with the Trust's values. Highlight your leadership style and how you can inspire a high-performing finance team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance in Farnham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Director of Finance role. Highlight your CCAB qualifications and relevant experience in financial management, as well as any specific achievements that align with SFET's goals.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for education and how your strategic financial leadership can contribute to SFET's mission of delivering outstanding educational outcomes.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In your application, don’t forget to showcase your strong analytical skills and financial modelling expertise. We want to see how you can support strategic decision-making and ensure financial sustainability across our schools.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a seamless application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and for you to stay updated on your progress!
How to prepare for a job interview at SOUTH FARNHAM EDUCATIONAL TRUST
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Director of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the education sector and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive strategic decisions in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role requires inspiring a finance team and collaborating with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects, highlighting your ability to motivate others and foster a collaborative environment.
✨Understand the Trust's Vision
Familiarise yourself with South Farnham Educational Trust’s goals and values. Be prepared to discuss how your financial strategies can align with their mission to deliver outstanding educational outcomes, showing that you’re not just about numbers but also about impact.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Think of scenarios where you had to manage budgets under pressure or navigate compliance issues, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
