At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and planning across multiple schools to ensure educational excellence.
- Company: Join a high-performing Multi Academy Trust dedicated to collaboration and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive culture, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on strategic decision-making and team development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of education for thousands of pupils.
- Qualifications: CCAB-qualified accountant with strong financial management and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
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
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.
SFET is a high-performing, ambitious Multi Academy Trust committed to excellence, collaboration and professional growth. As Director of Finance, you will play a central role in shaping the future of a thriving organisation that supports thousands of pupils and hundreds of staff across multiple schools.
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)
- 5,021 pupils
- 669 employees
- 864 ECTs trained/assessed
- 201 trainee teachers
Deadline: Monday 1st June 2026
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 underrepresented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.
Director of Finance in Surrey employer: SOUTH FARNHAM EDUCATIONAL TRUST
South Farnham Educational Trust (SFET) 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 excellence and collaboration, SFET offers ongoing professional development and leadership opportunities, allowing you to influence Trust-wide strategy while making a meaningful impact on the educational outcomes of thousands of pupils across multiple schools. Join us in shaping the future of education in a role that not only values your expertise but also supports your growth within a high-performing Multi Academy Trust.
Contact Details:
SOUTH FARNHAM EDUCATIONAL TRUST Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Finance in Surrey
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the education and finance sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current or former employees of SFET. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your financial modelling skills and experience in strategic decision-making. Use real examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you’ve made an impact.
✨Be Ready for the Interview
Prepare for questions about financial compliance and audit processes, as these are key for the Director of Finance role. Think about how you can communicate complex financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues – that’s a biggie!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through the SFET website! It shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and gives you a better chance of being noticed. Plus, it’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Director of Finance. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our Trust!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a key member of our leadership team, it’s important to demonstrate your ability to inspire and develop others. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to financial information. Make it easy for us to see your qualifications and achievements!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at SFET.
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 prepared to discuss how you've used financial analysis to drive strategic decisions in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role requires inspiring and developing a finance team. Think of examples where you've successfully led a team or project. Be ready to share how you motivate others and foster a collaborative environment, especially in a multi-site context.
✨Understand the Trust's Vision
Familiarise yourself with South Farnham Educational Trust's goals and values. During the interview, connect your experience and vision for financial leadership to their mission of delivering outstanding educational outcomes. This shows you're not just a numbers person but also aligned with their purpose.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle financial challenges. Prepare scenarios where you've had to manage budgets, compliance issues, or audits. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
