About this role
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Finance & Charity Accounting: Lead multi-year financial forecasting, annual budget modeling, monthly management accounts, and statutory annual audited accounts under Charity SORP (FRS 102) and the Academies Accounts Direction.
- Statutory Compliance & ESFA Submissions: Oversee total financial probity, Academy Trust Handbook compliance, and the timely submission of all statutory ESFA financial returns using software systems like Access Education Finance & Access Budgets.
- Operations & Estates Leadership: Manage premises compliance, health & safety, procurement/contracts, risk management, and the Trust's IT and cyber security infrastructure.
- HR & Payroll Oversight: Oversee recruitment protocols, statutory pension submissions (TPS/LGPS), and monthly payroll processing.
Key Requirements
- Qualifications: Level 4+ SBM Qualification (CSBM/DSBM/Level 6 Diploma) Or a degree in Finance/Accounting/Business; full or partial finance qualification (AAT Level 4, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA, ACA) or equivalent CFO-level academy finance experience.
- Experience: Proven senior financial management and multi-year budget modeling experience within an Academy Trust (SAT/MAT) or the Charity Sector, including statutory accounting and external audit leadership.
- Technical & Regulatory Knowledge: Robust working knowledge of the Academy Trust Handbook (ATH), ESFA frameworks, Charity Commission regulations, and high proficiency in Excel and financial management software.