Financial Controller

Financial Controller

• Annual Salary: £58,079 - £64,464
• Location: Dunstable, LU5
• Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

We are seeking an experienced and committed Financial Controller to join a hardworking and dedicated Finance Team within a Multi Academy Trust. This pivotal role involves overseeing and managing all financial operations across the Trust, including line management of the team. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), this position requires a highly skilled and motivated manager with extensive experience in financial and management reporting, and operational activities within the educational sector.

Day-to-day of the role:

• Team Leadership & Development:

  • Manage and mentor the central finance team within the Trust, including finance managers and finance officers, ensuring high performance and professional development.
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement, efficiency, and transparency within the finance function across the Multi-Academy Trust (MAT).
  • Ensure accountability across the team by monitoring delivery, quality of output, and adherence to deadlines.

• Financial Management & Reporting:

  • Lead the preparation and submission of accurate monthly and annual financial reports for the Trust, ensuring compliance with all statutory requirements and regulations.
  • Oversee the preparation of consolidated financial statements for the Trust, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow forecasts.
  • Manage the preparation of budgets and forecasts for each school and for the Trust as a whole, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and priorities.

• Cash Flow & Treasury Management:

  • Manage cash flow across the Trust, ensuring that sufficient funds are available to meet operational and strategic objectives.
  • Monitor and manage investment strategies to maximise returns while ensuring the safety of funds.

• Compliance & Governance:

  • Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations and policies, including those set by the DfE, HMRC, and the Charity Commission.
  • Work closely with the Trust's auditors to facilitate smooth and efficient audits.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent qualification with significant experience in a financial management role.
• Proven experience as a Financial Controller, with specific experience in financial management within a Multi-Academy Trust, educational setting, or non-profit sector.
• Strong understanding of financial regulations, accounting standards, and the funding framework for academies.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data.
• High proficiency in financial software and Excel; experience with MAT-specific financial systems (e.g., PS Financials, Sage, FMS) is an advantage.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary range of £58,079 to £64,464, dependent on experience.
• Permanent, full-time position with a 37-hour work week.
• Opportunity to work within a diverse and supportive finance team.
• Professional development opportunities within a growing Trust.

To apply for the Financial Controller position, please apply here.