Interim Financial Controller

Panoramic Associates are supporting a Multi-Academy Trust in Bedfordshire with the recruitment of an Interim Financial Controller for an initial 3 months. You would be required onsite 5 days a week and need to get started by the end of March.

Location: Bedfordshire – onsite 5 days a week

Rate: Competitive, Inside IR35

You will oversee and manage all financial operations across the Trust including line management of team. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the role requires a highly skilled and motivated manager with extensive experience in managing staff, financial and management reporting, and operational activities within the educational sector.

This position is crucial for ensuring the financial stability, accountability, and efficiency of the Trust, in line with statutory and regulatory requirements.

Role:

• Day to day management and mentoring of the central finance team within the Trust, including finance managers and finance officers, ensuring high performance and professional development.
• Fostering a culture of continuous improvement, efficiency, and transparency within the finance function across the MAT.
• Ensuring accountability across the team by monitoring delivery, quality of output, and adherence to deadlines, and being accountable to the CFO for overall team performance.
• Building strong and effective working relationships to support clear communication, collaborative problem‑solving, and the efficient operation of the finance function.

Requirements:

• ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent qualification with significant experience in a financial management role.
• Proven experience as a Financial Controller or similar role, with specific experience in financial management within a Multi‑Academy Trust, educational setting, or nonprofit sector.
• Strong understanding of financial regulations, accounting standards, and the funding framework for academies (including DfE requirements).
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• 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.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

Please click apply or contact Rebecca Martin for more details.