Deputy Finance Director

Position: Deputy Finance Director (Permanent)
Our client is looking for a Deputy Finance Director to strengthen financial leadership across its schools.

Location:

Shrewsbury, Hybrid (2–3 days on site)

Salary: £70,000 per annum, Excellent Public‑Sector Pension + Progression Opportunity

Job Type: Full Time, Permanent

About Our Client:

A growing and ambitious Multi‑Academy Trust in Shrewsbury is seeking an exceptional Deputy Finance Director to play a key role in strengthening financial leadership across its schools. This is a high‑impact position for a qualified accountant with deep expertise in financial reporting, senior‑level business partnering, and public‑sector financial stewardship.

This role offers a rare opportunity to step into a senior leadership position with a clear medium‑term pathway to Finance Director level, supported by professional development and exposure to Trust‑wide strategic decision‑making.

Deputy Finance Director

- The Role

As Deputy Finance Director, you will support the Finance Director in delivering robust financial management, strategic insight, and high‑quality reporting across the Trust. You will lead the production of accurate, timely, and meaningful financial information, ensuring compliance with ESFA requirements and enabling strong governance.

A major focus of the role is enhancing the Trust’s finance business partnering model, working closely with Headteachers, senior leaders, and operational teams. You will provide expert financial insight, challenge, and support to drive value for money, strengthen budget ownership, and improve financial performance across all academies.

This is a hybrid role, with 2–3 days per week in the Shrewsbury office and the remainder working remotely.

Deputy Finance Director

- Key Responsibilities

- Lead the production of monthly management accounts, consolidated Trust reporting, statutory returns, and financial analysis, ensuring accuracy and compliance with ESFA and audit standards

- Drive a proactive finance business partnering approach, working closely with senior leaders to provide insight, challenge, and strategic financial guidance

- Support the Finance Director in developing long‑term financial plans, forecasts, and scenario modelling aligned to the Trust’s strategic priorities and growth plans

- Oversee the annual budget cycle, ensuring strong engagement, clear communication, and robust financial planning across all academies

- Lead, mentor, and develop finance staff, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and high performance

- Ensure compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook, funding agreements, and statutory financial regulations

- Contribute to Trust‑wide strategic projects, capital planning, and organisational development initiatives

- Represent the Finance Directorate at senior leadership meetings, local governing bodies, and external stakeholder forums

Deputy Finance Director - About You

- You will bring a blend of technical excellence, leadership capability, and strategic insight

- A full professional accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

- Significant experience in financial reporting and public‑sector compliance

- A proven track record of partnering with senior leaders, providing high‑quality financial insight and influencing decision‑making

- Strong analytical skills with the ability to turn complex financial data into clear, actionable insight

- Confident communication skills, with experience presenting to senior leaders and governance boards

- Experience leading teams and developing others

- A commitment to public‑sector values, integrity, and delivering value for money

Deputy Finance Director - Why Join the Trust?

- A meaningful leadership role supporting schools, staff, and young people

- Excellent pension scheme offering strong long‑term financial security

- Clear progression pathway to Finance Director level in the medium term

- Hybrid working with 2–3 days in the office for a balanced, flexible week

- A collaborative, supportive culture with strong values

- Generous holiday entitlement and ongoing professional development opportunities

- A role with real influence across a growing, forward‑thinking Trust

To submit your CV for this Deputy Finance Director opportunity click ‘Apply’ now