Finance Director

Job Advertisement: Director of Finance
Location: Leicester (based at a central training centre)
Salary: Grade 15, Point 43–46 (£61,367 – £67,517 FTE)

Start date: ASAP
Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year (Initially Interim Contract, 1 year with the view of extension)
Reporting to: Chief Financial & Operations Officer (CFOO)

Responsible for: Head of Finance

Permanent Workforce Resource (PWR) is proud to represent a respected and forward-thinking multi-academy trust (MAT) in their search for a strategic and dynamic Director of Finance. This is a rare opportunity to join the executive leadership of a growing educational organisation committed to excellence, equity, and innovation in learning.

The Role

Operating as a key member of the senior leadership team and reporting directly to the CFOO, the Director of Finance will play a pivotal role in shaping and sustaining the trust’s long-term financial health and operational efficiency. The successful candidate will be responsible for strategic financial planning, compliance, and oversight across all schools within the trust.

This role involves leadership of financial strategy, audit and risk, payroll and pensions administration, procurement, capital planning, and wider trust-wide initiatives. The Director of Finance will act as a key adviser to the executive team and Trustees on all financial matters, ensuring the trust maintains exemplary standards of financial governance and delivers best value across all operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and advice on all financial matters to the CFOO, executive leaders, and Headteachers.
• Ensure compliance with the Academies Financial Handbook, ESFA requirements, and all regulatory deadlines.
• Lead the preparation of statutory accounts, financial reporting, and audit processes.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, and financial modelling for the trust’s short, medium, and long-term goals.
• Oversee internal and external audit arrangements and ensure robust risk management frameworks are in place.
• Lead and develop the central finance team to deliver a highly effective financial support function across the trust.
• Direct the trust’s payroll, pensions, and employee benefits functions, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance.
• Oversee procurement and contract management, ensuring value for money and adherence to trust policies.
• Contribute to the strategic planning and implementation of capital projects and asset management initiatives.
• Drive the continued improvement of financial systems, reporting tools, and data analysis capabilities.

Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will bring:

• A recognised accountancy qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIPFA, CIMA).
• Extensive senior-level experience in financial management, preferably within education, public sector, or not-for-profit environments.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• A strategic mindset with the ability to analyse complex data and develop actionable insights.
• A deep understanding of financial governance, risk management, and statutory compliance.
• A collaborative approach and a strong commitment to supporting educational outcomes across the trust.

Why Join?

This is a rewarding opportunity to help shape the financial future of a thriving trust and contribute meaningfully to the lives of children and young people. The organisation offers a positive working culture, commitment to continuous professional development, and the chance to work at the heart of an ambitious and growing MAT.

Application Details
To express interest or for a confidential discussion, please contact Permanent Workforce Resource (PWR). Applications should include an up-to-date CV and a supporting statement outlining your suitability for the role.

PWR and our client are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments will be subject to appropriate pre-employment checks and references.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
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