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Finance Director

  • Location

    Wandsworth

  • Job Function:

    Finance

  • Sector:

    Education

  • Job type:

    Permanent

  • Salary:

    £65000.00 - £75000.00 per annum

  • Contact:

    Matthew Dowson

  • Contact email:

    matthew.dowson@ea-first.com

  • Job ref:

    BBBH2895_1768240024

  • Published:

    about 10 hours ago

  • Expiry date:

    12 April 2026

  • Startdate:

    ASAP

  • Consultant:

    Matthew Dowson

We are partnering with a Mutli-Academy Trust in Wandsworth to recruit a Finance Director. The role is paying £65,000 - £75,000 per annum, plus attractive benefits.

A Trust that holds a history of 'Outstanding' Ofsted inspections. They are a community of local schools that act with commitment, professionalism and loyalty.

Finance Director:

  • Maintaining the organisation's accounts in accordance with funding agreements and the Academies Trust Handbook.
  • Preparing an annual budget, based on agreed input data.
  • Preparing and maintaining a rolling three-year financial plan.
  • Ensuring that the budgeting tool used by the organisation is kept up to date and incorporates local and national funding parameters.
  • Effective payroll management with accurate and up-to-date records and returns.
  • Efficient income collection, minimisation of debt, and timely processing of invoices.
  • Accurate and timely financial reporting, including management accounts, to support effective budgetary control.
  • Up-to-date asset registers.
  • Undertaking monthly budget monitoring across the Trust.
  • Preparing financial reports for governors and directors and attending meetings to present these reports.
  • Liaising with budget holders and responding to financial queries.
  • Maintaining a strong understanding of available funding streams to maximise grant income and other non-core funding, including SEND funding, and liaising with local authorities to secure termly funding.
  • Managing cash flow and reporting regularly on the organisation's financial position to the board.
  • Overseeing the effective delivery of all finance and payroll functions.
  • Ensuring compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements relating to accounting, public sector finance, HMRC regulations and the Academies Finance Handbook.
  • Overseeing external and internal audit.
  • Undertaking liaison and preparatory work for capital funding bids.

Finance Director:

  • A recognised accounting qualification (e.g. ACCA, ACA or equivalent) is essential.
  • Proven experience working as a School Business Manager or in a senior finance role within a school or academy.
  • Substantial experience managing a wide range of strategic financial activities, including budget planning, monitoring and control, alongside day-to-day financial operations.
  • A track record of leading, managing and developing a finance team, with evidence of mentoring and coaching staff.
  • Experience of producing clear, high-quality reports and presenting financial information to governing boards or senior decision-makers.
  • Knowledge of DfE funding regulations and statutory guidance relating to school financial management, including the Academies Trust Handbook.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work confidently and constructively with stakeholders at all levels.
  • Experience of using financial management systems such as SAGE and budgeting tools such as IMP Planner.
  • Ability to build effective working relationships and handle sensitive matters with discretion, professionalism and empathy.
  • Resilient and adaptable, with strong problem-solving skills and a positive approach to challenges.
  • Ability to work effectively under pressure, manage competing priorities.

Finance Director:

  • £65,000 - £75,000 per annum.
  • 36 hour working week.
  • Local Government Pension Scheme.
  • 29 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays.
  • Sick pay.

EA First Ltd are acting as an Employment Agency for this permanent vacancy.