Director of Finance
3 days ago
Farnham
Director of Finance Location: South Farnham Educational Trust (multi-site role) Salary: Competitive Contract: Full-time, permanent About the Role South Farnham Educational Trust (SFET) is seeking an exceptional Director of Finance to provide strategic financial leadership across our growing family of schools. This is a senior and influential role at the heart of the Trust, ensuring financial sustainability, operational excellence, and high-quality support for our leaders, staff, and governors. Working closely with the CFOO, CEO, Headteachers and the Trust Board, you will lead Trust-wide financial planning, reporting, compliance and systems development. You will play a key part in shaping SFET’s long-term direction, ensuring our resources are aligned with our ambition to deliver outstanding educational outcomes for all pupils. This is a multi-site role and will require regular presence across our schools and central team. As a key member of the central leadership team, you will: • Lead medium- and long-term financial planning aligned with Trust priorities, • Provide expert financial analysis and modelling to support strategic decision-making, • Oversee Trust-wide budgeting, forecasting and monthly management reporting, • Ensure strong internal controls, compliance and efficient financial systems, • Lead on statutory financial returns, audit processes and risk management, • Manage, develop and inspire the Trust’s finance team, • Support procurement, tendering and value-for-money initiatives, • Build strong relationships with Headteachers, budget holders, auditors, and external partners About You We are looking for an accomplished and forward-thinking finance leader who: • Is a CCAB-qualified accountant with significant senior-level financial management experience, • Brings strong analytical skills, financial modelling expertise and excellent attention to detail, • Has proven experience producing management accounts, budgets and forecasts, • Understands financial compliance, audit processes and sector-relevant regulatory frameworks, • Is an inspiring leader who can motivate and develop a high-performing team, • Communicates financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues, • Can work strategically while maintaining a hands-on, solutions-focused approach, • Demonstrates professionalism, integrity and alignment with SFET’s values Experience in the education, charity or public sector is desirable but not essential. Why Join Us? SFET is a high-performing, ambitious Multi Academy Trust committed to excellence, collaboration and professional growth. As Director of Finance, you will play a central role in shaping the future of a thriving organisation that supports thousands of pupils and hundreds of staff across multiple schools. We offer: • A professional, supportive and values-driven culture, • The opportunity to influence Trust-wide strategy at a senior level, • A collaborative environment where your expertise will have real impact, • Ongoing professional development and leadership opportunities Key Statistics • 11 schools (primary and secondary), • 5021 pupils, • 669 employees, • 864 ECTs trained/assessed, • 201 trainee teachers Interested? To find out more about this exciting opportunity or to visit the School/Trust, please contact us (details are enclosed in the "advert" attachment). Deadline date: Monday 1st June 2026 We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a strong response, so early applications are encouraged.