Finance Director

Job Title:  Finance Director

Actual Annual Salary:  £95,735 - £105,595 (CLF Grade L26 – L30)

Contract Type:  Permanent

Hours:  Full-time, 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday, all year round. (Part-time 4 days per week, may be considered and can be discussed at interview.)

Additional information: You will work through a blended model that includes home working and working at Federation House, Kingswood, Bristol.

Provisional Start Date:  01 September 2026 (Subject to completion of pre–employment checks)

Shape financial strategy and sustainability across our trust

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Finance Director to lead the financial strategy and operations of the Cabot Learning Federation. This is a pivotal executive leadership role, where you will provide assurance to the Chief Operating Officer, CEO and Board of Trustees across all financial matters, including financial sustainability, risk, and control frameworks.

As a key member of the Executive Team, you will play a central role in shaping the long-term financial direction of a large and growing multi-academy trust. You will lead the development and delivery of Trust-wide financial strategy, ensuring that resources are aligned to priorities and deliver maximum impact for pupils, staff, and communities.

Working closely with senior leaders, Principals, Trustees, and external stakeholders, you will oversee financial planning, statutory reporting, and compliance across the Trust. You will ensure robust systems of internal control, champion value for money, and drive a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

In this role, you will lead and develop a high-performing finance function across central and academy teams, ensuring strong financial management, effective business partnering, and high-quality support for decision-making at every level of the organisation.

About you

You will be a highly accomplished and strategic finance leader, combining strong technical expertise with the ability to influence at executive and board level.

You will have:

A recognised accountancy qualification (CIMA, ACA or ACCA) with extensive senior-level experience

Proven experience of leading financial strategy, planning and transformation across a complex organisation

Strong understanding of financial governance, regulatory frameworks, and systems of internal control

A track record of delivering value for money and driving organisational performance improvement

Significant experience of leading, developing, and inspiring high-performing teams

Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data and translate it into strategic insight

The confidence and credibility to influence, challenge, and advise executive leaders, Trustees, and stakeholders

Experience of working with external partners, including auditors, regulators, and funding bodies

Strong communication skills, with