Financial Controller

Job Title:  Financial Controller

Actual Annual Salary:  £55,747 - £61,534 (CLF Grade L4 - L8)

Contract Type:  Fixed Term Contract

Contract Length: Fixed until 31/12/2026

Hours:  Full-time, 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday, All year-round

Additional information: You will work through a blended model that includes home working and with two days per week based at Federation House, Kingswood, Bristol.

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

Shape financial excellence across our trust

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Financial Controller to lead the operational finance function across the Cabot Learning Federation. This is a pivotal leadership role within our Central Finance Team, where you will drive high-quality financial management, ensure robust compliance, and support the delivery of our Trust-wide financial strategy.

Working closely with the Finance Director, senior leaders, and academy teams, you will oversee the day-to-day finance operations, statutory reporting, and audit processes, ensuring that financial outputs are accurate, timely, and aligned with regulatory requirements. You will play a key role in shaping a culture of continuous improvement, strengthening financial controls, and delivering high-quality financial services that support positive outcomes for our staff and students.

In this role, you will lead and develop a team across finance operations, treasury, and financial accounting, while building strong relationships across the Trust and with external partners such as auditors, banks, and other stakeholders.

About you

You will be a highly capable finance leader who brings both technical expertise and a collaborative, forward-thinking approach.

You will have:

Strong technical accounting knowledge, with the ability to lead on statutory accounts production and ensure compliance with relevant frameworks and regulations

A recognised accountancy qualification with significant post-qualification experience in a senior finance role

Proven experience of leading and developing high-performing teams within a complex organisation

Experience of managing month-end processes, financial reporting cycles, and working to tight deadlines

Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interrogate financial data, identify risks, and drive performance improvements

Confidence to influence, challenge, and provide expert financial advice to senior stakeholders

Experience of leading audits, managing external relationships, and ensuring compliance across financial operations

Strong communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly to a range of audiences

Proficiency in financial systems and Excel

It would also be advantageous if you have:

Experience within the education, public or charity sector

Knowledge of Academies Accounts Direction, Charity SORP, VAT or treasury manag