Director of Finance

Director of Finance

Location: South Farnham Educational Trust (multi-site role) Salary: L9 - L13 (£64,500 - £71,030), commensurate with experience 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