Director of Finance & Business

Distinct; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading independent school in Nottingham is seeking a Director of Finance & Business to lead financial planning and operational strategy. The role involves overseeing a £19m budget, being part of the Executive Leadership Team, and driving change across the organization. Ideal candidates will be qualified accountants with senior leadership experience in relevant sectors. A competitive salary of £70,000–£77,000 plus benefits is offered.

Benefits

Private medical

Life assurance

Enhanced sick and family leave

Staff fee remission

Free on-site gym and parking

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience required.
• Ability to work between operational and strategic layers.
• Experience in education, charity, or regulated environments is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Finance and IT functions at the school.
• Oversee the school's operating budget (c.£19m).
• Support strategic and operational initiatives across the group.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Collaboration

Commercial awareness

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA)

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

Director of Finance & Business, Nottingham

col-narrow-left

Client:

Distinct

Location:

Nottingham, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

-

EU work permit required:

Yes

col-narrow-right

Job Reference:

71515c0af3df

Job Views:

7

Posted:

01.08.2025

Expiry Date:

15.09.2025

col-wide

Job Description:

Job details

Looking for something a bit different?

A role where you can combine commercial thinking, strategic leadership and long-term impact — all while being part of a school community that genuinely makes a difference?

This isn’t your typical finance role. Yes, the numbers matter — but so does the bigger picture.

We’re talking strategic planning, governance, estates, IT, data protection, compliance, and helping shape the future direction of a respected and values-led independent school.

Following an internal promotion, we’re exclusively supporting Trent College, a thriving independent day and boarding school on a beautiful 45-acre campus in Long Eaton, Nottingham, to appoint their next Director of Finance & Business.

The role:

You’ll join the Executive Leadership Team, reporting to the Bursar, and working closely with the Heads of Trent College and The Elms (the junior school), along with the Board of Governors. You’ll lead the Finance and IT functions, oversee the school’s operating budget (c.£19m), and support a wide range of strategic and operational initiatives across the group — including systems modernisation, improved insight and reporting, and enhancing operational efficiency.

The role also holds formal responsibility as Company Secretary and Privacy Compliance Lead. You’ll work across the group structure, including its trading subsidiary, and help lead financial planning, legal matters, investment appraisal, and regulatory reporting — while continuing to support and develop your teams.

What we’re looking for:

• A qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) with senior leadership experience
• Someone with the ability to move between operational detail and strategic thinking
• A strong collaborator and communicator — comfortable influencing at board level and leading cross-functional teams
• A commercially aware, values-led leader who can drive change and bring fresh thinking
• Experience within education, charity or regulated environments would be beneficial, but isn’t essential

Offering between £70,000–£77,000 + benefits including private medical, life assurance, enhanced sick and family leave, staff fee remission, and free on-site gym and parking.

Why join Trent College?

This is a chance to step into a broad, senior leadership role with influence across all areas of the school. You’ll be part of a close-knit, high-performing executive team with a clear strategic focus and a shared commitment to delivering excellent outcomes for pupils, families and staff.