Financial Controller

Dedicate Recruitment; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A Multi‑Academy Trust is seeking an experienced Financial Controller to lead financial management, reporting, and compliance. The candidate will produce monthly accounts, manage the budget, and ensure adherence to ESFA requirements. Strength in leadership and experience within an education setting are essential. The role is predominantly onsite, but hybrid working may be possible. Immediate start is available for the successful applicant.

Qualifications

• Senior finance experience within an Academy Trust or education setting.
• Strong working knowledge of PS Financials or IRIS.
• Proven experience in budgeting, forecasting and management accounts.

Responsibilities

• Lead Trust‑wide financial management, reporting and forecasting.
• Produce monthly management accounts and consolidated Trust reports.
• Manage budgets, re‑forecasts and cashflow.

Skills

Financial management

Budgeting

Forecasting

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) or QBE

Tools

PS Financials

IRIS

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Financial Controller to provide strong, hands‑on financial leadership across this primary Multi‑Academy Trust on a six month contract. This is a key interim role supporting the COO to ensure robust financial control, accurate reporting and full ESFA compliance.

The immediate duties of the Financial Controller:

• Lead Trust‑wide financial management, reporting and forecasting
• Produce monthly management accounts and consolidated Trust reports
• Manage budgets, re‑forecasts and cashflow
• Ensure compliance with the Academies Trust Handbook and ESFA requirements
• Lead audit preparation and liaise with external auditors
• Own and optimise the Trust finance system PS Financials / IRIS
• Improve systems, controls and financial processes
• Support four School Business Managers

On a personal note, the successful candidate will bring:

• Senior finance experience within an Academy Trust or education setting
• Strong working knowledge of PS Financials or IRIS
• Proven experience in budgeting, forecasting and management accounts
• Excellent knowledge of ESFA funding and compliance
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills
• Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) or QBE

This is an onsite role, although hybrid working will be considered.

Immediate start for the successful candidate.