Financial Controller

Cabot Learning Federation; Bristol; On-site; GBP 56,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LGPS pension

Generous annual leave

Wellbeing and career progression

Gym discounts

Maternity pay

Cycle to work

On-site parking

Job summary

Cabot Learning Federation is seeking an experienced Financial Controller to lead the operational finance function across the Trust. The role reports to the Finance Director and involves overseeing statutory reporting, audits, and month-end processes while driving continuous improvement and robust financial controls.

Based in Kingswood, Bristol, with a blended home/hybrid working pattern and travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Strong technical accounting knowledge, with ability to lead statutory accounts production and compliance.
• Significant post-qualification experience in a senior finance role.
• Proven track record of leading high-performing teams.
• Experience with month-end processes and financial reporting cycles.
• Strong analytical skills to interrogate data and drive improvements.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders with clear financial advice.
• Experience in audits and external relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team across finance operations, treasury, and financial accounting.
• Oversee day-to-day finance operations, statutory reporting, and audits.
• Collaborate with Finance Director and academy leaders to deliver financial strategy.
• Ensure robust compliance and high-quality financial service delivery.

Skills

Technical accounting knowledge

Analytical skills

Stakeholder communication

Excel proficiency

Leadership

Auditing experience

Education

Recognised accountancy qualification

Job description

Job Title:Financial Controller

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

Contract Type:Permanent

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.

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 management

You will be a proactive leader with a positive mindset, committed to continuous improvement and delivering high standards across all areas of financial management.

Applicants are advised to refer to the full requirements of the role in the attached job description and person specification prior to submitting an application.

Why work in CLF’s Central Finance Team?

As a Financial Controller, you’ll be a key leader within our Central Finance Team—a collaborative and high-performing function that underpins the financial sustainability and success of the Trust.

We offer:

• A strategic leadership role with Trust-wide impact
• The opportunity to shape financial strategy, systems, and processes across a large and diverse organisation
• Hybrid working from home and our Kingswood, Bristol office, with travel across the Trust as required
• Career development and progression opportunities within the Central Team and wider Trust
• A supportive, values-driven environment that promotes collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement

Why work at CLF?

We are a diverse and inclusive community of 37 academies across five cluster regions in the South West that is committed to excellence and making a positive impact. Our people bring unique perspectives, but we’re all driven by a shared moral purpose and a passion for making a positive impact, whether in a teaching, leadership or support role. We’re proud to foster a culture where everyone can thrive, feel valued, and make a meaningful difference to the lives of others.

We are an equal opportunity employer and proud to serve a diverse student population and our communities. We strongly believe that representation matters and so encourage applications from underrepresented and global majority groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.

We aim to remove any barriers to employment, ensuring everyone can compete on equal terms. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.

What we can offer you:

• Access to a generous pension through the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Generous annual leave.
• A comprehensive induction and ongoing commitment to wellbeing and career progression, through a range of training, apprenticeships and in-role/wider-trust development opportunities.
• Well-being support through an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Health benefits, including wellness sessions, gym discounts, and flu jabs.
• A range of generous family leave options, including above industry average occupational maternity pay.
• Additional benefits like cycle to work scheme, on-site parking plus many more!

Recruitment timeline:

• Closing Date: 01 September 2026 @11.59pm
• Shortlisting:02 September 2026
• Interviews: Week Commencing 07 September 2026

Please note we are not able to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, should we receive a high level of interest in the role. Therefore, candidates are advised to apply at their earliest convenience to avoid missing out.

As a Disability Confident Committed Employer, we are dedicated to equity and inclusion and commit to interviewing applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria. We aim to provide an inclusive and accessible recruitment process, and support employees throughout their employment. If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, or require any adjustments to support you through the application or interview process please let us know how we can assist.