Financial Controller

Advantage Schools; Dunstable; On-site; GBP 64,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Advantage Schools in Dunstable seeks an experienced Financial Controller to oversee all financial operations across the Trust, including line management of the finance team. Reporting to the CFO, the role ensures financial stability, accountability, and efficiency in line with statutory and regulatory requirements.

You will join a diverse and dedicated finance team, contributing to strong governance and strategic financial management within the educational sector.

Qualifications

• ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent qualification with significant experience in a financial management role.
• Proven experience as a Financial Controller or similar role in a Multi-Academy Trust or educational setting.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities with the ability to interpret complex financial data.
• High proficiency in financial software and Excel; experience with MAT-specific systems (PS Financials, Sage, FMS) is advantageous.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with ability to engage stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all financial operations across the Trust.
• Line manage the finance team.
• Report to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
• Ensure financial stability, accountability and efficiency in line with statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent qualification

Tools

PS Financials

Sage

FMS

Job description

Job Reference EDV/2026/VA/22198
Location Wilbury Drive, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU5 4QP
Contract Type Permanent
Contract Term Full-Time
Salary £64,464 - £69,855. Annually (Actual) AS 52-57 £64,464 £69,855 dependent on experience
Closing Date Midnight, Mon 5th Oct, 2026
Start Date January 2027 or asap

Advantage Schools is seeking an experienced and committed Financial Controller to join our hardworking and dedicated Finance Team. You will oversee and manage all financial operations across the Trust including line management of team. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the role requires a highly skilled and motivated manager with extensive experience in managing staff, financial and management reporting, and operational activities within the educational sector. This position is crucial for ensuring the financial stability, accountability, and efficiency of the Trust, in line with statutory and regulatory requirements.

You will be joining a diverse finance team made up of experienced professionals, newer team members, and colleagues progressing through their finance qualifications, all contributing to a collaborative and supportive culture.

The successful candidate will have

• ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent qualification with significant experience in a financial management role.
• Proven experience as a Financial Controller or similar role, with specific experience in financial management within a Multi-Academy Trust, educational setting, or non-profit sector.
• Strong understanding of financial regulations, accounting standards, and the funding framework for academies (including DfE requirements).
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data.
• High proficiency in financial software and Excel; experience with MAT-specific financial systems (e.g., PS Financials, Sage, FMS) is an advantage.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

JOB SPECIFICS

Start date: January 2027 or asap

Salary: AS 52-57 £64,464-£69,855 dependent on experience

Job role: Permanent, Full time, 52 weeks, 37 hours per week

Location: Trust Central Office at The Vale Academy, Dunstable LU5 4QP

The Trust reserves the right to interview and appoint a suitable candidate before the deadline date.

Safeguarding

The safeguarding and welfare of children is paramount and all our staff share this view. Applicants must be willing to undergo safeguarding and child protection checks including with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.