Financial Controller

Government jobs, apprenticeship; Dunstable; On-site; GBP 64,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Advantage Schools is seeking an experienced Financial Controller to join our Finance Team. You will oversee financial operations across the Trust, line-manage staff, and report to the CFO, ensuring statutory compliance and financial stability. The role requires strong leadership, regulatory knowledge, and experience in educational/non-profit sectors. Based at The Vale Academy, Dunstable.

Start date January 2027 or asap; permanent, full-time; 37 hours/week.

Qualifications

• ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent qualification required.
• Proven experience as Financial Controller or similar in educational/non-profit settings.
• Strong understanding of financial regulations and funding framework for academies (DfE).
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all financial operations across the Trust.
• Line manage the Finance team and report to the CFO.
• Ensure statutory/regulatory financial reporting and compliance.
• Engage with internal/external stakeholders and drive financial efficiency.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Stakeholder engagement

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent

Tools

PS Financials

Sage

FMS

Excel

Job description

Job details

Job role

• Administration, HR, data and finance

Visa sponsorship

Visas cannot be sponsored

Working pattern

Full time

Contract type

Permanent

Full time equivalent salary

£64,464.00 - £69,855.00 Annually (Actual)AS 52-57 £64,464-£69,855 dependent on experience

Financial Controller job summary

Financial Controller

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.

• 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.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Commitment to safeguarding

Advantage Schools is committed to safeguarding and child protection at every stage of the recruitment process.