Financial Controller

The Vale Academy; 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 all financial operations across the Trust, line-manage a finance team, and report to the CFO, ensuring financial stability and regulatory compliance.

The successful candidate will bring ACCA/CIMA/ACA or equivalent, proven MAT/education sector experience, strong leadership, and advanced Excel/MAT software skills (PS Financials, Sage, FMS).

Qualifications

• ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent qualification with significant financial management experience.
• Proven Financial Controller experience, ideally in a Multi-Academy Trust or education sector.
• Strong knowledge of financial regulations and academy funding frameworks.
• Excellent leadership and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Advanced Excel and MAT software experience (PS Financials/Sage/FMS) is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all financial operations across the Trust and line-manage the finance team.
• Report to the CFO and ensure statutory compliance and robust financial reporting.
• Drive financial planning, budgeting and safeguarding of the Trust's financial position.
• Assist with audits and regulatory reviews and develop finance processes.

Skills

Financial Management

Leadership

Analytical Skills

Stakeholder Engagement

Education

ACCA/ACMA/CIMA or equivalent

Tools

PS Financials

Sage

FMS

Job description

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.

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.