Head Of Finance

RM Recruit; Tyseley; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected Multi Academy Trust in Tyseley seeks a Head of Finance to lead financial management across its schools. The successful candidate will provide strategic oversight, manage financial performance, and enhance internal controls. Proven experience in senior finance roles within the education sector is essential. This role offers a unique opportunity for autonomy and influence in a pivotal position. Candidates with strong technical accounting knowledge and leadership skills are encouraged to apply. Flexible working options may be available.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior finance role, ideally as Financial Controller or equivalent.
• Experience within an Academy Trust or similar regulated sector is essential.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge, particularly with ESFA requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead finance function for the Trust, providing oversight and management.
• Produce timely monthly management accounts and forecasts.
• Oversee preparation of statutory accounts and compliance.
• Drive financial planning, scenario analysis, and forecasting.
• Lead and develop the finance team for high performance.
• Partner with Heads and senior stakeholders for financial stewardship.

Skills

Leadership skills

Strategic financial oversight

Technical accounting knowledge

Tools

PS Financials

Job description

RM Recruit is working in partnership with a respected Multi Academy Trust in the Birmingham area to recruit a Head of Finance on a permanent basis. Candidates who wish to register their interest on a temporary to permanent basis may be considered.

This is a key strategic leadership role, acting as the Trust's number one finance professional and ensuring robust financial management across all schools within the organisation. The successful candidate will provide high-quality financial leadership, drive financial performance, and support the Trust's long-term strategic goals. This is an excellent opportunity for the ideal candidate to step up into a senior role whereby you will be given autonomy to stamp your mark on the finance team.

Main duties include:

• Lead the finance function for the Trust, providing strategic oversight, leadership, and day-to-day management.
• Produce accurate and timely monthly management accounts, forecasts, and budgets for senior leadership and the Board.
• Oversee preparation of statutory accounts and ensure full compliance with ESFA, Charities Commission, and Companies House regulations.
• Drive robust financial planning, scenario analysis, and long-term financial forecasting.
• Lead and develop the finance team to ensure high performance and continued professional growth.
• Partner with Heads, Principals, and senior stakeholders to support decision-making and ensure strong financial stewardship across each academy.
• Maintain and improve internal controls, financial systems, and processes to ensure best practice.
• Lead on year-end processes, external audits, and internal audit actions.
• Oversee cash flow management, financial governance, and risk management.
• Work closely with the CEO/COO to support the Trust's strategic and operational objectives.

As the ideal candidate, you will possess proven experience in a senior finance role, ideally as Financial Controller, Head of Finance, Finance Director, or equivalent. Previous experience working within an Academy Trust, education finance environment, or similar regulated/not-for-profit sector is essential. You will possess strong technical accounting knowledge, ideally with experience of ESFA/Academy Trust Handbook requirements. Ideally, you will possess excellent leadership skills with the ability to influence and support senior stakeholders and lead a small team.

Experience of using PS Financials is desirable however, not essential. This role is mostly working from their offices with some home working available to the ideal candidate.

If you are looking for a new challenge in a forward thinking academy Trust, or are looking for a step up in seniority and responsibilities, we encourage you to apply.

RM Recruit is an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of race, gender, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.