Interim Director of Finance

Dedicate Recruitment Ltd; England; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking an interim Director of Finance to manage financial operations across a Trust of 18 schools in Leicestershire. This role requires a full accounting qualification and significant experience in finance, ideally within the education sector. The successful candidate will ensure financial governance and sustainability while providing strategic leadership. The position offers hybrid working conditions.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in financial governance and management.
• Experience in the education sector is preferred.
• Senior-level finance experience is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for financial operations.
• Ensure compliance with ESFA, DfE, and Academy Trust Handbook.
• Oversee preparation of annual accounts and audits.

Skills

Financial planning

Risk management

Expert advice on budgets

Financial reporting

Education

Full accounting qualification (ACCA/CIMA/ACA/CIPFA)

Tools

PS Financials

Job description

We are seeking an interim Director of Finance to cover sick leave for three months.

The Director of Finance will provide strategic leadership, direction, and management of all financial operations across a Trust comprising of 18 schools across Leicestershire.

Working closely with the CFOO, Executive Team, Trustees, and Headteachers, the postholder will ensure robust financial governance, long-term sustainability, and statutory compliance in line with ESFA, DfE, and Academy Trust Handbook requirements.

This role will oversee financial planning, reporting, and risk management, providing expert advice on budgets, funding, and financial performance. The Director will lead on the preparation of annual accounts, statutory returns, and audits, ensuring transparency and accountability across the Trust s schools.

The Director of Finance will possess a full accounting qualification (ACCA/CIMA/ACA/CIPFA) or is qualified by experience, coupled with a solid background in finance at a senior level, preferably from the education sector. A good working knowledge of PS Financials is essential for this role as there is minimal training. The successful candidate will be expected to make an immediate impact.

This role offers hybrid working.