Interim Finance Director – Multi-Academy Trust

The CFO HQ; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 92,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

The CFO HQ in London seeks an Interim Finance Director to lead financial operations across a Multi-Academy Trust. You will collaborate with the CFO, CEO and senior team to strengthen financial management, oversee day-to-day operations and align with strategic objectives across multiple academies.

The role requires a strong background in academy finance, budgeting, statutory accounts and audit, with the ability to drive efficiencies and oversee central finance teams.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Director of Finance, Head of Finance, Financial Controller or senior finance leader within a Multi-Academy Trust.
• Strong understanding of academy trust financial management, funding and regulatory requirements.
• Available at short notice or approaching the end of an existing assignment.
• Experience leading finance teams across multiple schools or sites.
• Experience improving financial controls, reporting processes or finance systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day financial operations of the Trust, ensuring effective financial management across its academies.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, management accounts and financial reporting.
• Support development and delivery of the Trust's medium-term financial strategy.
• Manage cashflow forecasting, reserves planning and financial risk.
• Lead and develop the central finance team, with effective processes and reporting.
• Oversee statutory accounts preparation, year-end processes and external audit requirements.
• Ensure compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook, DfE requirements and accounting standards.
• Provide financial advice to school leaders and budget holders and challenge at senior levels.
• Support finance transformation, systems improvements and process efficiencies.
• Assist with academy onboarding, mergers or integration activity where applicable.

Skills

Financial leadership

Budgeting

Forecasting

Financial reporting

Strategic financial management

Leadership of finance teams

Stakeholder engagement

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA/CIPFA recognised qualification

Job description

# Interim Finance Director – Multi-Academy TrustAccounting / Finance,Finance DirectorOctober 9, 2026Contract### Job Description* Contract* London* Posted 1 day ago* £500 – £600 per dayWebsite**CV-Library**### The OpportunityWe are interested in speaking with experienced Interim Directors of Finance for potential opportunities within Multi-Academy Trusts across London and the surrounding areas.The successful candidate will have a strong background in education finance, providing both strategic and operational financial leadership across a multi-school environment.This type of position involves working closely with the CFO, CEO and senior leadership team to strengthen financial management, oversee day-to-day finance operations and support the Trust's wider financial objectives.### Key Responsibilities* Lead the day-to-day financial operations of the Trust, ensuring effective financial management across its academies.* Oversee budgeting, forecasting, management accounts and financial reporting.* Support the development and delivery of the Trust's medium-term financial strategy.* Manage cashflow forecasting, reserves planning and financial risk.* Lead and develop the central finance team, ensuring effective processes, controls and reporting.* Oversee statutory accounts preparation, year-end processes and external audit requirements.* Ensure compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook, DfE requirements and relevant accounting standards.* Provide financial advice and challenge to school leaders, budget holders and senior stakeholders.* Support finance transformation, systems improvements and process efficiencies.* Assist with academy onboarding, mergers or integration activity where applicable.* The Ideal Candidate* Previous experience as a Director of Finance, Head of Finance, Financial Controller or senior finance leader within a Multi-Academy Trust.* Strong understanding of academy trust financial management, funding and regulatory requirements.* Experience leading finance teams across multiple schools or sites.* Strong background in budgeting, forecasting, statutory accounts and audit.* Experience improving financial controls, reporting processes or finance systems.* Recognised accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA).* Available at short notice or approaching the end of an existing assignment