Strategic Finance Controller – Multi-Academy Trust

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

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).