Strategic Finance Leader — Education Trust

Sellick Partnership; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 59,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive annual leave

Pension scheme (Local Government/DB)

Co-op colleague membership discounts

Job summary

Co-op Academies Trust is seeking a strategic Head of Finance to lead the central finance function and guide financial governance across the Trust’s academies. This senior role reports to the Finance Director and Deputy CEO, working with Trustees and school leaders to ensure funds are managed effectively and in line with educational priorities.

The post holder will drive financial strategy, improve internal controls and stakeholder reporting, and develop the finance leadership team in a complex,

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) or equivalent.
• Significant post-qualification senior finance leadership experience.
• Experience in complex, multi-entity or regulated environments.
• Strong understanding of financial governance, statutory reporting, audit and financial control.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational financial leadership across the Trust.
• Support the Finance Director in delivering the long-term financial strategy.
• Embed strong financial governance, internal controls and risk management.
• Ensure compliance with the Academies Trust Handbook, ESFA requirements, funding agreements and Trust policies.
• Lead and develop the finance leadership team, including Purchase to Pay, Systems and Treasury functions.
• Oversee cashflow forecasting, liquidity planning, reserves, investments and financial sustainability.
• Drive improvement across financial systems, reporting, processes, automation and data quality.
• Support Audit and Finance Committee reporting, statutory reporting, external audit and assurance activity.
• Work with finance and non-finance stakeholders to support informed strategic decision-making.

Education

Fully qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA)

Job description

Co-op Academies Trust is seeking a strategic Head of Finance to lead the central finance function and guide financial governance across the Trust’s academies. This senior role reports to the Finance Director and Deputy CEO, working with Trustees and school leaders to ensure funds are managed effectively and in line with educational priorities.

The post holder will drive financial strategy, improve internal controls and stakeholder reporting, and develop the finance leadership team in a complex,