Strategic Financial Controller - Multi-Academy Trust

The Vale Academy; Dunstable; On-site; GBP 64,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Vale Academy is seeking a highly skilled Financial Controller to lead the Finance Team and oversee all financial operations across the Trust. Reporting to the CFO, you will drive financial stability, reporting, and compliance within an educational setting.

You will manage staff, ensure regulatory adherence (DfE funding rules), and work with stakeholders to optimise financial performance, policy adherence, and operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent qualification with significant experience in financial management.
• Proven experience as Financial Controller or similar, in education or non-profit sectors.
• Strong understanding of financial regulations and DfE funding framework.
• Excellent leadership, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with MAT financial systems (PS Financials, Sage, FMS) and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all financial operations across the Trust.
• Line manage the Finance Team and report to the CFO.
• Ensure compliance with statutory/regulatory requirements and funding rules.
• Prepare financial and management reports for governance and stakeholders.

Skills

Financial management

Team leadership

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Professional accounting qualification

Tools

PS Financials

Sage

FMS

Excel

Job description

The Vale Academy is seeking a highly skilled Financial Controller to lead the Finance Team and oversee all financial operations across the Trust. Reporting to the CFO, you will drive financial stability, reporting, and compliance within an educational setting.

You will manage staff, ensure regulatory adherence (DfE funding rules), and work with stakeholders to optimise financial performance, policy adherence, and operational efficiency.