Trust Head of Finance

NEW COLLABORATIVE LEARNING TRUST; Whitwood; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization in Whitwood is seeking an experienced Head of Finance to provide strategic financial leadership. You will oversee financial management across schools and colleges, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and driving improvement in services. Candidates should be qualified accountants with strong finance skills and senior-level experience. This role offers a generous benefits package and the opportunity for professional development.

Benefits

40 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Teachers' Pension Scheme

Flexible working policies

Funded CPD and development opportunities

Cycle to Work Scheme

Free on-site parking

Qualifications

• Proven senior-level experience in finance leadership.
• Strong understanding of financial management and reporting.
• Ability to build effective relationships at every level.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic financial leadership.
• Oversee all aspects of financial management and reporting.
• Ensure compliance with statutory, audit and ESFA requirements.

Skills

Strong finance skills

Excellent attention to detail

Interpersonal ability

Analytical skills

Education

Qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, CIPFA, ICAEW)

Job description

Overview

We are looking for an ambitious and experienced finance professional to take on the role of Head of Finance, a senior leadership position at the heart of our growing Trust. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer and working as part of the Trust Senior Leadership Team, you will provide strategic financial leadership and ensure the efficient and effective deployment of resources across our family of schools and colleges. This is a high-profile role with significant influence. You will lead and develop our central finance team, oversee all aspects of financial management and reporting, and provide the insight and analysis that enables our Trustees and senior leaders to make confident, evidence-based decisions. You will ensure compliance with statutory, audit and ESFA requirements and drive continuous improvement in our systems and processes to keep our services fit for purpose and future focused.

About you

We are seeking a qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, CIPFA, ICAEW or equivalent) with proven senior-level experience in finance leadership. You will combine strong finance skills, excellent attention to detail, and comprehensive knowledge of monthly reporting and forecasting with the interpersonal ability to build effective relationships at every level. Alongside your professional expertise, you will bring ambition, flexibility, and a collaborative approach, with the drive to help us achieve our vision for growth and excellence. While experience in the education sector is desirable, it is not essential - we welcome applications from across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors.

Reward and location

In return, NCLT will support you to advance your finance career with access to high-quality professional development and funded CPD, alongside a generous package that includes 40 days' annual leave plus bank holidays and five additional closure days. Based primarily at Trust HQ in Normanton, with flexibility to work across our other sites, you will be part of our shared services team, where a strong ethos of collaboration underpins the growth and development of the Trust.

About New Collaborative Learning Trust (NCLT) and our values

Working at NCLT: At New Collaborative Learning Trust (NCLT), we believe every role plays a vital part in shaping young people's futures. As a values-driven and inclusive organisation, you\'ll join a team where 96% of staff feel a shared sense of purpose and pride in their work. We offer a supportive, forward-thinking environment with flexible working, strong wellbeing initiatives, and career development opportunities. Please explore our Employer of Choice page to learn more: https://nclt.ac.uk/employer-of-choice/

Benefits

• Teachers' Pension Scheme / Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible working and special leave policies
• Lieu days and annual wellbeing day
• Funded CPD and development opportunities
• Strong track record of internal promotion
• Access to wellbeing support and occupational health services
• Cycle to Work Scheme and technology purchase scheme
• Modern, well-equipped working environments
• Free on-site parking (at all our sites)

How to apply

Apply now. To find out more or arrange an informal discussion about the role, call 01977 802650 or email [e-mail]. For further details and to apply please click the apply button. Closing date: 9am on 29th September 2025.

Safeguarding, equality and diversity

NCLT will raise standards across our family of schools and colleges. We will promote a culture of aspiration, excellence and enjoyment. We will use our collective strengths and expertise to benefit our children and young people. A charitable company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales (company number: 09257194). NCLT has a commitment to safeguarding students and the successful candidate will be subject to pre-employment checks, including an Enhanced DBS. All shortlisted candidates will be subject to online checks in line with Safer Recruitment guidance. It is an offence to apply for this role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. We value diversity and actively promote equality of opportunity. As a Disability Confident Leader, all disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for a post will be offered an interview.