Interim Finance Director/Head of Finance, SATIS EDUCATION LTD

Interim Finance Director/Head of Finance, SATIS EDUCATION LTD

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Interim Finance Director/Head of Finance, SATIS EDUCATION LTD

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Join to apply for the Interim Finance Director/Head of Finance, SATIS EDUCATION LTD role at Guardian Jobs

Interim Finance Director/Head of Finance
Start date: As soon as possible - December 2025
Working Pattern: Full-time (Flexible working offered)
Remuneration: Interim day rate to reflect salary of up to £55,000

Satis Education is seeking to appoint an interim Finance Director/Head of Finance based at our client school in the Cheshire area. This role offers a unique opportunity for an enterprising and forward-thinking individual to assist with the school's financial administration.

The Interim Finance Director / Head of Finance will provide operational financial leadership across the Multi-Academy Trust (MAT), reporting to the CFO. The role ensures sound financial management, compliance, and delivery of financial services to support the Trust’s strategic and educational objectives. Responsibilities include oversight of management accounts, payroll, statutory reporting, financial planning, and risk management.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning for annual budgets, 3-year forecasting, and periodic forecasts for the Trust and its schools (12 cost centres)
• Ensure compliance with legal requirements related to accounting, public sector finances, HMRC regulations, and the Academy Trust Handbook
• Oversee the delivery of the in-house payroll service, ensuring statutory deadlines are met, staff are paid accurately and on time, pension contributions are paid, and records are maintained
• Advise the Trust Board and schools on financial matters to improve performance and opportunities
• Manage the production of annual accounts and oversee internal and external audits
• Produce monthly management accounts for all schools and the central budget, highlighting anomalies and trends
• Reconcile control accounts monthly, review accounts, and manage monthly journals
• Manage bad debt recovery across all schools in the Trust
• Proactively manage the Trust's cash position and report regularly to the CFO and Trust Board
• Plan and coordinate tax and treasury practices and policies
• Handle all finance-related statutory returns
• Manage finance team development, conduct reviews, and participate in training and staff development
• Attend Board sub-committee and main Board meetings as required
• Prepare reports for Board meetings and sub-committees
• Review and update the Finance risk register with the CFO, manage risks, and plan remedial actions
• Ensure value for money across all activities and delivery of services
• Drive continuous improvement in management systems and finance team performance
• Draft and review finance policies and procedures

Essential Criteria

• Bookkeeping or accountancy qualification (e.g., AAT)
• At least 5 years’ experience in operational finance
• Level 3 qualifications (A-levels or equivalent)
• Knowledge of academy sector financial compliance
• Strong Excel skills

Desirable Criteria

• Experience managing finance within the public or charitable sectors
• Undergraduate degree
• Experience with Sage 200, Orovia payroll, and budget software
• Familiarity with in-house payroll processes
• Line management experience

To discuss the role further, contact Jenna Everett at Jenna@satiseducation.co.uk or 01744 634654. To apply, send a full, up-to-date CV.

Satis Education is an equal opportunities employer committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.