Finance Director

Additional information: You will work through a blended model that includes home working and working at Federation House, Kingswood, Bristol. Provisional Start Date: 01 September 2026 (Subject to completion of pre-employment checks) Shape financial strategy and sustainability across our trust We are seeking an experienced and visionary Finance Director to lead the financial strategy and operations of the Cabot Learning Federation. This is a pivotal executive leadership role, where you will provide assurance to the Chief Operating Officer, CEO and Board of Trustees across all financial matters, including financial sustainability, risk, and control frameworks. As a key member of the Executive Team, you will play a central role in shaping the long-term financial direction of a large and growing multi-academy trust. You will lead the development and delivery of Trust-wide financial strategy, ensuring that resources are aligned to priorities and deliver maximum impact for pupils, staff, and communities. Working closely with senior leaders, Principals, Trustees, and external stakeholders, you will oversee financial planning, statutory reporting, and compliance across the Trust. You will ensure robust systems of internal control, champion value for money, and drive a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement. In this role, you will lead and develop a high-performing finance function across central and academy teams, ensuring strong financial management, effective business partnering, and high-quality support for decision-making at every level of the organisation., As Finance Director, you will join our Executive Team at a critical stage in our growth, helping to shape the financial future of a large, complex and ambitious organisation. We offer:

• A strategic executive leadership role with Trust-wide impact
• The opportunity to shape financial strategy and influence organisational direction
• A key role in ensuring our significant resources deliver maximum benefit for pupils
• Hybrid working across our Bristol offices and Trust academies
• A collaborative, values-driven environment focused on continuous improvement
• Strong professional development and leadership opportunities
Why work at CLF? We are a diverse and inclusive community of 36 academies across five cluster regions in the South West that is committed to excellence and making a positive impact. Our people bring unique perspectives, but we're all driven by a shared moral purpose and a passion for making a positive impact, whether in a teaching, leadership or support role. We're proud to foster a culture where everyone can thrive, feel valued, and make a meaningful difference to the lives of others. We are an equal opportunity employer and proud to serve a diverse student population and our communities. We strongly believe that representation matters and so encourage applications from underrepresented and global majority groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion. We aim to remove any barriers to employment, ensuring everyone can compete on equal terms. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.

You will be a highly accomplished and strategic finance leader, combining strong technical expertise with the ability to influence at executive and board level.,
• A recognised accountancy qualification (CIMA, ACA or ACCA) with extensive senior-level experience
• Proven experience of leading financial strategy, planning and transformation across a complex organisation
• Strong understanding of financial governance, regulatory frameworks, and systems of internal control
• A track record of delivering value for money and driving organisational performance improvement
• Significant experience of leading, developing, and inspiring high-performing teams
• Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data and translate it into strategic insight
• The confidence and credibility to influence, challenge, and advise executive leaders, Trustees, and stakeholders
• Experience of working with external partners, including auditors, regulators, and funding bodies
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly to diverse audiences
It would also be advantageous if you have:
• Experience within the education, public sector or charity environment
• Knowledge of academies finance frameworks and regulatory requirements
• Experience of leading change, innovation, or organisational growth programmes, You will be an inspiring and values-driven leader who:
• Demonstrates vision, resilience and a strategic mindset
• Leads by example and promotes a strong culture of financial probity and accountability
• Champions collaboration and builds strong relationships across teams and stakeholders
• Is committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and delivering high standards
• Shares our commitment to equity through education and improving life chances for all pupils
  
  Access to a generous pension through the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Generous annual leave.
• A comprehensive induction and ongoing commitment to wellbeing and career progression, through a range of training, apprenticeships and in-role/wider-trust development opportunities.
• Well-being support through an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Health benefits, including wellness sessions, gym discounts, and flu jabs.
• A range of generous family leave options, including above industry average occupational maternity pay.
• Additional benefits like cycle to work scheme, on-site parking plus many more!