Financial Controller

This is a senior, influential finance role with real scope to shape how financial control, reporting and systems operate across a growing Multi-Academy Trust As Financial Controller, you will own and strengthen the Trust's financial control environment, lead and develop a capable central finance team, and provide high-quality, decision-ready financial information to senior leaders and Trustees. You will work closely with the Chief Finance & Operating Officer (CFOO) but have clear ownership of core financial processes, systems and controls. This is not a "fire-fighting" role. The Trust has an established finance team and systems in place. We are now looking for someone who enjoys embedding good practice, improving how things work, and building resilient, sustainable processes that support schools effectively. If you are a qualified finance professional who values clarity, influence and purposeful work - and who wants to use their expertise in a values-driven organisation - this role offers both challenge and balance., Financial Control & Assurance

• Own the Trust's financial control framework, ensuring processes are clear, proportionate and consistently applied
• Maintain oversight of financial risk, internal controls and segregation of duties across the Trust
• Act as the primary lead for external audit, managing timetables, queries and follow-up actions
Monthly reporting & insight
• Oversee the preparation of accurate monthly management accounts and supporting commentary
• Ensure reports are timely, accessible and meaningful for Trustees, Headteachers and budget holders
• Work with the CFOO to develop reporting, dashboards and financial insight that genuinely support decision-making
Leadership & team development
• Line-manage and support a skilled central finance team, including Management Accountants and the Finance Operations Team Leader
• Set clear expectations, priorities and standards, while fostering a professional, supportive team culture
• Support continuous improvement through coaching, development and smarter ways of working
Systems & process improvement
• Lead system improvements, automation and process refinement to reduce manual effort and improve reliability
• Take ownership of finance systems access, controls and data integrity
• Champion continuous improvement rather than constant change
Statutory, VAT & payroll oversight
• Ensure accurate and timely statutory returns, including annual accounts and DfE submissions
• Act as technical lead for VAT (including partial exemption), escalating specialist issues where appropriate
• Provide senior oversight of payroll and associated reconciliations
Working with colleagues
• Build strong, constructive relationships with school leaders, School Business Managers and central colleagues
• Provide financial advice that balances control, pragmatism and trust
• Support workforce planning and change with clear financial input, alongside HR colleagues
  
  Fully qualified CCAB accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA)
• Strong background in financial control, reporting and assurance
• Experience leading and developing finance staff
• Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial audiences
• Sound judgement, calm decision-making and a solutions-focused mindset
Desirable (but not essential)
• Experience in education or public sector environments
• Familiarity with Xero & IMP Planner
• Experience improving finance processes and reporting frameworks
We are more interested in professional judgement, leadership approach and mindset than a perfect sector match.

What we offer (and why people stay)
• Real influence over how finance operates across a large Trust
• A supportive, values-driven culture where professionalism and kindness matter
• A senior role that values clarity, boundaries and sustainable workload
• Hybrid and flexible working, recognising the realities of senior finance roles
• Opportunity to improve systems and processes thoughtfully, not reactively
• Professional respect, trust and autonomy
About The Good Shepherd Trust The Good Shepherd Trust is a growing Multi-Academy Trust of 24 schools across Surrey and Hampshire. Our vision is "flourishing together" - building communities where children and adults can thrive. Strong financial stewardship underpins everything we do. Our central team works closely with schools to provide robust oversight while respecting local context and expertise. Safeguarding The Good Shepherd Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be required to undertake appropriate safeguarding checks and training in line with statutory guidance.