Director of Finance

South Farnham Educational Trust, Farnham, GU9 8DY

13 days remaining to apply

• Job start date

  14 April 2026

• Closing date

  27 April 2026 at 11:59pm

• Date listed

  14 April 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Other leadership roles
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: Salary: L9 - L13 (£64,500 - £71,030)

Director of Finance job summary

Director of Finance

Location: South Farnham Educational Trust (multi-site role)

Salary: L9 - L13 (£64,500 - £71,030), commensurate with experience

Contract: Full-time, permanent

About the Role

South Farnham Educational Trust (SFET) is seeking an exceptional Director of Finance to provide strategic financial leadership across our growing family of schools. This is a senior and influential role at the heart of the Trust, ensuring financial sustainability, operational excellence, and high-quality support for our leaders, staff, and governors.

Working closely with the CFOO, CEO, Headteachers and the Trust Board, you will lead Trust-wide financial planning, reporting, compliance and systems development. You will play a key part in shaping SFET’s long-term direction, ensuring our resources are aligned with our ambition to deliver outstanding educational outcomes for all pupils.

This is a multi-site role and will require regular presence across our schools and central team.

As a key member of the central leadership team, you will:

• Lead medium- and long-term financial planning aligned with Trust priorities
• Provide expert financial analysis and modelling to support strategic decision-making
  
• Oversee Trust-wide budgeting, forecasting and monthly management reporting
  
• Ensure strong internal controls, compliance and efficient financial systems
  
• Lead on statutory financial returns, audit processes and risk management
  
• Manage, develop and inspire the Trust’s finance team
• Support procurement, tendering and value-for-money initiatives
• Build strong relationships with Headteachers, budget holders, auditors, and external partners

About You

We are looking for an accomplished and forward-thinking finance leader who:

• Is a CCAB-qualified accountant with significant senior-level financial management experience
  
• Brings strong analytical skills, financial modelling expertise and excellent attention to detail
  
• Has proven experience producing management accounts, budgets and forecasts
  
• Understands financial compliance, audit processes and sector-relevant regulatory frameworks
  
• Is an inspiring leader who can motivate and develop a high-performing team
  
• Communicates financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues
  
• Can work strategically while maintaining a hands-on, solutions-focused approach
  
• Demonstrates professionalism, integrity and alignment with SFET’s values Experience in the education, charity or public sector is desirable but not essential.
  

Why Join Us?

SFET is a high-performing, ambitious Multi Academy Trust committed to excellence, collaboration and professional growth. As Director of Finance, you will play a central role in

shaping the future of a thriving organisation that supports thousands of pupils and hundreds of staff across multiple schools.

We offer:

• A professional, supportive and values-driven culture
  
• The opportunity to influence Trust-wide strategy at a senior level
  
• A collaborative environment where your expertise will have real impact
  
• Ongoing professional development and leadership opportunities
  

Key Statistics

• 11 schools (primary and secondary)
  
• 5021 pupils
  
• 669 employees
  
• 864 ECTs trained/assessed
  
• 201 trainee teachers
  

Interested?

To find out more about this exciting opportunity or to visit the School/Trust, please contact us (details are enclosed in the "advert" attachment).

Deadline date: Monday 27th April, interviews commencing week beginning Monday 27th April

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a strong response, so early applications are encouraged.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.

Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Applying for the job

This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

About South Farnham Educational Trust

• Type: Multi-academy trust
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/south-farnham-educational-trust

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