Financial Controller

The Vale Academy, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU5 4QP

18 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  January 2027 or asap

• Closing date

  5 October 2026 at 11:59pm

• Date listed

  17 September 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Administration, HR, data and finance
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full time equivalent salary: £64,464.00 - £69,855.00 Annually (Actual) AS 52-57 £64,464-£69,855 dependent on experience

Financial Controller job summary

Financial Controller

Advantage Schools is seeking an experienced and committed Financial Controller to join our hardworking and dedicated Finance Team. You will oversee and manage all financial operations across the Trust including line management of team. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the role requires a highly skilled and motivated manager with extensive experience in managing staff, financial and management reporting, and operational activities within the educational sector. This position is crucial for ensuring the financial stability, accountability, and efficiency of the Trust, in line with statutory and regulatory requirements.

You will be joining a diverse finance team made up of experienced professionals, newer team members, and colleagues progressing through their finance qualifications, all contributing to a collaborative and supportive culture.

The successful candidate will have

• ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent qualification with significant experience in a financial management role.
• Proven experience as a Financial Controller or similar role, with specific experience in financial management within a Multi-Academy Trust, educational setting, or non-profit sector.
• Strong understanding of financial regulations, accounting standards, and the funding framework for academies (including DfE requirements).
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data.
• High proficiency in financial software and Excel; experience with MAT-specific financial systems (e.g., PS Financials, Sage, FMS) is an advantage.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

JOB SPECIFICS

Start date: January 2027 or asap

Salary: AS 52-57 £64,464-£69,855 dependent on experience

Job role: Permanent, Full time, 52 weeks, 37 hours per week

Location: Trust Central Office at The Vale Academy, Dunstable LU5 4QP

The Trust reserves the right to interview and appoint a suitable candidate before the deadline date.

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

Advantage Schools is committed to safeguarding and child protection at every stage of the recruitment process.

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 The Vale Academy

• Organisation type: Academy, ages 2 to 11
• Education phase: Primary school
• Size: 601 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 2 to 11
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• Website: The Vale Academy website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/the-vale-academy

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