Financial Controller
The Good Shepherd Trust, Guildford, GU1 1JY28 days remaining to apply
Closing date
27 April 2026 at 12:59am
Date listed
30 March 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
- £60,342.00 - £67,120.00 Annually (FTE)
Financial Controller job summary
Job Title: Financial Controller
Location: Central Trust Office,Guildford. This is an office based role, with travel to schools within the Trust as needed.
Grade / Salary: GST Grade K (£60,342 - £67,120 FTE)(6 scale points within banding for progression)
Hours / Working Pattern: 36 hours, All Year Round
Contract Type: Permanent
Reporting to: Chief Finance & Operating Officer (CFOO)
Responsible for: Management Accountant x 3 & Finance Operations Team Leader x 1
The Financial Controller is a pivotal leadership position, responsible for the financial control, compliance, and stewardship of the Trust’s finances. The role ensures that all statutory and regulatory requirements are met; that cash and banking arrangements are robust; and that financial systems, processes, and controls operate effectively across the Good Shepherd Trust (GST).
Purpose of the Role
Responsible for overseeing the preparation and accuracy of financial records and statements that are produced by the Management Accountants, presenting the monthly accounts to Trustees, Heads, and other stakeholders.
Lead the finance team to enable them to work smarter instead of harder by developing the technology and reporting platforms.
Ensure compliance with accounting standards, including tasks such as auditing, budgeting, tax returns, and financial reporting.
Key Responsibilities
Team Leadership & Process Management
Line manage central finance staff responsible for transactional finance and reporting, including conducting annual reviews
Providing mentorship, coaching, and performance management to ensure high performance and professional development.
Set clear standards, deadlines, and quality expectations
Provide a consistent and approachable point of contact for stakeholders
Financial Control & Assurance
Maintain and operate a robust framework of financial controls and processes across the Trust
Lead on internal control documentation, financial procedures, and segregation of duties
Maintain oversight of risk relating to financial processes and controls
Financial Processes
Oversee and collate the preparation of monthly management accounts for review by the CFOO, providing commentary for Trustees and Heads
Provide accurate reports to budget holders in a timely manner, and to work with budget holders to explain actuals and question over/underspends
Ensure compliance with accounting principles, standards, regulations, and internal controls within both the finance team and wider Trust
Work with the CFOO to design, develop, improve and test internal financial management reports, dashboards and business intelligence queries to better inform the Trustees
Assist the preparation of the annual budget for the Trust and Academy schools
Oversight of monthly payroll and associated reports
Statutory & External Reporting
Act as the primary liaison for the external auditors
Manage audit timetables, deliverables, and audit queries
Implement all audit review findings into the Trust’s controls and procedures
Support internal audit activity and monitor implementation of recommendations
Ensure timely completion of: Annual accounts return; Budget forecast return (BFR); Any other DfE statutory returns
VAT return
Authorise submission of monthly VAT return, including the partial exemption calculation
Act as the Trust’s technical lead on VAT and tax matters, escalating complex issues where required
Cash & Banking
Oversee cashflow forecasting and monitoring, ensuring effective cash planning
Maintain strong controls over payment authorisation and banking access
Review and approve high-value or sensitive transactions in line with delegated authorities
Systems & Data
Lead system improvements, upgrades, and automation of finance processes
Control user access, permissions, and system changes
Own the integrity, accuracy, and confidentiality of financial data and information
Human Resources & Payroll
Work with the Senior Leadership Team and the Head of HR to review staffing structures, restructures and workforce planning, providing financial advice and assurance as required
3. Safeguarding and Child Protection
The Good Shepherd Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to:
- Share this commitment
- Adhere to Trust and school safeguarding policies
- Undertake appropriate safeguarding training
- Act in accordance with statutory guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education
4. Compliance, Policies and Professional Conduct
The postholder will:
- Work in accordance with Trust policies, procedures and codes of conduct
- Comply with GDPR and data protection requirements
- Maintain confidentiality at all times
- Demonstrate professional behaviour consistent with Trust values
5. Health & Safety
Take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and others and comply with Trust health and safety policies and procedures.
6. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
GST is committed to equality of opportunity and to eliminating discrimination. The postholder is expected to promote and support this commitment in all aspects of their work.
7. Flexibility
This job description is not exhaustive. The duties and responsibilities may be reviewed and amended in consultation with the postholder to meet the changing needs of the Trust.
Person Specification (D - Desirable, E - Essential)
Qualifications / Experience
Fully Qualified CCAB to an advanced level e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIPFA or CIMA (E)
Evidence of ongoing professional development (E)
Educated to degree level in a finance/business related discipline (D)
Experience of working in the education sector (D)
Knowledge & Skills
Strong technical accounting and financial control background (E)
Works accurately possessing great attention to detail (E)
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate financial and contractual information to both technical and non-technical audiences (E)
Experience of line-managing and mentoring finance staff, building team capability and resilience (E)
Ability to manage a complex set of priorities and tasks accordingly (E)
Experience in a senior finance leadership role (E)
High level organisational skills, with the ability to respond appropriately to conflicting demands and expectations (E)
Able to adapt to new software systems and requirements (E)
Advanced knowledge of Excel, Xero for Education (XFE) and IMP Planner (D)
Personal Attributes
Able to seek out information, advice and guidance when required (E)
High-level interpersonal skills, sense of humour, and ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders (E)
Able to operate to the highest standards of personal/professional conduct and integrity (E)
Excellent problem-solving skills - ability to work through complex scenarios and provide a range of solutions (E)
The ability to remain calm under pressure and meet deadlines (E)
A willingness, where necessary, to support/coach colleagues (E)
Flexible in terms of working hours and duties (E)
A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people (E)
Additional Information
Pre‑employment checks: Appointment is subject to satisfactory references, DBS clearance and other relevant checks.
Probation: In line with Trust policy.
Further information about the job
Commitment to safeguarding
The Good Shepherd Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We ensure that all our employment practices reflect this commitment. All appointments are made subject to an enhanced DBS clearance (Disclosure and Barring Service), satisfactory references and qualification checks.
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.
View advert on external website (opens in new tab)About The Good Shepherd Trust
- Type
- Multi-academy trust
Welcome from the CEO - Paul Kennedy
A very warm welcome to the Good Shepherd Trust (GST) and thank you for taking the time to visit our website. I joined the GST as CEO in February 2020 having spent over twenty-five years in education as a teacher, leader, headteacher and trust CEO. This is an exciting time for the GST as we further develop and strengthen our network of schools.
The GST is a multi-academy trust serving 18 schools within the Diocese of Guildford across Surrey and Hampshire. Our trust comprises both primary and secondary schools, schools affiliated to the Church of England and others who are not. Our purpose is to grow and maintain a strong network of schools within a highly supportive and sharing network: we know that schools are better when they work together sharing common values and goals. Opportunities for staff development are a key priority for us - as a member of support staff, as a teacher, as a head teacher or as a local committee member you will have access to wide and varied professional development.
But at the heart of what we do are the children and young people within our schools. GST schools are first and foremost highly inclusive settings where we strive to see each child flourish and grow, transforming lives and offering breadth and richness in each school’s individual curriculum. We also seek to fulfil the Church of England’s vision for education providing schools for the entire community we serve, for people of all faiths and none.
Our mission is drawn from the words of Jesus in John’s Gospel – ‘I have come that you may have life and have it to the full.’ It is in this context that Jesus reveals to us the wonderful image of himself, The Good Shepherd who shows us how to live, to love and serve others whilst we experience the richness of life in its fullness.
Whether you are a parent, teacher, leader or prospective member of a local committee or a Trustee, please get in touch if you would like to know more about the GST.
With best wishes,
Paul Kennedy
Chief Executive Officer
Head office location
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