Director of Finance

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

Salary: Competitive 

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 1st June 2026

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