Financial Controller

Location: Thrapston, Northamptonshire

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £51,000 -£58,000 per annum

• Lead and develop a Finance Operations team within education

• Partner directly with the CFO on strategic financial planning

• Hands-on financial accounting role managing a team

• Develop your career within a Trust committed to professional growth

Our client, a well-established Multi-Academy Trust with schools across Corby, Kettering and Wisbech, is seeking an experienced Financial Controller to join their central finance team – in the Thrapston Head Office. This is an excellent opportunity for a finance professional looking to make a meaningful impact within the education sector while advancing their career in a supportive and values-driven organisation.

Company Overview

This Multi-Academy Trust of 12 primary & secondary schools is committed to enhancing strategic financial insight across its schools and leadership teams. They focus on the efficient allocation of resources, integrating finance with curriculum planning, and ensuring compliance with ESFA and academy handbook requirements. The Trust values continuous improvement and invests in the ongoing professional and personal development of every employee. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, high standards, and courteous service, they create an environment where finance professionals can grow while making a real difference to students and staff across their schools.

Position Overview

As Financial Controller, you'll play a key role in ensuring financial sustainability across the Trust. Working closely with the CFO, you'll manage capital and revenue budgets, produce financial reports and statements, and lead the Finance Operations team of 4 staff. This position is central to maintaining robust financial controls, managing risk, and ensuring compliance with financial and legal obligations. You'll also build strong relationships with external stakeholders including banks, the DfE, and auditors, while identifying opportunities for cost savings and improved efficiency across the Trust.

Responsibilities

• Manage and monitor capital and revenue budgets effectively

• Support the CFO in producing regular finance reports and budget packs

• Prepare financial statements including cash flow, income and balance sheets

• Perform monthly balance sheet reconciliations and fixed asset reporting

• Maintain the Key Financial Controls Framework across the Trust

• Conduct fixed asset verifications and stock takes

• Manage financial risk and ensure compliance with regulations

• Build and maintain relationships with banks, DfE, auditors and stakeholders

• Organise and follow up on internal and external audits

• Lead, develop and manage the Finance Operations team (4 staff)

• Monitor cost-effectiveness of services and identify savings opportunities

• Oversee transactional processes including banking, purchase ledger and sales ledger

• Manage working capital and cash flow forecasting

• Partner with the CEO, Regional Executive Principals and School Business Managers

Requirements

• Proven experience managing budgets and financial controls in a similar role

• Ideally fully-qualified ACCA, CIMA, ACA or CIPA accountant

• Strong technical accounting skills including balance sheet reconciliations and financial statements

• Experience leading and developing finance teams

• Knowledge of compliance requirements, ideally within education or public sector

• Ability to build effective relationships with senior stakeholders

• Experience managing audits and working with external bodies

• Strong analytical skills to identify cost savings and efficiency improvements

• Understanding of working capital management and cash flow forecasting

• Commitment to continuous improvement and professional development

Benefits

• Competitive salary of £51-58k

• Leading public sector pension contributions

• The role is office based but there is flexibility to work from home during quieter periods

• Commitment to ongoing professional and personal development

• Supportive leadership and clear career progression opportunities

You'll join a Trust that genuinely values its people and invests in their growth. Working alongside committed professionals, you'll be part of an organisation focused on continuous improvement, high standards, and making a positive impact on education.

How to Apply

If you have the skills and experience to succeed in this Financial Controller role and are looking to advance your career within the education sector, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience. We look forward to hearing from you.

Closing date: Ongoing/ASAP

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