Financial Controller

Working pattern: Hybrid – 3 days per week on siteReporting to: Chief Financial OfficerMore details can be found here: Home | Charter TrustIvy Rock Partners is working exclusively with The Charter Schools Educational Trust to recruit a Financial Controller into its finance team.This is a broad and influential role within a growing Multi-Academy Trust, offering the opportunity to take ownership of financial control and reporting while working closely with the CFO, school leaders and the wider finance team.With Trust income of approximately £55m, you will play a key role in ensuring the organisation maintains strong financial management, effective controls and high-quality reporting as it continues to develop and grow.The role will suit someone who enjoys combining strong technical financial management with leadership and business partnering, rather than operating purely within a traditional financial accounting remit.Key responsibilities will include:Leading the day-to-day financial control environment across the TrustManaging and developing members of the finance team, creating a culture of continuous improvementTaking ownership of the annual finance timetable and ensuring key reporting deadlines are metPreparing, reviewing and delivering monthly management accounts and Trust-wide financial reportingWorking closely with the CFO, Headteachers and school business leaders on budgets, forecasts and financial performanceSupporting the development of annual and three-year revenue and capital budgetsEnsuring robust balance sheet reconciliations and financial controls are maintained across the TrustMonitoring and reporting on cash flowLeading the external audit process and ensuring audit requests, recommendations and actions are managed effectivelySupporting the CFO with internal audit and the ongoing development of the Trust’s control environmentMaintaining and improving financial policies, procedures and the Trust Financial ManualEnsuring compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook and wider DfE requirementsReviewing statutory returns and ensuring they are completed accurately and on timeProviding clear financial insight and guidance to non-finance stakeholders across the schoolsIdentifying opportunities to improve systems, processes, controls and the overall effectiveness of the finance functionWe are looking for someone who can bring a strong combination of financial control, management accounting and stakeholder management experience.You will ideally:Be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent), although significant relevant experience will also be consideredHave strong financial management, accounting and financial control experienceHave experience managing and developing finance teamsBe comfortable owning month-end reporting, balance sheet control, budgeting and forecastingHave experience managing external audit processesBe confident working with and influencing senior non-finance stakeholdersHave a track record of improving financial processes and controlsBe comfortable interpreting accounting standards and technical guidanceHave strong Excel and financial systems skillsBe able to communicate complex financial information clearly and practicallyPrevious experience within a Multi-Academy Trust, school or wider education environment would be particularly useful, as would knowledge of the Academy Trust Handbook and DfE funding, but candidates from other relevant complex organisations are also encouraged to apply.This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Financial Controller, Finance Manager or senior Management Accountant looking for a broader leadership position within a purpose-led organisation.The Charter Schools Educational Trust places significant emphasis on collaboration, individual school autonomy and responsible growth, with the finance team playing an important role in supporting better outcomes for pupils.Interviews: 11, 14 and 15 September 2026The recruitment process is being managed exclusively by Ivy Rock Partners.

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