🌟 Head of Finance – Orchard Learning Alliance

Salary: £52,413 – £57,869 (Grade 10, NJC Points 41–46 pay award due in April 2026)
Location: Trust-wide (Base: Waingels)
Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week

Are you ready to lead a finance function with purpose, impact and real WOW factor?

Orchard Learning Alliance is growing fast and shaping a future where excellence, social justice and opportunity for all sit at the heart of everything we do. Our mission is clear: to promote excellence and social justice through exceptional schools, ensuring the highest possible quality of education and genuine equality of opportunity for every child in our community.

We’re now seeking an exceptional Head of Finance to lead our newly formed Trust-wide finance team.

💼 The Role

As our new Head of Finance, you will be the backbone of financial excellence across the Trust. You’ll:

• Lead, develop and inspire a 6‑strong finance team
• Oversee the day‑to‑day operations that keep our Trust running smoothly
• Produce high-quality monthly management accounts, forecasts and cashflow reports
• Drive strong financial controls and ensure full compliance
• Support strategic financial planning and Trust growth
• Champion continuous improvement and modern, effective financial systems
• Work closely with school leaders, the CFO and Trust Board to support outstanding decision-making

This is a fantastic opportunity for a qualified/part‑qualified/exceptionally experienced finance professional ready to step up, shape a team and help steer a Trust with a powerful moral purpose.

🌈 Who We’re Looking For

A confident, forward-thinking finance leader who brings:
✔ Strong technical skills in budgeting, forecasting and financial control
✔ Experience leading or developing finance teams
✔ The ability to influence, collaborate and communicate at all levels
✔ High professional standards, analytical skill and attention to detail
✔ A passion for education, equity and making a difference

Experience within education is a bonus—but your values, drive and leadership matter most.