Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted and an appointment may be made before the closing date, therefore an early application is encouraged.

Salary: Grade 16, Point 53 – 59: £63,050 - £70,936 per annum

Contract: Permanent, 37 hours per week, 52.14 weeks per year

An exciting opportunity has arisen within SAST, we are looking to appoint an experienced Head of Finance. 

This role will be a key member of the Shared Services senior leadership team, reporting to the Chief Finance and Operations Officer, supporting colleagues in the delivery of the school’s strategic and operational plans.

With a focus on service delivery, the candidate will be able to demonstrate proven ability in senior leadership and financial control within complex organisations, leading people and resources effectively, thinking strategically, delivering results and motivating others. 

You will need to demonstrate high levels of energy and the ability to think and communicate with clarity, working in partnership with other leaders across the Trust, with the ability to execute efficiencies and business improvement initiatives that will drive the Trusts financial success and mitigate risks during a period of unprecedented challenge in the sector. 

You will work with a dedicated team; committed to our mission of Flourishing Children, Flourishing Schools and Flourishing Communities, ensuring that in all we do we have a positive impact on the lives of the children in our care.

You are encouraged to get in touch prior to application to discuss the position. Our Chief Finance and Operations Officer, Georgina Spirrell is available to have an informal discussion with interested applicants about the role. Please contact her at Georgina.Spirrell@sast.org.uk. You are also most welcome to visit the Trust. 

SAST recognises the benefits that hybrid working can bring to an individuals work/life balance and we welcome discussions around this arrangement.

For further information on what SAST offers, please click the following link: What we Offer - SAST - Sherborne Area Schools' Trust

SAST will conduct online searches of shortlisted candidates. In line with KCSIE guidance, this will be part of safer recruitment checks, and the search will purely be based on whether an individual is suitable to work with children. As care must be taken to avoid unconscious bias and any risk of discrimination, a person who will not be on the appointment panel will conduct the searches and will only share information if and when findings are relevant and of concern.

Safeguarding responsibilities associated with this role will not include engagement in regulatory activity. It will have minimal contact with young people on a day-to day basis. SAST is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will have to meet the person specification, and the post is subject to safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check and Children’s Barred List check. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

SAST recognises the benefit of having a diverse workforce and is committed to building a workforce which reflects diversity from the communities it serves. SAST values the contributions from all staff from a wide range of different backgrounds and actively seeks to promote an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment and at the same time supports fair promotion and cultural acceptance. Under the provision of the Equality Act 2010 SAST welcomes applications from everyone and operates a recruitment process which is fair and does not discriminate against or disadvantage anyone because of their age, disability, gender reassignment status, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race or nationality, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

This role is UK- based and your right to work will need to be established as part of the appointment process.