Job Title: Financial Controller

Location: Central Trust Office, Guildford.  This is an office based role, with travel to schools within the Trust as needed.

Grade / Salary: GST Grade K (£60,342 - £67,120 FTE) (6 scale points within banding for progression)

Hours / Working Pattern: 36 hours, All Year Round

Contract Type: Permanent

Reporting to: Chief Finance & Operating Officer (CFOO)

Responsible for: Management Accountant x 3 & Finance Operations Team Leader x 1

The Financial Controller is a pivotal leadership position, responsible for the financial control, compliance, and stewardship of the Trust’s finances. The role ensures that all statutory and regulatory requirements are met; that cash and banking arrangements are robust; and that financial systems, processes, and controls operate effectively across the Good Shepherd Trust (GST). 

Purpose of the Role

·         Responsible for overseeing the preparation and accuracy of financial records and statements that are produced by the Management Accountants, presenting the monthly accounts to Trustees, Heads, and other stakeholders.

·         Lead the finance team to enable them to work smarter instead of harder by developing the technology and reporting platforms.

·         Ensure compliance with accounting standards, including tasks such as auditing, budgeting, tax returns, and financial reporting.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Process Management

·         Line manage central finance staff responsible for transactional finance and reporting, including conducting annual reviews

·         Providing mentorship, coaching, and performance management to ensure high performance and professional development.

·         Set clear standards, deadlines, and quality expectations

·         Provide a consistent and approachable point of contact for stakeholders

Financial Control & Assurance

·         Maintain and operate a robust framework of financial controls and processes across the Trust

·         Lead on internal control documentation, financial procedures, and segregation of duties

·         Maintain oversight of risk relating to financial processes and controls

Financial Processes

·         Oversee and collate the preparation of monthly management accounts for review by the CFOO, providing commentary for Trustees and Heads

·         Provide accurate reports to budget holders in a timely manner, and to work with budget holders to explain actuals and question over/underspends

·         Ensure compliance with accounting principles, standards, regulations, and internal controls within both the finance team and wider Trust

·         Work with the CFOO to design, develop, improve and test internal financial management reports, dashboards and business intelligence queries to better inform the Trustees

·         Assist the preparation of the annual budget for the Trust and Academy schools

·         Oversight of monthly payroll and associated reports

Statutory & External Reporting

·         Act as the primary liaison for the external auditors

·         Manage audit timetables, deliverables, and audit queries

·         Implement all audit review findings into the Trust’s controls and procedures

·         Support internal audit activity and monitor implementation of recommendations

·         Ensure timely completion of: Annual accounts return; Budget forecast return (BFR); Any other DfE statutory returns

VAT return

·         Authorise submission of monthly VAT return, including the partial exemption calculation

·         Act as the Trust’s technical lead on VAT and tax matters, escalating complex issues where required

Cash & Banking

·         Oversee cashflow forecasting and monitoring, ensuring effective cash planning

·         Maintain strong controls over payment authorisation and banking access

·         Review and approve high-value or sensitive transactions in line with delegated authorities

Systems & Data

·         Lead system improvements, upgrades, and automation of finance processes

·         Control user access, permissions, and system changes

·         Own the integrity, accuracy, and confidentiality of financial data and information

Human Resources & Payroll

·         Work with the Senior Leadership Team and the Head of HR to review staffing structures, restructures and workforce planning, providing financial advice and assurance as required

3. Safeguarding and Child Protection

The Good Shepherd Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to:

• Share this commitment
• Adhere to Trust and school safeguarding policies
• Undertake appropriate safeguarding training
• Act in accordance with statutory guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education

4. Compliance, Policies and Professional Conduct

The postholder will:

• Work in accordance with Trust policies, procedures and codes of conduct
• Comply with GDPR and data protection requirements
• Maintain confidentiality at all times
• Demonstrate professional behaviour consistent with Trust values

5. Health & Safety

Take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and others and comply with Trust health and safety policies and procedures.

6. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

GST is committed to equality of opportunity and to eliminating discrimination. The postholder is expected to promote and support this commitment in all aspects of their work.

7. Flexibility

This job description is not exhaustive. The duties and responsibilities may be reviewed and amended in consultation with the postholder to meet the changing needs of the Trust.

Person Specification (D – Desirable, E – Essential)

Qualifications / Experience

·         Fully Qualified CCAB to an advanced level e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIPFA or CIMA (E)

·         Evidence of ongoing professional development (E)

·         Educated to degree level in a finance/business related discipline (D)

·         Experience of working in the education sector (D)

Knowledge & Skills

·         Strong technical accounting and financial control background (E)

·         Works accurately possessing great attention to detail (E)

·         Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate financial and contractual information to both technical and non-technical audiences (E)

·         Experience of line-managing and mentoring finance staff, building team capability and resilience (E)

·         Ability to manage a complex set of priorities and tasks accordingly (E)

·         Experience in a senior finance leadership role (E)

·         High level organisational skills, with the ability to respond appropriately to conflicting demands and expectations (E)

·         Able to adapt to new software systems and requirements (E)

·         Advanced knowledge of Excel, Xero for Education (XFE) and IMP Planner (D)

Personal Attributes

·         Able to seek out information, advice and guidance when required (E)

·         High-level interpersonal skills, sense of humour, and ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders (E)

·         Able to operate to the highest standards of personal/professional conduct and integrity (E)

·         Excellent problem-solving skills – ability to work through complex scenarios and provide a range of solutions (E)

·         The ability to remain calm under pressure and meet deadlines (E)

·         A willingness, where necessary, to support/coach colleagues (E)

·         Flexible in terms of working hours and duties (E)

·         A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people (E)

Additional Information

Pre‑employment checks: Appointment is subject to satisfactory references, DBS clearance and other relevant checks.

Probation: In line with Trust policy.