Financial Controller at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Multi-Academy Trust

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Multi-Academy Trust is seeking an exceptional Financial Controller to play a key role in supporting our academies and senior leaders to deliver outstanding outcomes for children and young people across our Trust.

This is a full-time, permanent position and an exciting opportunity for an experienced finance professional to join one of the largest Multi-Academy Trusts in the East Midlands, supporting 35 academies and ensuring that every pound entrusted to us delivers the greatest possible impact.

Working closely with the Chief Operating Officer, you will lead the Trust’s operational finance function, ensuring the highest standards of financial management, governance, compliance, and customer service across the organisation.

About the Role

As Financial Controller, you will combine strategic financial leadership with operational excellence. You will work closely with school leaders, senior stakeholders, Trustees, and external partners to provide financial insight that supports informed decision-making and drives positive educational outcomes.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and developing a high-performing operational finance team.
• Providing strategic financial advice and support to senior leaders across the Trust.
• Leading budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning.
• Ensuring robust financial controls, governance, and regulatory compliance.
• Overseeing month-end and year-end reporting, statutory returns, and audit processes.
• Managing the Trust’s treasury, investments, cash flow, and balance sheet.
• Driving continuous improvement of financial systems, processes, and controls.
• Supporting sustainable growth and ensuring best value across the organisation.
• Building strong relationships with Headteachers, school leaders, Trustees, and external auditors.

This is a senior leadership role offering the opportunity to influence strategic decision-making across a large and growing organisation.

About You

We are looking for a credible and collaborative finance professional who is committed to delivering excellence and making a meaningful contribution within a values-driven organisation.

You will have:

• A recognised professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent).
• Significant post-qualification experience in financial management.
• Experience leading and developing finance teams.
• Strong knowledge of financial controls, statutory reporting, governance, and audit.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to translate complex financial information into clear, actionable insights.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and relationship-building skills.
• Integrity, sound judgement, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Experience within education or a Multi-Academy Trust would be advantageous, but we welcome applications from outstanding finance professionals looking to bring their expertise into the education sector.

Why Join Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Multi-Academy Trust?

As one of the largest Catholic Multi-Academy Trusts in the East Midlands, we are committed to providing exceptional education while ensuring excellent stewardship of public funds.

Working with us means becoming part of a values-led organisation where integrity, collaboration, and service underpin everything we do.

What's in it for you?

• Salary: £51,356 - £55,565 per annum, Band S3, SCP 40 - 44.
• A varied and rewarding senior finance leadership role.
• The opportunity to influence strategic financial decision-making across a large organisation.
• Professional development and career progression opportunities.
• A supportive and collaborative executive leadership team.
• Access to generous pension arrangements.
• Employee wellbeing initiatives.
• Flexible working opportunities where operationally appropriate.
• Access to top-tier CPD opportunities tailored to your development.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) providing emotional, financial, and legal support for you and your family.
• Exclusive benefits including staff discounts and a Cycle to Work scheme.
• The opportunity to work alongside dedicated colleagues who are passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people.

Additional Information

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.

You do not need to be Catholic to work for our Trust. We warmly welcome applications from people of all cultures, ethnicities, backgrounds, and beliefs, including those of all faiths and none, who are supportive of our Catholic character and Christian ethos. We believe this diversity enriches our community and the lives of the students within our schools.

We are a Disability Confident Committed Employer and welcome applications from people with disabilities and long-term health conditions.

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Multi-Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and other pre-employment checks, including online searches.