As our Head of Finance, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the financial health, stability and long‑term sustainability of our Trust. You will lead our Finance Team with clarity and purpose, driving high performance, continuous improvement and a collaborative culture. The role combines operational oversight with strategic influence, from producing accurate and timely accounts, budgets and forecasts, to managing cash flow, ensuring robust internal controls, and overseeing statutory reporting. You will guide the development of financial systems, policies and processes, embedding efficiency and compliance across all of our schools. Working closely with senior leaders, Headteachers and auditors, you will provide expert advice that informs key decisions, underpins our financial strategy and maximises the impact of our resources for the benefit of our pupils, staff and the wider community. 

About you

If you are a Qualified CCAB registered accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) or due to achieve qualified status within 3 months and have:

• Experience working in a complex, hands‑on accounting role within a commercial or public sector organisation, or an accounting practice
• Proven experience of leading, inspiring and developing a team, setting clear expectations, building trust and fostering a positive, inclusive working environment
• Experience of leading an organisation through external audit, regulatory review or compliance improvements with successful outcomes
• Experience of facilitating the sharing of best practice, information and technical know‑how
• Experience using a range of accounting systems and leading systems development or enhancement.

...then we would love to hear from you!  Please do get in touch to learn more about this opportunity.

We offer

• A role where your work really matters
• The opportunity to work in a team who are invested in creating the conditions to support the growth of others
• Competitive package with generous career average pension scheme with employer contributions of up to £10,583 (c17.2) %*
• 26 days holiday plus public holidays**
• Ongoing professional development

*employer contribution rates set by the Local Government Pension Scheme.

**including closure days to be taken over the Christmas period

How to apply

Please do take the opportunity to learn more about the role by viewing the detailed job description in the information pack attached.  To learn more about our Trust please view: Ivy Education Trust  To view our published accounts please click here.

To apply please complete our application form, detailing how you meet the criteria detailed in the person specification on the job description that we will assess during shortlisting.

The closing date for applications is Thursday 9th April at 9.00 am.  We plan to shortlist on receipt of applications and reserve the right to close the vacancy before this date.  We plan to hold initial interviews via Teams.  Final interviews will be on the 23rd April in Teignmouth, please do keep this date free.  

If you have any questions about this opportunity or would like to arrange an informal chat about the role or a visit to meet us and learn more about our Trust, please contact us at recruitment@ivyeducationtrust.co.uk

We are committed to the safeguarding and welfare of all our pupils, and we expect you to be too. We follow safer recruitment statutory guidance (Keeping Children Safe in Education).  If you’re successful, you’ll be required to complete thorough pre-employment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check and references that are satisfactory to our Trust.  All posts in our Trust are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.   

Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy

Data Protection Policy

Recruitment of Ex-offenders Policy

Recruitment Selection Disclosure Policy