Head of Finance Service

Either Temp to Perm OR Permanent with Immediate Start

Full-Time, 36 hours, 52 weeks a year

North London Based, open to 1 or 2 days WFH once settled

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and qualified finance professional to join a growing and successful education organisation as Head of Finance Service.

Reporting to the CFOO, you will lead the finance function, ensuring robust financial governance, compliance and strategic financial planning across a Multi-Academy Trust
. This is a key leadership role with responsibility for financial controls, budgeting, statutory accounts, audit management, payroll oversight, risk management and delivering strategic financial advice to senior stakeholders and Board members.

• Lead and develop the finance team across the Trust
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting
• Ensure compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook, DfE requirements and statutory regulations
• Manage annual accounts, audits and financial returns
• Develop and deliver long‑term financial strategy to support growth and sustainability
• Drive process improvements, financial controls and value-for-money initiatives
• Partner with senior leaders, Trustees and external stakeholders to support decision‑making

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA)
• Proven Multi‑Academy Trust (MAT) finance experience is essential
• Significant experience in a senior finance leadership role within the education sector
• Strong knowledge of academy finance regulations, governance and compliance requirements
• Experience preparing statutory accounts, managing audits and delivering Board‑level reporting
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management and influencing skills
• Experience of financial systems, budgeting, forecasting and strategic planning

This is an excellent opportunity for a strategic finance leader to join a growing organisation and play a key role in shaping its financial future.

For a confidential discussion or to apply, please get in touch –

Farrer Barnes Ltd does not discriminate on the grounds of age, race, gender, disability, creed or sexual orientation and complies with all relevant UK legislation. Farrer Barnes Ltd acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers.