Director of Finance

Company Description

Discovery Trust is a dynamic and inclusive Multi Academy Trust comprising of 20 schools; fifteen primary schools, four specialist provisions and one secondary school. We are committed to transforming education and unlocking potential for every pupil, every colleague and every community we serve.

Founded in 2012, Discovery began as a collaboration between Kibworth CofE and Parkland Primary School. The name "Discovery" originated from Kibworth’s strapline, "Place of Discovery and Friendship." This word has held significant meaning for us, as the creation of our Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) was a novel concept, and we were collectively discovering its potential and implications.

At the heart of Discovery are our values of Belonging, Ambition, and Equity. We believe every pupil and colleague should feel seen, supported, and celebrated. These values shape our culture and guide our decisions, ensuring that everyone in our Trust community has the opportunity to thrive.

We’ve built a strong infrastructure of support tailored to the needs of our schools. This includes our Outstanding SCITT (School-Centred Initial Teacher Training) for both primary and secondary trainees, along with In-TACT, our multidisciplinary service supporting inclusion and wellbeing across our schools.

At Discovery Trust, we believe in the power of collaboration, innovation, and care. We are proud of our journey so far, and excited about the future we are building together.

This is a unique opportunity to play a key part in shaping the future of a Trust driven by a clear ambition: that every pupil belongs, thrives and achieves.

The Director of Finance is a key member of the Trust’s senior leadership team and is central to ensuring the ongoing financial resilience, sustainability and long-term viability of the Trust.

The postholder will provide strategic and operational leadership across the full breadth of the Trust’s finance function, ensuring that planning, budgeting, financial control, reporting, assurance and compliance arrangements are robust, proportionate and aligned to the Trust’s strategic priorities.

Reporting directly to the Chief Finance & Operations Officer (CFOO), the Director of Finance will support the Executive Team, Trustees, Headteachers and other leaders by providing high-quality financial analysis, advice and challenge, enabling informed decision‑making and the effective stewardship of public funds.

The role is responsible for leading a high-performing finance function that delivers accurate statutory and management reporting, strong internal controls, value for money, effective risk management and continuous improvement across the Trust.

Aprofessionally qualified accountant (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

A proven track record of senior financial leadership experience, ideally within education, public sector or complex organisations

A strategic thinker with a sharp eye for detail and a focus on delivering impact.

The ability to translate complex financial information into clear, meaningful insight for a wide range of audiences.

A collaborative, values led leader who is motivated to make a positive difference

Experience of leading, inspiring and developing teams with a strong focus on continuous improvement

• Leading the development and delivery of the Trust’s financial strategy and long‑term planning
• Overseeing budgeting, forecasting and financial monitoring across all schools and services
• Ensuring compliance with all financial regulations, audit requirements and statutory reporting
• Providing high‑quality financial insight and advice to the CEO, Trustees and senior leaders
• Driving value for money and identifying opportunities for efficiency and growth
• Leading and developing a high‑performing finance team
• Supporting schools to strengthen financial understanding and accountability
• Contributing to wider organisational strategy as a member of the senior leadership team