Strategic Finance Lead: Planning, Reporting & Governance

Emmaus Catholic Academy Trust (Diocese of Salford) is dedicated to providing great Catholic education which enables all pupils within our family of schools to flourish. As part of our continued growth and commitment to excellence, we are seeking to expand our central team with the appointment of a Head of Financial Planning and Reporting to support our CFO.

The Head of Financial Planning and Reporting is a pivotal leadership position, responsible for the ongoing financial planning and reporting across a rapidly growing Catholic Academy Trust, leading the central business partnering team, maintaining strong relationships with school leaders and working with the Financial Controller and CFO to enhance systems and processes and advise the board on financial efficiency and the ongoing financial strategy.

Supporting the CFO with delivery of the finance strategy and leading a team of up to 10 Finance Business Partners, including Senior Finance Business Partners, in a catholic-academy trust of over 50 schools (primary and secondary) and responsible for the ongoing budgeting and strategic financial planning, including monthly reporting and forecasting at a consolidated level, deputising for the CFO where appropriate.

The post holder will be responsible for delivering robust financial strategy, strong financial governance, and high-quality financial operations across Emmaus CAT. They will ensure that Emmaus CAT remains financially resilient, compliant, and able to invest effectively in educational outcomes. Working closely with the CFO and the Financial Controller, you will provide strategic financial insight to the Board and Executive Team, and support school leaders to achieve value for money and sustainable school improvement.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS application and will be subject to further safer recruitment checks, such as references, with  retained on file. All shortlisted candidates will be subject to an online check, as part of our due-diligence in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025.