Trust Specialist Finance

Kernow Learning
· Finance Department - Grade M starting at £52,982 per annum, 37 hours a week
· Reports to the Chief Financial Officer
Closing date: 28th October 2026

Kernow Learning is seeking an exceptional finance professional to become our Trust Specialist for Finance, the senior operational finance lead for the Trust. Working closely with the Chief Financial Officer, you will play a pivotal role in turning financial strategy into effective operational delivery, providing expert leadership across budgeting, financial planning, reporting, compliance and financial improvement.

This is a rare opportunity to influence decision-making across a growing family of schools while helping ensure that every pound entrusted to us delivers the greatest possible impact for our children.

This is a key leadership role within the Trust, with the postholder being able to balance providing strategic financial direction with hands‑on operational activity. Working closely with senior leaders, you will help secure the Trust's long‑term financial sustainability, maximise resources to support educational outcomes, and ensure robust financial control, regulatory compliance and the effective stewardship of Trust finances.

The Trust Specialist for Finance reports to the Chief Financial Officer and line manages the Finance team.

• Support the Chief Financial Officer in developing and delivering the Trust's medium- and long-term financial strategy
• Lead the annual budget-setting cycle and multi-year financial planning across all schools and shared services
• Produce forecasts, scenario models and sensitivity analysis to support strategic decisions, growth and financial sustainability
• Provide clear, evidence-based advice to the Chief Financial Officer, Executive Leadership Team, Headteachers and budget holders
• Contribute to integrated curriculum and financial planning, benchmarking and the identification of efficiencies and opportunities for reinvestment
• Deputise for the Chief Financial Officer on operational finance matters and attend leadership, committee or Trust Board meetings when required

• Lead the production and quality assurance of monthly management accounts, forecasts, cash-flow information and performance reports for schools, executive leaders and trustees
• Maintain a robust Trust-wide financial control framework, including reconciliations, the scheme of delegation, separation of duties and consistent accounting practice
• Ensure compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook, funding agreements, charity and company law, tax, pensions and other applicable legislation
• Coordinate statutory and regulatory returns to the Department for Education, HMRC, pension schemes and other bodies
• Lead operational preparation for the external audit and internal scrutiny, and ensure recommendations are implemented promptly
• Support risk management, fraud prevention, regularity, propriety and value‑for‑money arrangements
• Oversee cash-flow monitoring, bank reconciliations and treasury administration

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the finance service, setting priorities, service standards and clear ownership of work
• Line manage finance staff, setting objectives, monitoring performance, supporting wellbeing and ensuring cover and resilience within the team
• Oversee responsive, consistent and proportionate support to schools and budget holders
• Maintain the integrity and effective use of the Trust's finance and budgeting systems, including access controls, workflows and data quality
• Lead improvements to finance processes, guidance and training, making appropriate use of digital solutions and automation
• Ensure…