Deputy Finance Director

Overview

Our client is looking for a Deputy Finance Director to strengthen financial leadership across its schools.

Location:

Shrewsbury, Hybrid (2-3 days on site). Salary: £70,000 per annum, Excellent Public-Sector Pension + Progression Opportunity. Job Type: Full Time, Permanent.

A growing and ambitious Multi‑Academy Trust in Shrewsbury is seeking an exceptional Deputy Finance Director to play a key role in strengthening financial leadership across its schools. This is a high‑impact position for a qualified accountant with deep expertise in financial reporting, senior‑level business partnering, and public‑sector financial stewardship. This role offers a rare opportunity to step into a senior leadership position with a clear medium‑term pathway to Finance Director level, supported by professional development and exposure to Trust‑wide strategic decision‑making.

• Lead the production of monthly management accounts, consolidated Trust reporting, statutory returns, and financial analysis, ensuring accuracy and compliance with ESFA and audit standards.
• Drive a proactive finance business partnering approach, working closely with senior leaders to provide insight, challenge, and strategic financial guidance.
• Support the Finance Director in developing long‑term financial plans, forecasts, and scenario modelling aligned to the Trust's strategic priorities and growth plans.
• Oversee the annual budget cycle, ensuring strong engagement, clear communication, and robust financial planning across all academies.
• Lead, mentor, and develop finance staff, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and high performance.
• Ensure compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook, funding agreements, and statutory financial regulations.
• Contribute to Trust‑wide strategic projects, capital planning, and organisational development initiatives.
• Represent the Finance Directorate at senior leadership meetings, local governing bodies, and external stakeholder forums.

• You will bring a blend of technical excellence, leadership capability, and strategic insight.
• A full professional accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Significant experience in financial reporting and public‑sector compliance.
• A proven track record of partnering with senior leaders, providing high‑quality financial insight and influencing decision‑making.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to turn complex financial data into clear, actionable insight.
• Confident communication skills, with experience presenting to senior leaders and governance boards.
• Experience leading teams and developing others.
• A commitment to public‑sector values, integrity, and delivering value for money.

• A meaningful leadership role supporting schools, staff, and young people.
• Excellent pension scheme offering strong long‑term financial security.
• Clear progression pathway to Finance Director level in the medium term.
• Hybrid working with 2-3 days in the office for a balanced, flexible week.
• A collaborative, supportive culture with strong values.
• Generous holiday entitlement and ongoing professional development opportunities.
• A role with real influence across a growing, forward‑thinking Trust.

To submit your CV for this Deputy Finance Director opportunity click 'Apply' now