Finance Director

Job Title:  Finance Director

Actual Annual Salary: £95,735 - £105,595 (CLF Grade L26 – L30)

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday, all year round. (Part-time 4 days per week, may be considered and can be discussed at interview.)

Additional information: You will work through a blended model that includes home working and working at Federation House, Kingswood, Bristol.

Provisional Start Date: 01 September 2026 (Subject to completion of pre–employment checks)

Shape financial strategy and sustainability across our trust

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Finance Director to lead the financial strategy and operations of the Cabot Learning Federation. This is a pivotal executive leadership role, where you will provide assurance to the Chief Operating Officer, CEO and Board of Trustees across all financial matters, including financial sustainability, risk, and control frameworks.

As a key member of the Executive Team, you will play a central role in shaping the long-term financial direction of a large and growing multi-academy trust. You will lead the development and delivery of Trust-wide financial strategy, ensuring that resources are aligned to priorities and deliver maximum impact for pupils, staff, and communities.

Working closely with senior leaders, Principals, Trustees, and external stakeholders, you will oversee financial planning, statutory reporting, and compliance across the Trust. You will ensure robust systems of internal control, champion value for money, and drive a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

In this role, you will lead and develop a high-performing finance function across central and academy teams, ensuring strong financial management, effective business partnering, and high-quality support for decision-making at every level of the organisation.

About you

You will be a highly accomplished and strategic finance leader, combining strong technical expertise with the ability to influence at executive and board level.

You will have

• A recognised accountancy qualification (CIMA, ACA or ACCA) with extensive senior-level experience
• Proven experience of leading financial strategy, planning and transformation across a complex organisation
• Strong understanding of financial governance, regulatory frameworks, and systems of internal control
• A track record of delivering value for money and driving organisational performance improvement
• Significant experience of leading, developing, and inspiring high-performing teams
• Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data and translate it into strategic insight
• The confidence and credibility to influence, challenge, and advise executive leaders, Trustees, and stakeholders
• Experience of working with external partners, including auditors, regulators, and funding bodies
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly to diverse audiences

It would also be advantageous if you have:

• Experience within the education, public sector or charity environment
• Knowledge of academies finance frameworks and regulatory requirements
• Experience of leading change, innovation, or organisational growth programmes

What we’re looking for

• Demonstrates vision, resilience and a strategic mindset
• Leads by example and promotes a strong culture of financial probity and accountability
• Champions collaboration and builds strong relationships across teams and stakeholders
• Is committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and delivering high standards
• Shares our commitment to equity through education and improving life chances for all pupils

Applicants are advised to refer to the full requirements of the role in the attached job description and person specification prior to submitting an application.

Why join CLF in this role?

As Finance Director, you will join our Executive Team at a critical stage in our growth, helping to shape the financial future of a large, complex and ambitious organisation.

We offer

• A strategic executive leadership role with Trust-wide impact
• The opportunity to shape financial strategy and influence organisational direction
• A key role in ensuring our significant resources deliver maximum benefit for pupils
• Hybrid working across our Bristol offices and Trust academies
• A collaborative, values-driven environment focused on continuous improvement
• Strong professional development and leadership opportunities

Why work at CLF?

We are a diverse and inclusive community of 36 academies across five cluster regions in the South West that is committed to excellence and making a positive impact. Our people bring unique perspectives, but we’re all driven by a shared moral purpose and a passion for making a positive impact, whether in a teaching, leadership or support role. We’re proud to foster a culture where everyone can thrive, feel valued, and make a meaningful difference to the lives of others.

We are an equal opportunity employer and proud to serve a diverse student population and our communities. We strongly believe that representation matters and so encourage applications from underrepresented and global majority groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.

We aim to remove any barriers to employment, ensuring everyone can compete on equal terms. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.

What we can offer you

• Access to a generous pension through the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Generous annual leave.
• A comprehensive induction and ongoing commitment to wellbeing and career progression, through a range of training, apprenticeships and in-role/wider-trust development opportunities.
• Well-being support through an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Health benefits, including wellness sessions, gym discounts, and flu jabs.
• A range of generous family leave options, including above industry average occupational maternity pay.
• Additional benefits like cycle to work scheme, on-site parking plus many more!

Recruitment timeline

• Closing Date: 28 June 2026 @11.59pm
• Shortlisting: 01 July 2026
• Interviews: This is a two-stage process, comprising an Assessment Morning on 06 July followed by a final Interview on the afternoon of 08 July.

We welcome visits from potential candidates. If you would like to arrange a school visit prior to the closing date, please contact the academy/site directly to arrange a suitable appointment.

For an informal discussion about the role/to find out more, please email CLFs Recruitment Team directly (details can be found on the 'Contact Us' page on CLFs main website, or in the 'Application Instructions' section when applying).

As part of our commitment to Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), we do not accept CVs – a full education and employment history must be provided through our application form.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, should we receive a high level of interest in the role. Therefore, candidates are advised to apply at their earliest convenience to avoid missing out.

As a Disability Confident Committed Employer, we are dedicated to equity and inclusion and commit to interviewing applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria. We aim to provide an inclusive and accessible recruitment process, and support employees throughout their employment. If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, or require any adjustments to support you through the application or interview process please let us know how we can assist.