Financial Controller

Reach South Academy Trust are seeking an exceptional qualified Financial Controller to work with a proactive and dynamic Trust. This is an exciting opportunity to be an integral part of the growth of the Trust, working in a close-knit, experienced team.  

Post:                             Financial Controller

Reports to:                  Director of Finance

Responsible for:         Shared Service - Finance

Location:                      Reach South Academy Trust,  Trust HQ, UTC Plymouth

Salary:                          £40,000 to £45,000 subject to experience

Hours/Contract:         Permanent Contract: Full-time

Start Date:                  As soon as possible

The Role:   An opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated individual to join the Trust as Financial Controller, reporting to the Director of Finance.  The Financial Controller will be responsible for the timely and accurate preparation of management accounts by the Shared Services Centre, ensuring all financial processes and procedures are carried out effectively and in accordance with applicable accounting standards and regulations. The post-holder will take responsibility for the provision of sound financial advice to all academies to facilitate informed decision-making Trust-wide. The Financial Controller reports into the Finance Director and will line manage the Finance Team. 

Background: Reach South is a young and developing Trust which operates across the South West of England with the aim of delivering all through 3-19 education.  We operate 13 academies in Plymouth, Bournemouth, Dorset and Wiltshire and will be expanding to include Plymouth School of Creatives Arts in November 2019.

We are building this Trust on a clear set of values, behaviours and curriculum principles. At the heart of those values and principles is a belief in our young people and a determination to support them to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes to become the successful citizens for today and all of their tomorrows. Our vision is to enable individual academies to flourish with curriculum autonomy, within a consistent framework of a metacognition focused pedagogy.  We are committed to collaboration with other schools, MATs, colleges, Local Authorities, employers and Government to bring the widest benefit to young people and our staff.

Our core business is delivering exceptional education for children and young people with a mission to help all pupils aspire to achieve beyond the expectations that others put on them.  We do this through the development of a talented and committed work force. In order to deliver exceptional opportunities for learning, we need highly motivated staff across all parts of the organisation. 

Person:   The role will suit a highly motivated, well organised and proactive individual and is ideal for someone who is looking to develop their career further and join a Trust at an exciting time in their development.   The successful applicant will gain invaluable experience in all aspects of financial accounting and management and be instrumental in developing and embedding the Finance Shared Service for the Trust. 

You will be a professionally qualified member of a professional body (ACCA, CIMA, ACA, CIPFA) and will have at least three years post qualification experience. Experience of working within a Multi Academy Trust is desirable as is experience of PS Financials.

Relocation expenses may be available, dependent on circumstances.

Next Steps: If you think this role may be for you and want to be involved at this exciting time in our development, please visit www.reachsouth.org/careers register and apply online. 

If you wish to discuss the post and your application further, please contact HR on 01752 422955 or by email at recruitment@reachsouth.org 

Closing Date: Sunday 3 November 2019 at midnight.

Interviews:  Interviews will be held in November in Plymouth

Opportunities and Benefits:  We offer a competitive salary plus LGPS pension, 28 days’ holiday plus bank holidays rising to 31 days after 5 years, great career progression and development opportunities with many other benefits. 

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Each post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Reach South Academy Trust has an Equal Opportunities Policy for selection and recruitment.  Applicants are requested to complete the online Equal Opportunities Monitoring section of the application.