Head of Finance

St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust is seeking a highly qualified and experienced professional with a strong background in finance, ready to embrace a new and exciting challenge as our Head of Finance. This strategic role is second-in-command, directly reporting to the Chief Financial and Operations Officer (CFOO).

 The appointed Head of Finance will be at the forefront of financial management, strategic planning, and operational efficiency across the trust. They will play a pivotal role in formulating financial strategies, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards, and cultivating a culture of excellence within the finance team.

 We are seeking an individual who carries a wealth of senior management experience, ideally from the same sector, or from other charitable or public sector environments. The ideal candidate will be deeply committed to the Trust’s aims and values, dedicated to the continuous improvement of our financial operations, and capable of inspiring others to strive for excellence and innovation.

 The Head of Finance will be responsible for:

•  Developing and executing comprehensive financial strategies in collaboration with the CFOO, fostering sustainability, innovation, and growth for the trust.
• Offering strategic financial advice to key stakeholders, which may include the trust board and senior leadership, to facilitate informed decision-making processes.
• Conducting financial due diligence and overseeing the financial integration of new schools joining the trust, supporting the trust's expansion plans.
• The preparation of consolidated management accounts, annual accounts, forecasts, and complex regulatory reporting requirements.
• Ensuring robust financial governance through strict compliance with the Academies Trust Handbook, the trust's policies, and relevant regulations.
• Providing leadership and oversight to the finance team, streamlining day-to-day financial operations and month-end processes across the trust.
•  Leading internal and external audits, implementing recommendations to strengthen financial controls, systems, and processes for optimal efficiency and value for money.

Your strategic acumen, coupled with your ability to navigate complex financial landscapes, will be pivotal in shaping the trust's financial future and positioning it as a leader in financial management within the education sector.

 There are many good reasons to work with us. We have a real sense of community, striving to make a difference to children’s education. You will be part, too of the wider Archdiocese family and in the company of some of the best people in education. We also offer a variety of benefits, such as: 

• Competitive salaries and pay progression
• Flexible working
• Access to extensive professional development opportunities
• Generous holiday entitlement 39 days including bank holidays.
• Generous pension scheme
• Employee assistance programme
• Competitive terms and conditions of employment

 The list is not exhaustive and will grow as we the Trust matures.

 This role is based at the Trust’s central office in the Port of Liverpool Building, but we offer flexibility to work remotely. The role also requires travel to the schools, when needed. We are keen to understand how this role could work for you and are open to consider flexible working options. 

For an informal discussion with our CFOO, Khalil Mohammed, please contact Kmohammed@sjcmat.co.uk.

St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo an enhanced disclosure and barring service check. In addition, as part of the shortlisting process, and in accordance with statutory guidance, we will carry out an online search (for publicly available material) to help identify any incidents or issues that have happened which we may want to explore with shortlisted applicants at interview