An exciting opportunity has arisen for a skilled and dynamic finance leader to join a high-performing central team within a growing multi-academy trust focused on improving outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This newly created senior role offers a chance to make a strategic impact at a time of continued expansion and innovation.

About the Organisation

Since its establishment in 2013 as a single special academy, the trust has expanded to become the largest specialist education provider of its kind in Oxfordshire, now comprising seven academies with a further new free special school in development. In addition to its school provision, the organisation delivers a range of services, including Outreach support, short breaks, and specialist training, designed to improve the lives and prospects of children and families across the region.

The Role

This leadership position plays a key role in shaping and delivering the trust’s finance and operational strategy. The Head of Finance will work closely with the Executive Team to ensure the efficient management of financial resources, enabling the trust to achieve its mission and objectives. The role includes responsibility for consolidated financial reporting, budget setting and monitoring, statutory returns, and financial compliance.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the development and implementation of the finance strategy and roadmap.
• Producing accurate and timely financial statements, management accounts, and statutory submissions in accordance with relevant regulations.
• Ensuring compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook and external audit requirements.
• Promoting best practice and financial accountability across all settings.
• Supporting long-term financial planning aligned with organisational growth and sustainability.
• Leading and developing a high-performing finance team and fostering a collaborative, improvement-focused culture.

About You

The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise, strategic insight, and the ability to lead change in a complex, multi-site environment.

Essential criteria include:

• A professional accountancy qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA)
• Educated to degree level or possessing substantial equivalent experience
• Demonstrable success in financial leadership, including strategy development and delivery
• Experience managing all aspects of a finance function, including planning, forecasting, compliance, and reporting
• Proven ability to build and lead effective teams
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with experience working across departments and functions
• A sound understanding of regulatory and compliance requirements in the education, charity or public sector

Safeguarding and Equality

The trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will be subject to verification of ID and qualifications, satisfactory references, right to work checks, and an enhanced DBS disclosure. Applications are welcomed from candidates of all backgrounds and communities.