Director of Finance - Interim 12 Month FTC

This interim Director of Finance position sits within a leading multi-academy trust operating across the Surrey and South London area. Reporting directly to the CFO, the role carries accountability for the full spectrum of financial management: statutory accounts prepared in line with DfE and EFA guidelines, submission of the Academies Accounts Return and other regulatory returns, monthly consolidated management accounts for the Board, and five-year financial planning including income and expenditure, balance sheet and cashflow statements.

The successful candidate will also oversee VAT, gift aid and corporation tax compliance, manage audit processes and pension scheme consolidation, monitor cashflow and investment policy, and lead the implementation of an integrated finance system. The position requires close collaboration with Principals, Directors, Heads of Service, HMRC, ESFA, local authorities and external auditors. An immediate or short-notice start is expected.

• Oversee the preparation of Trust statutory accounts in compliance with DfE and EFA guidelines, targeting a clean and unqualified audit opinion
• Lead the submission of financial returns to DfE, EFA, SFA and other bodies within required deadlines, including the Academies Accounts Return and Budget Return
• Produce and present monthly consolidated management accounts to the Board, including correct treatment of inter-company transactions
• Manage compliance across VAT returns, gift aid claims, corporation tax and fraud investigations, and advise Trustees on company and taxation law
• Oversee the Trust's budgeting cycle and five-year financial planning, reviewing assumptions and ensuring outputs are suitable for Board presentation
• Monitor cashflow to ensure timely payments and appropriate investment of surplus funds, and advise the Finance and Resources Committee on investment policy

• Prior experience at Director of Finance level or equivalent within a similarly complex organisation
• Education sector experience preferred, particularly within academy trusts or further education
• Professional accounting qualification: ACA, ACCA or CIMA
• Strong working knowledge of both management and financial accounting, including statutory reporting requirements
• Previous staff supervisory and team leadership experience
• Ability to start immediately or within a short notice period

Michael Page is a specialist professional recruitment firm operating across multiple sectors and disciplines. In this instance, Michael Page is recruiting on behalf of a multi-academy trust based in Surrey and South London, placing an interim Director of Finance into a not-for-profit education organisation on a fixed-term basis.