Finance Director (Cfo Designate)

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious leader to join an outstanding Trust and Executive Team, and to be at the forefront of our continued growth and organisational development. New Collaborative Learning Trust (NCLT) is looking to appoint a Finance Director in the first instance, with the potential to progress to Chief Financial Officer (CFO) (CFO Salary Scale - £94,900 - £123,187) in the future.

As Finance Director, you will lead all aspects of the management and end of year accounts, in addition to being instrumental in the budgeting and forecasting process. This appointment is absolutely key as the Trust continues on its growth journey and aims to fulfil its objectives outlined in the strategic plan.

Working closely with the Chief Financial Officer, you will provide strong and robust leadership and management to the Trust’s Finance Manager and the wider team. You will be a suitably qualified accountant, who can demonstrate extensive years of accounting experience. You will head up the financial priorities of the over-arching strategic plan and will provide both the CEO and Board of Directors with up-to-date financial information enabling them to make informed decisions.

As well as ensuring the future financial health of the Trust, you will help review the current financial structures, systems and staffing levels (within the Trust and its schools and colleges) in order to ensure the finance function delivers a modern, highly effective and efficient service for the future.

You will be joining a very progressive, forward thinking Executive Team and it is expected you will bring an array of complementary skills, knowledge and experiences. You will be enthusiastic, positive, flexible, an excellent communicator, and will have personal drive and ambition.

About New Collaborative Learning Trust

You will be joining a dynamic, core team that supports the operations of all of the schools and colleges within our Trust. Our shared services are here to support all of our schools and colleges across several areas including Health and Safety, Finance, Estates, HR and MIS. Having recently moved into this site you will enjoy its new facilities and fantastic transport links being situated just off the M62. With a real team ethos, the different departments work together to provide ongoing support for the growth and development of the Trust.

New Collaborative Learning Trust (NCLT) has a dynamic, positive and supportive culture for staff and students, with an enviable reputation for staff career progression and development. You will join a focused and driven team, committed to providing the highest standards of education and service.

Why work for us?

• NCLT was crowned 'Employer of the Year’ at the 2023 MAT Excellence Awards - these national awards celebrate the very best performers from over one thousand MATs across the country
• A strong commitment to staff wellbeing as outlined in our staff wellbeing charter which includes wellbeing events, health heart checks and flu jabs.
• Access to high quality professional training, both in-house and externally, to support your professional development
• Attractive pension scheme
• Additional benefits such as a cycle to work scheme and a technology scheme
• A culture of self-reflection and improvement to meet the needs of our staff

If you believe that you have the skills and abilities to take on this role, we’d love to hear from you.

To apply please click the apply button.

Closing date: 8th February 2024.

Interview dates: 20th and 21st February 2024. Please note we expect the interview process to take place over 2 days.

NCLT will raise standards across our family of schools and colleges. We will promote a culture of aspiration, excellence and enjoyment. We will use our collective strengths and expertise to benefit our children and young people. A charitable company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales (company number: 09257194)

NCLT has a commitment to safeguarding students and the successful candidate will be subject to pre-employment checks, including an Enhanced DBS. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to online checks in line with Safer Recruitment guidance. It is an offence to apply for this role if the applicant is barred from regulated activity relevant to children. We value diversity and actively promote equality of opportunity. As a Disability Confident Leader, all disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for a post will be offered an interview.