Esteem Multi-Academy Trust currently comprises of ten academies throughout Derbyshire, Derby City and east Staffordshire.  Formed by a group of like-minded school leaders in August 2018, the MAT is currently responsible for the education and care of approximately 1,200 students and employs around 750 staff. The total revenue budget for the MAT is approximately £23 million and plans are in place to expand further.  We wish to grow further to fulfil our vision to become a centre of excellence for SEND and Alternative Provision. 

We are seeking a high-quality finance professional with ambition and drive, who is suitably qualified (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA) and shares the MAT’s values and passion for improving the lives and opportunities of children and young people with SEND and challenging behaviours.

Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, you will provide clear financial and commercial strategy and direction for the MAT.  You will need to be fully aware of all funding and legislative changes that apply to the education sector and advise the Trust Board on strategic financial information to enable them to make informed decisions.  You will be responsible for managing all budgeting and accounting activity; take on executive responsibilities as part of the senior management team; and the operational line management of the finance function, ensuring all systems are updated and reporting is timely and in line with required annual returns.  In addition, you will co-ordinate the work of the external auditor and prepare and submit audited, statutory, consolidated accounts. 

The ideal candidate will be commercially astute and have excellent communication and negotiation skills. Knowledge and/or experience of the school/academy sector, special school budgeting and alternative provision would be beneficial, but not essential.  Candidates from all sectors will be considered if they can demonstrate transferable skills and a commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in an ever-changing landscape, where ensuring the sustainability of the MAT is key.  This will be a challenging environment, so we are looking for someone who is adept at building strong, positive relationships with a variety of stakeholders and can foster respect and trust easily.  

This is a post that will change over time; the post holder will be responsive and proactive in the context of strategic priorities.

For further information, please contact Mandy Lee, Chief Operating Officer, on 01623 859749, via email to alee@esteemmat.co.uk or visit our website at www.esteemmat.co.uk/jointheteam.  Please use the support staff application form attached; CVs will not be accepted. 

Closing date for applications:   9:00 am, Monday 4 November 2019

Technical assessment:   Monday 11 November 2019

Panel interview:   Tuesday 19 November 2019

Esteem Multi-Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all its students.    We expect all staff, volunteers and agency staff to share this commitment.  The successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.  The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided.