Financial Controller

Financial Controller

Salary: £55,747 - £61,534 per annum
Contract: Full-time, fixed-term until 31 December 2026
Start Date: July 2026
Location: Hybrid - Home-based with two days per week in the office in Kingswood, Bristol

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Financial Controller to join a growing Multi Academy Trust. This is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring robust financial management, compliance, and strategic financial planning across the Trust.

Working closely with the Chief Financial Officer and senior leadership team, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the Trust's long-term financial sustainability and the delivery of high-quality education outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day financial operations of the Trust, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance
• Prepare monthly management accounts and financial reports for senior leadership and Trustees
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes
• Ensure compliance with ESFA regulations, Academies Financial Handbook, and statutory requirements
• Manage cash flow, financial controls, and risk management processes
• Support audits and liaise with external auditors and stakeholders
• Line manage and develop finance team members
• Contribute to strategic decision-making and financial strategy

About You

• Demonstrate strong technical accounting expertise, with the capability to lead on statutory accounts preparation and ensure full compliance with relevant frameworks and regulations
• Hold a recognised professional accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with substantial post-qualification experience in a senior finance position
• Have a proven track record of leading, developing, and motivating high-performing finance teams within a complex organisational environment
• Bring solid experience of managing month-end processes, delivering accurate financial reporting, and meeting tight deadlines
• Possess excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret financial data, identify risks, and drive continuous improvement
• Be confident in influencing and challenging senior stakeholders, providing clear and credible financial insight and advice
• Have experience leading audits, managing external relationships, and maintaining high standards of compliance across financial operations
• Demonstrate strong communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly to both financial and non-financial audiences
• Show strong proficiency in financial systems and advanced Excel skills

Benefits of Working with Monarch Education:

• GCA Approved Supplier
• opportunity to enhance your CPD portfolio through our Affinity Academy
• free Safeguarding training
• refer a friend scheme - £200 bonus (you can make unlimited referrals)
• online portal to manage your pay and timesheets

To learn more about us and what makes Monarch one of the leading education recruitment providers nationwide - please visit our website - About Us - Monarch ((url removed))

Important Information:

• All pay rates provided are inclusive of rolled up holiday pay.
• Equal Opportunities - Monarch
• Affinity Workforce Solutions and Monarch Education are committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare of children and young people and expects all its temporary workers to share these commitments. As this role involves working with children on a daily basis, regulated activity is that any successful applicant's applications will, accordance with statutory guidance, be subject to 2 employment references, an enhanced DBS check and a right to work in the UK check.
• This vacancy is based in the United Kingdom. Monarch Education operate in the UK and can only process applications from candidates who are currently UK residents and eligible to work in the UK. Whilst we will endeavour to contact you following your response, due to the high volume of applications we regret that this cannot always be possible. If you have not had notification from us within 30 days please take your application as not being successful this time but we will keep your details on file for future opportunities.