Preston Hedges Trust is an award-winning Northamptonshire based Trust. We offer the region’s very best learning environments, opportunities and experiences, to staff and pupils in five primary schools located in Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes.  This is an exciting time for the Trust. To further our mission of delivering exceptional educational experiences and outcomes we have created capacity to welcome new primaries with a strategic fit into our school community. We aim to grow from five to ten primary schools by 2026; to share our award-winning practice and provide more children locally with the experiences and opportunities that all Preston Hedges Trust children enjoy today.

Led by our COO, the central function is undergoing a transformation, looking at opportunities to enhance the educational offer and add value to the Trust and schools by operating in partnership, further driving the centralisation of non education activities and digitalising processes to drive efficiencies.  The Trust is looking to recruit a Head of Finance, in a role to work with the CEO and COO to further shape the strategic direction and aims of the Trust and support with delivering the transformation.  This is a part-time (20 hours per week)

PHT Brochure B5_2023 V5

About the role

The Head of Finance will provide financial leadership on all aspects of Trust Finance, The work of the Head of Finance will be rooted in providing benefit to the pupils and stakeholders the Trust serves.

The Head of Finance role will have effective responsibility for the following:

• Develop and execute financial strategies to support business objectives.
• Lead financial planning, forecasting, and budgeting processes.
• Oversee financial reporting, analysis, and compliance.
• Optimise resource allocation and cost management.
• Collaborate with the central function and school teams to drive operational excellence.
• Provide strategic financial insights and recommendations to the executive team and Trust Board.
• Mentor and lead a finance team to achieve departmental goals.

Candidate requirements:

• A relevant accountancy qualification with senior finance experience in a commercial or educational setting
• Results driven with a strategic focus
• Expertise in financial planning, management and budgeting
• Highly skilled leader, with strong coaching skills and the ability to motivate staff
• Excellent skills in stakeholder management and business partnering
• Proficient in data analysis for informed decision-making
• Ability to articulate financial information in report format for a variety of audiences

To arrange an informal discussion or to visit the schools please contact:  [email protected].  Please return completed application forms to the same address.

Closing date for applications is: Close of play 13th October 2023

Head of Finance JD 2023 (003)

PHT Support Staff Application Form (Word Format 275KB)

What we offer / Benefits

• Competitive salary
• 28 days holiday (pro-rated)
• Main location of work will be at home, although there is a requirement to visit the schools in the Trust
• Access to a health and well-being service, including 24/7 GP support, counselling and physiotherapy
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Continuous professional development

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Preston Hedges Trust is committed to the principles of equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion. We aim to attract and retain the very best staff in all areas of the Trust, ensuring our staff body reflects the diversity of our students and local community.

All appointments are subject to successful Disclosure & Barring clearance and any other necessary safeguarding checks, satisfactory references and medical clearance. Please also be advised we will take up references prior to interview and that one referee must be your last employer. The school provides equal opportunities to all.