Director of Finance, Farnham

# Director of FinanceEmployer: South Farnham Educational TrustLocation: Farnham, SurreyContract Type: PermanentHours: Full TimeSalary: Competitive SalaryPosted: 14th April 2026Expires: 1st June 2026 11:59 PMStart Date: As Soon As PossibleJob ID: 1544500Job Reference: DOF2026SFET* Share : LinkedIn Facebook X WhatsApp Email* Print**Director of Finance**Location: South Farnham Educational Trust (multi-site role)Salary: CompetitiveContract: Full-time, permanent**About the Role**South Farnham Educational Trust (SFET) is seeking an exceptional Director of Finance to provide strategic financial leadership across our growing family of schools. This is a senior and influential role at the heart of the Trust, ensuring financial sustainability, operational excellence, and high-quality support for our leaders, staff, and governors.Working closely with the CFOO, CEO, Headteachers and the Trust Board, you will lead Trust-wide financial planning, reporting, compliance and systems development. You will play a key part in shaping SFET’s long-term direction, ensuring our resources are aligned with our ambition to deliver outstanding educational outcomes for all pupils.This is a multi-site role and will require regular presence across our schools and central team.As a key member of the central leadership team, you will:* Lead medium- and long-term financial planning aligned with Trust priorities* Provide expert financial analysis and modelling to support strategic decision-making* Oversee Trust-wide budgeting, forecasting and monthly management reporting* Ensure strong internal controls, compliance and efficient financial systems* Lead on statutory financial returns, audit processes and risk management* Manage, develop and inspire the Trust’s finance team* Support procurement, tendering and value-for-money initiatives* Build strong relationships with Headteachers, budget holders, auditors, and external partners**About You**We are looking for an accomplished and forward-thinking finance leader who:* Is a CCAB-qualified accountant with significant senior-level financial management experience* Brings strong analytical skills, financial modelling expertise and excellent attention to detail* Has proven experience producing management accounts, budgets and forecasts* Understands financial compliance, audit processes and sector-relevant regulatory frameworks* Is an inspiring leader who can motivate and develop a high-performing team* Communicates financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues* Can work strategically while maintaining a hands-on, solutions-focused approach* Demonstrates professionalism, integrity and alignment with SFET’s values Experience in the education, charity or public sector is desirable but not essential.**Why Join Us?**SFET is a high-performing, ambitious Multi Academy Trust committed to excellence, collaboration and professional growth. As Director of Finance, you will play a central role inshaping the future of a thriving organisation that supports thousands of pupils and hundreds of staff across multiple schools.**We offer:*** A professional, supportive and values-driven culture* The opportunity to influence Trust-wide strategy at a senior level* A collaborative environment where your expertise will have real impact* Ongoing professional development and leadership opportunities**Key Statistics*** 11 schools (primary and secondary)* 5021 pupils* 669 employees* 864 ECTs trained/assessed* 201 trainee teachers**Interested?**To find out more about this exciting opportunity or to visit the School/Trust, please contact us (details are enclosed in the "advert" attachment).**Deadline date: Monday 1st June 2026** #J-18808-Ljbffr