Finance and Value for Money

• Hold overall executive responsibility for the Trust's financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, treasury management and performance monitoring.
• Ensure robust systems of financial control, compliance, assurance and risk management across the Trust.
• Lead long-term financial and capital planning, ensuring resources are deployed effectively to maximise educational impact and value for money.
• Drive continuous improvement, financial efficiency and organisational resilience through effective resource allocation and investment decisions.

Governance and Assurance

• Act as Executive Lead for Governance, ensuring effective governance frameworks, statutory compliance and high-quality assurance arrangements.
• Ensure the provision of timely, accurate and transparent reporting to the Board, Members, regulators and other key stakeholders.
• Oversee risk management, internal scrutiny, audit activity and regulatory engagement, ensuring the Trust maintains the highest standards of accountability and probity.
• Support the Board and its Committees to discharge their responsibilities through effective governance, assurance and decision-making processes.

Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement

• Provide inspiring leadership to the Trust's finance and governance functions, building high-performing, values-driven teams.
• Develop and maintain strong, trusted relationships with Members, Trustees, Executive colleagues, school leaders, regulators, auditors and external partners.
• Act as a senior ambassador for the Trust, representing the organisation with credibility and influence across the education sector and wider system.
• Lead through change and growth, ensuring systems, structures and resources evolve to support the Trust's strategic objectives.

About You

We are seeking an exceptional, values-driven executive leader with the strategic insight, professional credibility and leadership presence to shape the future of Reach South Academy Trust. As a highly influential member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will combine deep financial expertise with the ability to think systemically, navigate complexity and contribute to the long-term success of a growing organisation.

As a CCAB-qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent), you will bring significant experience operating at Executive, Director or C-suite level within a complex organisation. You will have a strong track record of developing and delivering financial strategy, leading organisational performance and ensuring resources are deployed effectively to achieve strategic objectives.

You will be an accomplished adviser to Boards and senior leaders, capable of translating complex financial, commercial and governance information into clear insight that supports confident decision-making. You will bring a sophisticated understanding of governance, risk management, assurance and regulatory compliance, together with the judgement and integrity required to operate successfully in a high-profile leadership role.

You will also be an exceptional people leader, with a proven ability to build, inspire and develop high-performing teams. Through your leadership, you will create a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement, enabling colleagues to perform at their best and deliver outstanding outcomes.

You will have a demonstrable track record of driving value for money, strengthening organisational resilience and supporting sustainable growth and transformation. An outstanding communicator and relationship builder, you will influence effectively at all levels, building credibility and trust with Members, Trustees, executive colleagues, school leaders, regulators and external partners.

Above all, you will be motivated by the opportunity to use your expertise and leadership to make a lasting difference to the lives of children and young people, ensuring that financial and governance excellence supports our mission to deliver exceptional educational outcomes for every pupil.

Next Steps

As Director of Finance and Chief Financial Officer, you will play a key role in shaping the future strategic direction of Reach South Academy Trust, working closely with the CEO, Board of Trustees and Executive Leadership Team.

If you would like an informal and confidential conversation about the role, we warmly encourage you to contact:

Olivia Frings
Director of People
Telephone: 07841 464505
Email: olivia.frings@reachsouth.org

Olivia will be pleased to discuss the opportunity and, where appropriate, arrange a conversation with Tom Leverage, CEO, to provide further insight into the role, the Trust and our ambitions for the future.

For general enquiries relating to the recruitment process, employee benefits or application arrangements, please contact:

• Email: recruitment@reachsouth.org
• Telephone: 07759 365064

How to Apply

You can submit your application via the advert page by clicking ‘Apply now’. You will receive updates from our Recruitment team throughout the process.

Application Deadline

Tuesday 25 August 2026 at midnight

Interviews

• Day One: Wednesday 16 September 2026 – The Springfields Academy, Calne, Wiltshire
• Day Two: Tuesday 22 September 2026 in London

Please note: references will be requested prior to interview for all shortlisted candidates.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Each post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

At Reach South, we are committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued, respected and able to thrive. We believe diversity strengthens our organisation, bringing perspectives that enhance collaboration and outcomes for our pupils.

Join us and you will be part of a Trust that invests in its people, champions equality, and values the contribution everyone brings.