Head of Finance

Closing Date: 12 Noon Monday 17th November 2025

Head of Finance - Job Description

GRADE: 17 SPC 45-47 £52,248 up to £60K dependent on experience.

HOURS: 37 hours/week

CONTRACT TYPE: Full Time / Full Year

REPORTING TO: Chief Executive Officer

LINE MANAGEMENT OF: Finance Support Officer & Project & Finance Assistant

About the Role
This is an important role within the Trust’s management structure.  It carries the expected level of accounting responsibilities, but of equal importance is high quality communication and relationship development with schools within the Trust structure.  We see this role as a great opportunity for an aspiring finance professional to further develop their skills and experience in a supportive and receptive environment. The role holder will be tasked with leading key committees and providing expert financial guidance to the Trust Board and Head Teachers.

Role Purpose
As the Head of Finance at The Good Shepherd Trust, you will provide strategic financial leadership that balances operational excellence with a values-driven approach rooted in the spirit of Cumbria — community, integrity, and sustainability.

Your leadership will ensure strong financial planning, effective systems, and compliance across the Trust, while inspiring a culture where finance is accessible, empowering, and collaborative. Spreading the finance culture throughout the group to turn finance into an enabler rather than a barrier will be central to your mission, helping every part of the organisation to thrive with confidence and clarity.

You will play a key role in supporting growth and innovation, ensuring that the Trust’s financial function reflects both professional rigour and a compassionate ethos. Alongside robust controls and sound governance, you will lead the finance team — one that embodies excellence, efficiency, and a deep connection to the communities we serve. This is a role for a leader who wants to make a meaningful impact — combining strategic influence with a softer lifestyle perspective inspired by Cumbria’s unique sense of place and purpose.

Are you a finance professional, who wants to make a meaningful impact in a values-driven organisation? The Good Shepherd Trust is an multi-academy trust running 12 schools across Cumbria. An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our leadership team as Head of Finance.

Key responsibilities:

• Supporting growth and innovation
• Inspiring a culture where finance is accessible, empowering, and collaborative
• Providing strategic leadership, financial planning and ensuring operational excellence
• Leading your own team while providing expert financial guidance to the Trust Board and Head Teachers.

A great opportunity for an established finance professional looking to develop their career in a leadership role.

For more information contact Claire Render - CEO - ceo@thegoodshepherdmat.co.uk

or Rob Blake - Deputy CEO - deputyceo@thegoodshepherdmat.co.uk

 

---

Documents