Job title: Director of Finance – William Henry Smith Specialist College, Rastrick
Salary: NJC Points 51 – 54 , £65,943.00 – £69,660.00
Hours: Full time, Permanent, All year round, 37 hours per week
Main geographical location of role: Rastrick
Closing date: 11 October 2026
Where do applicants need to apply (preferred option): https://recruit.sampeople.co.uk/Jobboard/Trust/williamhenrysmithfoundation
Where do applicants need to apply (secondary option): https://recruit.sampeople.co.uk/jobboard/Vacancy/Details?campaignref=SCH-WHSF-0027
Job Description
Purpose of the Job:
The Director of Finance will provide professional leadership and management of all financial aspects across the organisation. You will ensure strong financial stewardship, effective planning, compliance with statutory requirements, and the delivery of value for money in line with the Foundation’s vision, values, and strategic priorities. This role will act as the Foundation’s principal financial advisor, supporting the CEO, Board of Trustees, Governors and senior leaders with clear, evidence-based advice to inform decision-making and ensure resources are directed to achieving the best possible outcomes for children and young people. To be an active presence, contributing to strategic direction, supporting effective decision-making, and promoting a culture of collaboration and accountability across the organisation.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Strategic Financial Advice
- Lead the development and delivery of the Foundation’s financial strategy, ensuring it aligns with the Foundation’s mission, vision and values.
- Act as the principal financial advisor to the CEO, Board of Trustees, Governors, Trustees and senior leaders.
- Provide insight, analysis, and professional advice to inform strategic and operational decision-making.
- Develop robust financial models to support the Foundation’s sustainability, growth, and long-term planning.
- Ensure the Foundation is compliant with all statutory and regulatory financial requirements.
Financial Management & Compliance
- Lead and oversee all aspects of financial management across the Foundation, ensuring compliance with Foundation policies, ESFA regulations, Companies House and Charity Commission requirements.
- Lead the annual budgeting process and ensure the timely and accurate production of financial reports, including monthly/termly management accounts and preparation of year-end statutory accounts in compliance with all relevant regulations and accounting standards.
- Lead on internal and external audit processes and VAT compliance, ensuring timely and accurate reporting
- Provide accurate, timely reports to the Foundation Trustees, Governors, CEO, senior leaders and other stakeholders as required.
- Develop, monitor and present annual budgets, ensuring alignment with Foundation strategy and financial sustainability.
- Produce robust financial forecast to support decision-making and long-term planning. • Ensure all financial reporting meets internal deadlines and external filing requirements.
- Provide strategic financial guidance to trustees and senior leadership management team, highlighting risks and opportunities.
- Act as the key contact for auditors, bankers, funding bodies, and regulatory agencies, ensuring compliance and strong working relationships.
- Maintain strong internal controls, financial policies, and procedures across the Foundation.
- Ensure effective financial risk management, including monitoring reserves and cash flow.
Operational Delivery
- Provide accurate financial reports, forecasts and budget projections for the Foundation including trustees, strategic leadership team, board, Business and partnerships SIG and all services and departments to support effective financial planning and management.
- Monitor financial performance across all services, providing professional challenge and support where required.
- Manage procurement processes, ensuring compliance and securing best value.
- In collaboration with the VP Business, Resources and Operations lead on capital planning, including funding applications and oversight of capital projects.
- Oversee payroll, pensions, and VAT compliance across the Foundation.
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead and manage the finance team, including recruitment, training, and ongoing professional development.
- Develop and maintain professional working relationships across the Foundation, promoting collaboration and supporting colleagues in financial matters.
- Have knowledge of all the Foundation’s Ofsted & other regulatory bodies compliance expectations/standards.
- Promote a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and professional development.
- Champion and role-model the Foundation’s values, embedding them in financial decision-making and everyday practice.
Other Specific Requirements
- To participate in the Foundation’s programme of performance management.
- Understand their professional responsibilities in relation to the Foundation’s policies and practices.
- To participate in whole Foundation training days.
- To ensure your Essential Training/Reading is kept up to date as well as any CPD relevant to the role.
- To work across all Foundation sites as and when required by line management.
- To undertake such other duties appropriate to the post as may from time to time be required to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the Foundation.