Vacancies

About the Post

We are looking to appoint a Director of Business & Finance to join our Twynham Learning Core Services team. This is a new post in our structure, and it is a rare and exciting opportunity to join us at an important stage of our trust’s development. Please take a look at our Candidate Information Pack below for full details about the vacancy and Twynham Learning.

The successful candidate will bring strong experience of strategic financial and/or business management from either the academy/maintained education sector or private business sector.

They will be able to demonstrate the capacity to analyse and interpret statutory compliance areas, as well as horizon scan to lead development of the financial strategy for the trust as it continues to rapidly expand. The ability to demonstrate strong financial expertise and its associated regulatory compliance whilst leading and managing the big picture alongside the CEO, Deputy CEO and Trust Board is a must for this position. 

The responsibility of Chief Finance Officer (CFO) is a key aspect of this role with all statutory duties linked within the role. Beyond being CFO, the post also has a wide and dynamic portfolio of associated responsibilities encompassing procurement, revenue generation, financial risk management and the leading of transformational change.

At Twynham Learning, we believe in strong professional autonomy with clear accountability and compliance frameworks. We are wholly committed to developing our leaders as a high performing team to support growing the trust to meet its potential as a beacon for principled MAT leadership of education provision within the Dorset, BCP and New Forest subregion. 

This is a fantastic opportunity for a forward-thinking dedicated finance professional to shape future direction and help establish the trust as the strong, progressive family of schools committed to our exceptional localities, built on sustainable and secure practice. 

We are looking for an outstanding individual who will:

• bring a fresh perspective, flair and innovation to the role – going beyond the traditional remit of accountancy
• be the Chief Financial Officer for our trust, including leading on our work with ESFA/DfE and audit functions, ensuring effective financial management of all budgets and excellence in reporting
• be accountable to our Trust Board’s Resources and Audit Committees
• lead and manage our Core Services Finance team, with matrix leadership of our school-based finance teams
• provide financial expertise, advice and training across our trust, including to Headteachers
• maximise opportunities for revenue generation and ensure that we source the best value suppliers and contractors
• demonstrate exemplary professional conduct as an ambassador of Twynham Learning
• promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young people in accordance with our Safeguarding and Child Protection policies.

What we can offer you

• 31 days’ annual holiday entitlement per year, increasing to 34 days with service (FTE)
• Automatic membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Free on-site parking
• The opportunity to work within Twynham Learning; a progressive multi-academy trust
• The opportunity to work in one of the most beautiful areas of the South Coast
• A relocation allowance may be negotiable for an exceptional candidate seeking to relocate their home to our local area to take up this post

Who we are looking for

We would love to hear from you if you have:

• business, management, finance and/or accountancy qualification(s) e.g. MBA, Degree in Business and/or Finance and/or accounting, ACCA etc.
• a degree or equivalent graduate qualification
• substantial experience in financial management
• excellent IT, communication and presentation skills; and you are dynamic, enthusiastic, flexible and highly professional

You will also be keen to live our Twynham Learning employee values which are:

• Aim high
• Keep improving
• Don’t leave anyone behind
• See the bigger picture

Any questions?

We encourage you to visit us or talk with our Director of Education/Deputy CEO to get a further understanding of the role and future direction of the trust. You can arrange this with Vicky Elsworth (HR Manager) on 01202 402789 or email us at recruitment@twynhamlearning.com

How to apply

To apply for this vacancy, please submit a Job Application Form, Diversity Questionnaire and covering letter (maximum 2-sides of A4) by email to: recruitment@twynhamlearning.com  

Only our own official application form will be accepted. You can download the form and questionnaire here:  www.twynhamlearning.com/187/staff-vacancies

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 27 November 2024 at noon.

Twynham Learning values diversity and inclusiveness. We aim to eliminate unlawful discrimination and promote diversity throughout our whole workforce. We want our workforce to be representative of all sections of our community, so we give equal opportunities to all job applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability status, gender reassignment, marital/partnership status, pregnancy/maternity, race/colour/national origin, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation. Only people who can evidence their right to work in the UK will be considered for this vacancy. We are committed to robust Safer Recruitment processes as part of our strong commitment to safeguard children and young people. An enhanced criminal records check will be undertaken on the successful candidate. Candidates must disclose all unprotected spent and unspent cautions and convictions. It is an offence to apply for this post if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity with children.