Head of Finance

Head of Finance

About this Role

Jewish Community Academy Trust (JCAT) is seeking a Head of Finance to join our central team to take responsibility for the management of Financial Administration, Financial Accounting, Budgeting and Forecasting for the Trust, as well as the quality of financial support to JCAT's academies. This is a pivotal role, reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, and we seek an experienced and ambitious individual who is ready to grow their career within our Trust.

Key Responsibilities

• Management of the Finance team: knowing how to delegate appropriately and build the team in light of capabilities and capacities of staff
• Budgeting & forecasting: Manage the annual budgeting cycle and continuously monitor the current financial position for schools and multi-academy trust through accurate and reliable monthly forecasts
• Financial management: Be the key technical accountant, taking responsibility for overseeing the production of the Financial Statements
• Supporting schools: Build strong relationships with Headteachers so they can maximise value in their budget

What We're Looking For:

• Qualifications: ACCA / CIMA / CIPFA or equivalent professional accounting qualification.
• Management Skills: Proven ability to lead and develop teams, manage stakeholders and handle multiple priorities.

Key Experience:

• producing a set of Financial Statements and taking an organisation through an external audit
• developing an annual budget for a complex organisation
• excellent knowledge of the Academies Trust Handbook and financial compliance
• experience ideally gained in schools and multi-academy trusts

Why Join Us?

At JCAT we are focused on building strong relationship between school, the home and the community. Contribution at all levels are valued and recognised.

We offer a competitive salary, career development opportunities, generous annual leave plus Jewish holidays which fall in a weekday, opportunities for hybrid working, plus generous local government pension scheme membership. You'll also have the chance to work in a collaborative environment where your work has a direct impact on the success and wellbeing of students and staff across the Trust.

Interested?

If you're ready to take on a diverse and rewarding role within our Trust, we'd love to hear from you. We welcome applications both from within and outside the Jewish community. Pre-application conversations with our CEO / Head of HR are much welcomed.

Closing Date: Sunday 19th April 2026.

JCAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Please note successful candidates for all JCAT vacancies will be requested to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service.