The David Ross Education Trust (DRET) is recruiting for a Financial Controller to join our friendly finance team. The role is based at our Head Office in Loughborough, but with the opportunity for some hybrid working. This role may require occasional UK-wide travel. \n The David Ross Education Trust is a network of unique and diverse academies, committed to becoming one of the top-performing multi-academy trusts in the country. Recognised as one of 11 system leaders nationwide, the Trust works with 35 primary and secondary schools across the country. The finance, HR, and estates and facilities management functions are centralised and are managed from our Loughborough head office. \n About the role \n This role is responsible for delivering all aspects of transactional finance across the Trust. It is a fantastic role, working with a great team where you will have the opportunity to make an impact from day one. You will be running the day-to-day operations but also working on projects, which will give you the opportunity to engage with people from across the Trust. This role is responsible for payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, financial accounting, tax, regulatory and financial reporting, as well as development of internal control policies and procedures and delivery of ad hoc projects. The role has 3 direct reports and an overall team of 15. \n The role is 37 hours per week (Monday to Friday), 52 weeks a year. \n Salary & Benefits \n \n Salary of up to £55k-£65k \n Access to generous defined benefit Local Government Pension Scheme \n 31 days annual leave plus statutory holidays \n Regional networks of Trust colleagues and access to key leaders in Education \n Commitment to employee Health and Wellbeing including dedicated Employee Assistance Programme \n Awards and Recognition Scheme \n Flexible working patterns \n Benefits Platform \n \n discounts on car leasing \n holiday discounts \n cinema tickets \n restaurant booking discounts \n Cycle to Work Scheme \n \n \n Who we are looking for \n \n Professional Accountancy qualification, e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIPFA, CIMA \n Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and engage a team. \n Proven experience as a Financial Controller, 5 years of finance experience, including in-depth knowledge of financial accounting and payroll. \n Thorough knowledge of accounting principles, procedures and controls. \n Highly numerate and analytical with a strong attention to detail \n Excellent influencing skills, with the ability to work with internal and external stakeholders at all levels of the organization. \n Willing to challenge the status quo, and able to proactively identify opportunities and gain engagement for their ideas. \n Able to work under pressure and to delivery tasks in a timely and accurate fashion. \n Advocate for the promotion of the safeguarding and welfare of children and young people; promotor of equal opportunities \n Knowledge of academy legislation, charities accounting and local government pension schemes would be a nice to have but is not essential to the role. \n \n About The David Ross Education Trust \n The David Ross Education Trust's mission is to give every child attending one of our schools a world-class education. \n Broadening the horizons of young people by inspiring students to become their confident, academic best via an education that creates academically gifted, confident, well-rounded young people in the classroom, in the workplace and in their communities. \n Whatever your role you will contribute towards creating a rich and exciting learning environment that also offers our students an unrivalled package of sporting and cultural enrichment. \n Our aim is to be the country’s top-performing Multi-Academy Trust (MAT). Recognised as a nationwide system leader, the Trust runs 35 schools between London and Yorkshire, ranging from small rural primaries to much larger secondary schools in urban areas. We have an all through school in London based on the Olympic Park as well as a special school in Lincolnshire which caters for pupils aged 2-19 who have a diverse range of special educational needs. \n We are incredibly lucky to be able to work alongside outstanding organisations and individuals who are happy to share their expertise and skills in supporting the David Ross Foundation's vision to give children better life chances through access to the best education and support we can give them. \n Apply now \n To complete our on-line application form, please use the ‘apply now’ button. \n Early applications are advised. We receive high numbers of applications for our roles and therefore have to close the vacancy prior to the closing date in order to review candidates' details against our job criteria before shortlisting or re-opening the vacancy. \n The David Ross Education Trust is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff. \n It is our objective to ensure that job applicants and staff are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential. We do not discriminate against any applicants on the basis of any protected characteristics. \n The David Ross Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo vetting appropriate to the post, including a social media presence check and Enhanced DBS check. The successful applicant will be expected to adhere to all safeguarding, welfare and health and safety policies and procedures of the Trust. \n All pre-employment checks are in line with \"Keeping Children Safe in Education\" statutory guidance. \n NO AGENCIES