Director of Finance

Location: To be based at William Henry Smith School but requirement to work across all Foundation Sites

Responsible to: Chief Executive Officer / Executive Principals

Responsible for: Finance Team

Key Relationships: Chief Executive Officer; Principals; Registered Manager (Children’s Home); Head of Care; Designated Safeguarding Leads; SLT and Operational Managers; Board of Trustees / Governors; External Regulators, and local authorities

Interview Date: 24th June 2026

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.

Key responsibilities:

• 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.
• 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.
• Monitor financial performance across all services, providing professional challenge and support where required.
• Lead and manage the finance team, including recruitment, training, and ongoing professional development.

About you:

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience in a progressive finance leadership role, including strategic financial planning, budget management and forecasting
• Has experience of leading and developing finance teams with a proven track record of making and implementing essential change
• Has strong understanding of financial regulations, accounting standards and governance requirements
• Is values-driven, committed to safeguarding, student welfare, equality and diversity
• Is self-motivated and proactive, with a willingness to undertake further training and continuous learning

APPLICATION INFORMATION:

Visits are highly recommended. For further information or to book a visit, please contact the HR department on email address: HR@WHSFOUNDATION.ORG.UK or call 01484 710 123

All our roles are by application via Sam Recruit – We do not accept CVs.

Candidates are required to complete the application form in full, using the Job Advert, Job Description and Person Specification as a guide. Applications must clearly demonstrate how all essential criteria is met. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, we would encourage you to submit your application as early as possible.

Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended 2013)

Posts which involve substantial access to children are exempt from provisions contained within this Act under which the job applicants are entitled to withhold information about any previous criminal background which is either unspent or would otherwise be considered ‘spent’ under the terms of the Act. However, changes to the legislation in 2013 mean that spent convictions may be protected and do not have to be disclosed to prospective employers. Employers cannot take protected offences into account when making employment decisions. If the job for which you have applied involves substantial access to children and you have been shortlisted for the post, you will be provided with a form on which you will be asked to disclose any relevant previous criminal background. We will provide more information on protected offences at that stage. If you are the successful applicant you will be required to have an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service disclosure & we will also check the DBS barred list (children). Failure to complete this form will result in your application not proceeding any further. The possession of a criminal record will not automatically debar you from consideration for the post for which you have applied. Any information given will be treated as confidential and will only be used in relation to the post for which you have applied.

The William Henry Smith Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. The foundation has effective child and adult protection policies which provide clear direction to staff and others about expected codes of behaviour in dealing with safeguarding issues. Our recruitment process aims to create and maintain a safe workforce and contains robust vetting procedures. The successful applicant will be appointed subject to references and enhanced DBS check (this is a position working in regulated activity). The successful candidate will be subject to a rigorous safer recruitment process and must adhere to a strict code of conduct regarding behaviour at all times. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to online searches in accordance with KCSIE 2025. The Foundation is also committed to promoting the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of both students and staff and reflects life in Modern Britain.