<p><strong>Finance Director</strong></p><p><strong>Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership Trust (MNSP)</strong><br /> <strong>Location:</strong> Midsomer Norton<br /> <strong>Salary:</strong> £90,000 - £110,000 + wider benefits</p><p><strong>Join one of the South West's most successful and fastest-growing Multi-Academy Trusts</strong></p><p>Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership Trust (MNSP) is entering an exciting phase. Already responsible for <strong>36 schools</strong>, with <strong>strong predicted growth in the next 12-18 months</strong>- they are a high-performing and rapidly expanding Trust with a strong reputation for school improvement, financial strength and educational excellence.</p><p>With a <strong>£150m+ turnover</strong>, and a clear commitment to supporting 3000 staff and improving outcomes for pupils, they are seeking an exceptional <strong>Finance Director </strong>to lead their finance function into the next stage of organisational growth.</p><p>Reporting to the <strong>Chief Operating Officer</strong>, you will provide strategic leadership, assurance and financial stewardship at the highest level - ensuring resources are used effectively to deliver the very best outcomes for children across the Trust.</p><p><strong>The Opportunity</strong></p><p>This is a rare and career-defining role for a senior finance leader who wants to make a genuine difference in public education. You will:</p><p><strong>Lead at Scale and Influence Trust-Wide Strategy</strong></p><ul><li>Shape and deliver the Trust's <strong>multi-year financial strategy</strong>, investment plans and capital priorities.</li><li>Provide clear analysis, advice and constructive challenge to senior leaders, the CEO and Trustees.</li><li>Play a pivotal role in driving financial sustainability during a period of significant growth.</li></ul><p><strong>Ensure Rigorous Governance, Controls and Compliance</strong></p><ul><li>Lead internal controls, audit, external scrutiny and statutory reporting - including DfE returns and preparation of financial statements.</li><li>Maintain full compliance with the Academies Handbook, Companies House and financial regulation.</li></ul><p><strong>Drive Financial Excellence Across the Trust</strong></p><ul><li>Oversee monthly management accounts, budgeting, forecasting and KPI reporting.</li><li>Manage reserves and cashflow, recommending investment options to maximise returns.</li><li>Lead procurement strategy and ensure best value across all schools.</li></ul><p><strong>Play a Key Role in Due Diligence & Growth</strong></p><ul><li>Lead financial due diligence for incoming schools and support seamless onboarding.</li></ul><p><strong>Develop and Lead a High-Performing Finance Function</strong></p><p>You will manage a team of 2<strong>5</strong><strong> staff</strong>, including:</p><ul><li>Management Accountants</li><li>Accounts Payable/Receivable teams</li><li>Payroll</li></ul><p>With some staff school-based, you'll ensure strong capacity, clear processes, and professional excellence across multiple sites.</p><p><strong>Why Join MNSP?</strong></p><ul><li>A <strong>financially strong</strong>, well-run and respected Trust with outstanding school improvement capability.</li><li>A leadership culture focused on <strong>outcomes, not bureaucracy - </strong>lean, agile and impactful.</li><li>Significant opportunity to <strong>shape the strategic future</strong> of a large and growing educational organisation.</li><li>A chance to make a profound difference to children's lives across the South West.</li></ul><p><strong>What They're Looking For</strong></p><p><strong>Essential</strong></p><ul><li>Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA).</li><li>Successful track record in senior financial leadership within a complex, multi-site organisation.</li><li>Strong experience in audit, financial reporting, and leading high-performing finance teams.</li><li>Ability to translate strategy into robust financial models, budgets and operational plans.</li><li>Excellent communication, influence and interpersonal skills - comfortable working with school leaders, teachers and Trustees.</li><li>Deep commitment to integrity, public value and improving outcomes for children.</li></ul><p><strong>Highly Desirable</strong></p><ul><li>Experience within a Multi-Academy Trust or public-sector organisation.</li><li>Up-to-date knowledge of the Academies Handbook and MAT finance regulation.</li><li>Experience in capital bids, capital project oversight, risk management and onboarding new academies.</li></ul><p><strong>Benefits</strong></p><ul><li>£90,000 - £110,000</li><li>Government Pension Scheme</li><li>26 days' holiday + bank holidays (rising to 31 after 5 years' service)</li><li>Blue Light Card - offering savings on shopping, travel and leisure</li><li>Cycle-to-Work Scheme</li><li>Free Eye Tests</li><li>EAP Scheme</li></ul><p>Robert Half Ltd acts as an employment business for temporary positions and an employment agency for permanent positions. Robert Half is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Suitable candidates with equivalent qualifications and more or less experience can apply. Rates of pay and salary ranges are dependent upon your experience, qualifications and training. If you wish to apply, please read our Privacy Notice describing how we may process, disclose and store your personal data: roberthalf.com/gb/en/privacy-notice.</p><img src="https://counter.adcourier.com/Q2hhcmxvdHRlLkJvc2hlci45NzE2MC4xMDkyM0ByaGkuYXBsaXRyYWsuY29t.gif">
<p>Robert Half Finance & Accounting are currently partnering with Mulberry, a well-known luxury fashion brand, in their recruitment of a Senior Finance Business Partner on a permanent contract.</p><p>Founded in the heart of Somerset, Mulberry is an iconic British brand celebrated worldwide for its craftsmanship, creativity, and timeless design. From their roots in the South West, they have grown into a global name synonymous with quality and innovation, while staying true to their heritage. At Mulberry, every piece tells a story and every team member plays a part in shaping that narrative.</p><p>In 2024, they proudly achieved B Corp Certification, reflecting their purpose-driven approach and dedication to transparency and accountability. From pioneering low-carbon leather to championing responsible sourcing and climate action, Mulberry is shaping a future where luxury and sustainability go hand in hand.</p><p>So that's the business, but the role we're offering is excellent too…</p><p>Reporting to an impressive Director of Commercial Finance and FP&A, this role will be strategic partner to the key stakeholders in COO team. The role is to be the SME on the end-to-end view from sales expectations, translated into manufacturing KPIs and operational planning, through to MI and Reporting. In particular, narrate how operations translate into and affects the company Stock and Gross Margin values.</p><p>Embedded within the operational environment, the role acts as a vital link between operations and finance, ensuring seamless collaboration and informed decision-making across both functions.</p><p>In this role, you will play a pivotal part in shaping accurate forecasts and budgets by gathering sales projections from the Buying & Merchandising team and collaborating with the Head of Responsible Sourcing and their team to translate these into actionable, measurable weekly and monthly targets.</p><p>You will take ownership of reporting for both the COO and CFO, providing insights into performance against purchasing and manufacturing targets. Working closely with Finance, you'll help explain variances-whether due to sales mix forecasting errors, productivity shifts, unexpected purchasing levels, or changes in sourcing strategy-and articulate the financial implications for the group.</p><p>Additionally, you will act as a key partner to the Group FC, supporting the Finance Operations team in managing stock accounting and valuation, which is significantly influenced by manufacturing outputs and processes.</p><p>The salary on offer is up to £100,000 + benefits, hybrid & flexible working is supported with an expectation of 3 days per week in the Chilcompton office.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Responsibilities:</strong></p><ul><li>Partner with Commercial Finance and Buying & Merchandising to build a detailed SKU-level budget, covering sales, purchased units, and manufactured units</li><li>Review performance weekly and monthly, assessing variances and trends to ensure accuracy and alignment</li><li>Translate the SKU budget into a KPI-driven manufacturing and purchasing plan, collaborating closely with Purchasing and Manufacturing Leads</li><li>Gather and consolidate data from UK and overseas sites to benchmark operational performance and key metrics</li><li>Monitor overhead costs and spending, ensuring overhead rates remain appropriate and sustainable for the future</li><li>Deliver a weekly insights report and a comprehensive monthly reporting pack, providing actionable recommendations to address variances-whether to course-correct adverse trends or capitalise on favourable outcomes</li><li>Work closely with the Finance stock team to align margin adjustments with KPI reporting, ensuring financials and operational narratives are consistent and accurate</li><li>Drive continuous improvement in reporting and budgeting processes, from month-end close to weekly updates and long-term strategic planning</li><li>Build strong, collaborative relationships with Purchasing, Production, Technical, and Finance teams, as well as external manufacturing partners</li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>Ideal Candidate:</strong></p><ul><li>Qualified Accountant (ACCA/ACA/CIMA/CA)</li><li>Prior manufacturing experience is essential</li><li>Strong commercial finance & activity based costing skills</li><li>Prior experience of inventory management accounting & KPI reporting / analysis</li><li>Strong systems / data analytics skills</li><li>Demonstratable experience of partnering non finance</li><li>Be willing to roll sleeves up & get stuck into challenges</li></ul><p> </p><p>This really is a unique opportunity, if you thrive on delivering value-add and want to work for a brilliant business who are on a transformation journey, then we want to hear from you. Join now to be part of the future of Mulberry. For more information, please call Paige on 01179 935 445. To apply, please e-mail your CV</p><p>Robert Half Ltd acts as an employment business for temporary positions and an employment agency for permanent positions. Robert Half is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Suitable candidates with equivalent qualifications and more or less experience can apply. Rates of pay and salary ranges are dependent upon your experience, qualifications and training. If you wish to apply, please read our Privacy Notice describing how we may process, disclose and store your personal data: roberthalf.com/gb/en/privacy-notice.</p><img src="https://counter.adcourier.com/cGFpZ2UuYmlya3MuMjU1MTYuMTA5MjNAcmhpLmFwbGl0cmFrLmNvbQ.gif">
