Training & CPD
We exist to close the gap between financial expertise and educational leadership –
because numbers alone don’t lead schools, people do.
By equipping finance professionals with the communication, empathy, and strategic insight needed to thrive in the education sector, we help build a more collaborative, sustainable system led by those who understand both the data and the people it serves.
At MATFMA, we’re committed to developing the professional confidence, knowledge, and networks of those working across the financial and operational life of multi-academy trusts. Our CPD offer is shaped by the sector, for the sector—ensuring every session delivers impact, relevance, and real-world application. Whether you’re a newly appointed SBM, an experienced CFO, or part of a central team, our training supports you at every stage.
Upcoming Training & Events
Soft Skills for Accountants
Presentation Skills
If you often find yourself presenting to teaching staff, senior colleagues, or wider teams and feel like the least confident voice in the room, this course will help you change that.
You’ll learn how to deliver clear, engaging presentations—whether you’re sharing a project update, introducing a new process, or leading a training session. The focus is on building confidence, structuring your message, and presenting with clarity and presence—regardless of your subject matter.
Explaining the numbers
Explaining the Numbers is designed for finance professionals who need to make data meaningful for non-financial audiences.
This course focuses on translating complex figures into clear, accessible insight — whether you’re presenting to school leaders, trustees, or external stakeholders. Participants will gain the confidence to tell compelling financial stories, justify decisions, and build understanding and trust across their organisation.
Selling your ideas
Selling Your Ideas helps finance and operations leaders gain buy-in for their plans and proposals at every level of a MAT.
The course covers the principles of persuasive communication, strategic framing, and stakeholder alignment. Whether you’re championing a new system, centralising a process, or influencing a cultural shift, you’ll learn how to present your ideas with clarity, relevance, and impact.
Operational Finance
Commercial Confidence
Commercial Confidence equips finance professionals in the MAT sector with the skills and mindset to think and act commercially.
The course focuses on procurement, value for money, contract management, and cost-efficiency — all within the unique constraints of the trust environment. Attendees will learn how to drive better outcomes through informed financial choices, supplier relationships, and data-led decisions, helping to position finance as a strategic partner in trust leadership.
Maximising Resources
Maximising Resources is designed to help school and trust finance leaders get the most from every pound.
This practical course covers funding optimisation, resource allocation, centralisation models, and workforce planning. With a focus on sustainability and impact, participants will explore how to align resource use with trust priorities — ensuring that financial planning supports both efficiency and educational outcomes.
From reporting to strategy
From Reporting to Strategy supports mid-level finance professionals in making the leap from transactional reporting to strategic contribution.
Participants will learn how to interpret and present financial data in ways that influence planning, support executive decision-making, and shape long-term direction. The course develops skills in narrative reporting, financial modelling, and stakeholder engagement — enabling finance teams to lead, not just report.
Executive Progression
Preparing for Executive Roles
Designed for senior finance professionals in the MAT sector who are ready to step into executive leadership.
The course explores the transition from operational oversight to strategic influence, focusing on board engagement, risk and compliance, long-term financial planning, and cross-functional leadership. Participants will strengthen their ability to lead at trust-wide level, communicate with impact, and shape organisational strategy — preparing them to thrive in high-accountability, high-impact roles.
CFO Accelerator Programme
Focused development programme for aspiring CFOs in the multi-academy trust sector.
This course equips mid- to senior-level finance professionals with the commercial acumen, strategic thinking, and sector-specific knowledge required to step confidently into CFO roles. From financial leadership and regulatory expectations to influencing at board level and leading change across multiple schools, participants will gain the tools, insight, and peer support to accelerate their path to executive leadership.
Effective C Suite Communication
Effective C-Suite Communication is designed for finance professionals who need to communicate clearly, confidently, and strategically at executive level.
Focused on the multi-academy trust environment, this course helps participants translate complex financial data into actionable insight, tailor messages for CEOs, boards, and non-financial stakeholders, and lead conversations that drive trust-wide decisions. Attendees will leave with practical techniques to influence upwards, navigate high-stakes discussions, and build credibility in the C-suite.
Why Choose MATFMA CPD?
Comprehensive Training for School Business Professionals
✅ MAT-specific: Every course is designed for the unique context of trust-based education.
✅ Built by practitioners: Our facilitators work in the roles you do.
✅ Action-oriented: Sessions focus on what you can do differently tomorrow.
✅ Affordable access: High-value CPD that respects trust budgets.
Our comprehensive training programme is tailored for new or aspiring school business professionals, as well as those already in post. Whether you’re a CFO, COO, School Business Manager, Finance Manager, Office Manager, Bursar, HR Manager, School Administrator, or Business Support Officer, our CPD is designed to support your development.
Participants gain practical knowledge in financial management, budgeting, and effective resource allocation — all essential for the smooth and sustainable operation of schools and trusts. The training also covers strategic planning, procurement, and contract management, empowering professionals to make informed decisions that directly benefit their institutions.
Beyond Technical Skills: Building Confidence and Leadership
Our CPD goes beyond spreadsheets and systems. We believe leadership is a core part of the role — and we help build it. Participants strengthen their communication and collaboration skills, enabling them to work effectively with school staff, executive leaders, governors, and external stakeholders.
The programme also includes best practices in HR management, covering recruitment, staff development, and performance evaluation. It’s a holistic approach that reflects the full scope of the modern business role in education.
Sector-Specific. Peer-Led. Impact-Focused.
Everything we deliver is shaped by MAT professionals for MAT professionals. Our CPD is peer-led, rooted in the realities of trust operations, and aligned to the strategic goals of the sector. It’s this direct connection to lived experience that makes our training more credible, more relevant, and more impactful.
By the end of the programme, participants are not only confident in their technical skills — they are also well-versed in compliance and regulatory requirements. They leave with a deeper understanding of how to lead within their organisation, contribute to its strategy, and ensure their school or trust meets the highest standards.