Gary Lee
Gary joined Northern Education Trust in 2013 as the accountant for academies and supported the
Director of Finance in developing the finance systems and processes of NET, introducing new financial policies and procedures. In 2017 the trust restructured its finance team and appointed Gary
as Head of Finance.
Gary has overseen the transition from individual academy finance officers to a full central finance function introducing a new financial system, whilst continuing to deliver year on year a surplus budget and unqualified set of financial statements. In 2021, Gary’s role was expanded to include Procurement and was given the title of Director of Finance and Procurement.
In 2023 Gary was given the opportunity to act as the Chief Financial Officer on a temporary basis, whilst the substantive post holder was seconded to an external role. Gary works both locally and nationally with other directors of finance to support and advise on national finance topics and policies and has presented to both the Queens Street Finance Experts Group and the ESFA supported Working Group 2.
Gary has a background in local authority finance, with over 20 years previous experience in
accountancy, including a range of skills and knowledge in Treasury Management, Schools, Revenue
and Capital Funding and system development.