Chief Financial Officer
Hybrid Working | West Midlands | Mutli Academy Trust
Overview
AtkinsClarke are delighted to be supporting the search for a Chief Financial Officer on behalf of a large and ambitious Multi-Academy Trust with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality education across the region.
This is a pivotal executive appointment, offering the opportunity to work alongside an experienced CEO and Board to shape the financial strategy, governance and long-term sustainability of a growing organisation. The successful candidate will combine strong technical expertise with strategic leadership, helping to ensure resources are maximised to support outstanding educational outcomes.
Company
Our client is a well-established and expanding Multi-Academy Trust responsible for educating thousands of pupils across multiple schools.
With growth firmly on the agenda, the Trust continues to invest in its people, infrastructure and financial capability. This role will play a critical part in supporting future expansion, ensuring robust financial governance and providing strategic advice to senior leadership and Trustees.
Opportunity
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer will lead the finance function while acting as a trusted strategic advisor across the Trust.
This is a broad leadership role combining financial strategy, operational finance, compliance, governance and team leadership.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the Trust’s financial strategy and long-term planning
- Partnering with the CEO, Executive Team and Trustees on strategic decisions
- Leading annual budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes
- Producing high-quality management information and financial reporting
- Ensuring compliance with Academy Trust financial regulations and statutory requirements
- Managing external audit and internal assurance programmes
- Leading procurement, treasury, cashflow and financial risk management
- Supporting school leaders with financial planning and performance
- Leading and developing the central finance team
- Supporting future Trust growth, school integrations and financial due diligence
- Driving continuous improvement across finance systems, controls and reporting
This is a genuine opportunity to influence the future direction of a growing education organisation.
Person
We are seeking an experienced finance leader who is passionate about supporting education through strong financial leadership.
You will ideally demonstrate:
- Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
- Significant senior finance leadership experience
- Previous experience within the education sector is essential
- Multi-Academy Trust experience would be highly advantageous
- Strong knowledge of academy financial regulations and governance
- Experience presenting to Boards and senior stakeholders
- Excellent leadership and people development skills
- Commercial awareness alongside strong technical capability
- The ability to balance strategic thinking with operational delivery
Offer
This is an outstanding opportunity to join a purpose-led organisation where your work will have a genuine long-term impact across education.
- Salary up to £73,000
- Excellent pension scheme
- Generous holiday entitlement
- Hybrid working
- Executive leadership exposure
- Opportunity to shape the future of a growing organisation
- Supportive and values-driven culture
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