Job Overview
We are looking for an exceptional finance leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as Chief Financial and Operations Officer.
About the Trust
Hurst Education Trust (HET) is a growing Multi‑Academy Trust comprising 14 primary schools across West Sussex. Our mission is to provide exceptional education that enables every child to thrive, sharing expertise and resources to deliver outstanding outcomes.
The Role
Reporting directly to the CEO, you will hold strategic and operational responsibility for all financial matters across the Trust. You will lead multi‑year financial planning, oversee statutory reporting and compliance, manage the external audit relationship, and work closely with headteachers and school business managers to make financial leadership visible and accessible.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic financial leadership and planning
- Statutory accounts and financial reporting
- Governance, compliance and regulatory assurance
- Budget‑setting and resource allocation across 14 schools
- Finance team leadership and development
- Payroll, pensions (LGPS and TPS) and procurement
Who We Are Looking For
You will bring senior financial leadership experience from a complex, multi‑site organisation ideally in the public sector, a charity, or an educational setting. You will have a strong track record in statutory compliance, budgeting, audit and board‑level reporting.
A professional accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) is desirable, as is familiarity with the Academy Trust Handbook, ESFA requirements and the school funding system.
Personal qualities: collaborative, solutions‑focused, approachable, and able to challenge constructively at all levels.
Salary and Pension
£75,000 – £85,000 (flexibility on this bracket will be considered for exceptional candidates). Pension: Local Government Pension Scheme.
Location and Contract
Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex. A hybrid working arrangement, combining home and office based working, may be considered for this role.
Full‑time, permanent; part‑time and/or term‑time considered (minimum 3 days per week).
EEO and Safeguarding
The Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to hold or be willing to obtain an enhanced DBS check. All staff will be expected to promote safeguarding and welfare of children and should be aware of the school’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy.
#J-18808-Ljbffr…