Chief Finance Officer CFO

About the role

Please see the attached CFO Application Pack for full details of the role

Lead the strategic and day-to-day management of Trust finance, protecting financial sustainability and ensuring funds are used lawfully, effectively and in support of educational priorities. Support the CEO in their Accounting Officer responsibilities. Trustees retain overall responsibility for financial governance and oversight.

Financial strategy and planning

Develop and maintain a rolling financial plan covering at least three years, supported by realistic assumptions and scenario modelling. Lead the annual budget cycle with school leaders and central budget holders. Align spending with agreed priorities and present recommendations for trustee approval. Model pupil numbers, staffing, pay awards, pensions, inflation and other funding or cost pressures. Identify risks early and recommend proportionate responses. Support integrated curriculum and financial planning so staffing and resources are affordable and support educational quality. Advise on reserves, liquidity, capital commitments and recovery plans where needed. Monitor progress against the Trust’s approved reserves policy. Provide financial due diligence and advice on organisational change or potential growth when requested by the CEO and Trustees. Manage benchmarking and KPIs

Financial management and reporting

Produce accurate monthly management accounts, forecasts and variance analysis, with clear explanations and recommended actions. Ensure the finance team provide monthly inc and exp reports which headteachers can easily understand. Maintain effective cash flow forecasting, treasury controls, banking arrangements and reconciliations. Ensure reliable transaction processing, authorisation, income collection, debt management and period end close. Support Headteachers and budget holders to understand their financial position, challenge assumptions and take ownership of agreed actions. Provide clear financial information to the CEO/AO, Trustees and relevant committees. Track significant decisions and financial risks.

Leadership of the finance function

Lead and develop finance colleagues and manage commissioned finance support within the agreed staffing structure. Maintain service standards, cover arrangements, clear responsibilities and financial procedure guidance. Improve finance systems, reporting and staff training, preserving effective controls and audit trails.

Compliance and assurance Ensure finance arrangements comply with the current Academy Trust Handbook, funding agreements, applicable company and charity requirements and the relevant Academies Accounts Direction. Lead preparation of annual accounts and relevant DfE financial returns, including the budget forecast return and accounts return. Coordinate land and buildings information with Operations where required. Maintain the finance policy framework, delegated financial authorities and approval controls, including related party transactions and transactions requiring prior approval. Act as the principal finance contact for external auditors and provide information for independent internal scrutiny. Track recommendations and report progress, preserving the independence and governance oversight of scrutiny. Maintain financial risk assessments and contribute to the Trust risk register, fraud prevention and business continuity arrangements. Escalate significant concerns promptly.

Procurement and capital finance

Work with Operations and budget holders on procurement planning, option appraisal, tender evaluation and contract affordability. Apply current procurement requirements and delegated authorities. Document value-for-money assessments and consideration of relevant DfE purchasing opportunities. Oversee capital accounting, grant conditions, financial claims and cash flow for estates projects. Coordinate financial reporting with project leads and professional advisers. Review the financial performance of shared contracts and income-generating activities such as lettings, nursery and wraparound provision. Assess the financial implications of digital investment, energy costs, maintenance and sustainability proposals with the responsible leads.

Payroll and pensions

Maintain financial controls over payroll, including authorised changes, reconciliations and monitoring of staffing costs. Work with HR and payroll providers to resolve discrepancies. Oversee the finance aspects of statutory deductions and pension contributions. Ensure relevant financial returns and payments are accurate and timely.