Chief Finance and Operations Officer

We are seeking an exceptional and experienced senior leader with the following qualifications, experience, and abilities:

Qualifications:

Professionally qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA) with current membership, or a postgraduate qualification in management/school business management.

A Master’s degree or MBA in a relevant subject is highly desirable.

Experience:

Senior leadership experience in a complex, multi-site, or shared services organisation.

Strategic financial planning, budgeting, and resource management within financially constrained public sector or education settings.

Operating at executive/board level, presenting and influencing strategy and delivery.

Leading organisational change, service transformation, and growth at scale.

Managing, developing, and motivating high-performing teams.

Driving innovation, system improvement, and the effective use of digital technology.

Experience within education, multi-academy trusts, or other relevant public sector organisations.

Managing risk, audit processes, and governance frameworks.

Contract, procurement, estates, and capital project management.

Knowledge and Understanding:

Financial strategy, audit, compliance, and internal control systems.

Regulatory frameworks for academy trusts, including the Academy Trust Handbook, charity, and company law.

Education funding, operational challenges, and workforce management.

Governance, assurance frameworks, and stakeholder engagement.

Data analysis and the ability to communicate complex information clearly.

Safeguarding, child protection, equality, diversity and inclusion, and health & safety in education.

Employment law and HR practices in education.

Change management, risk management, and operational excellence principles.

Skills and Abilities:

Strategic leadership, resource management, and decision-making.

Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Ability to lead, motivate, and develop staff at all levels.

High-level organisational, analytical, and prioritisation skills.

Digital literacy and the ability to leverage technology to improve systems and processes.

Strong problem-solving, risk management, and operational delivery capability.

Personal Qualities:

Integrity, professionalism, and commitment to public service values.

Resilient, adaptable, and able to perform under pressure.

Collaborative, relationship-focused, and politically aware.

Strategic thinker, proactive, innovative, and solution-oriented.

Ambitious, nurturing, and optimistic, with a commitment to excellence and continuous professional development.