The Trust is seeking a Chief Finance Officer/Trust Accountant (CFO) to help maintain the financial health of the Trust and its link Academies.
The CFO will play both a technical and leadership role working closely with the Trust’s leadership team, our central team and Trustees, and in collaboration with our school leaders and Business Managers, you will develop comprehensive financial plans, budgets and forecasts that ensure the financial health of our Trust. They will take responsibility for the Trust’s detailed financial procedures driving the Trust’s financial planning and operation decisions forward whilst enabling our schools and learners to benefit from having access to the resources they need to achieve their objectives.
We are looking for a dedicated individual who can:
• Inspire, lead and drive the financial shape and direction of the Trust.
• Oversee the financial management of the Trust, ensuring sustainability and growth.
• Use their professional knowledge and expertise to take overall responsibility for the monitoring and reporting on the financial performance of the academies, developing comprehensive financial plans, budgets and forecasts, ensuring that the financial regulations are always adhered to.
• Adeptly use accounting and budgeting systems to monitor and report on financial data.
• Use their excellent communication and team building skills to provide responsive advice and high-quality support.
• Support senior colleagues with decision making and prepare financial information for senior leaders of the Trust, Trustees and Governing bodies.
We are looking for someone who is:
• A skilled and experienced finance professional who can cover the whole range of financial management tasks, demonstrating high levels of analytical and problem solving skills
• Able to manipulate, interpret and present complex data
• A highly motivated and hard-working person
• Able to show initiative and innovation
• A strong team-player who can develop positive relationships with stakeholders and colleagues
• Proven ability to lead, inspire, and develop a finance team.
• Commitment to the values and ethos of the Trust.
We can offer you:
• The opportunity to work in this innovative and vibrant Academy Trust
• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities
• Access the generous Local Government Pension Scheme
• The full support of an experienced professional team of staff
• Well established protocols and systems (including Sage 200 accounting software and IMP budgeting software)
• Professional Development and training to support you in your work
• Access to relevant local and national networks
• Employee assistance scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
This is an ideal opportunity for someone who is AAT qualified/partly qualified, or someone more experienced, who is looking for a new challenge and would like to be part of an established and growing finance team. A knowledge/experience of the education sector would be an advantage. If this is you then we encourage you to apply. If you would like to arrange an informal discussion about the role please contact Stephen Cox, Executive Headteacher/CEO Designate directly, scox@spiretrust.co.uk
We can offer you welcoming teams committed to improving outcomes for all children and as part of The Spire Church of England Learning Trust, the successful candidates will have access to excellent professional development opportunities as the Trust values and promotes continued CPD and can offer great support and progression to all staff.
The Trust and all its schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of
children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
The successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check.
Please feel free to apply on line or via the website or alternatively an application form and further details can be obtained below or from:
Please forward your completed application form to Jan Perrey, Operations Manager, jperrey@spiretrust.co.uk
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and is eligible for an enhanced DBS check including a Children's Barring List Check. If you are barred from working with children you are breaking the law if you apply for this post
This post is covered by Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) and therefore the ability to speak fluent and spoken English is an essential requirement for this role.
Completed application forms should be returned directly to the school by email or post.
Please ensure application forms are signed if sending via email.
If you are successful in being short-listed for interview, you will be contacted via email within 28 working days of the closing date. Please ensure you check your junk/spam boxes as well as your inbox in case any correspondence has been delivered there.
Online Search
An online search will be undertaken on all shortlisted candidates. This search does not form part of the shortlisting process and you will have the opportunity to discuss any issues of concern that may arise from this search at the interview.
Hours: 37 hours per week, 5 days a week, Term Time Only plus 20 days, will consider part-time 4 days or above (please state preference when applying)
Salary: Scale PO6 (48-51) £58,284 - £61,605 pro rata
Closing Date: Friday 17th January 2025
Interviews: Monday 27th January 2025
Further information on The Spire Church of England Learning Trust and it’s schools can be found on the website