Chief Financial & Operations Officer Central Team Salary: £72,394 to £79,574 per annum ( negotiable for the right candidate ) Contract: Full-time, 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year Location: Based in Brentwood, with regular visits to schools and the flexibility to work from home The Role We are looking for a strategic and collaborative Chief Financial & Operations Officer (CFOO) to lead the financial and operational functions of our Multi-Academy Trust. Reporting to the CEO and liaising with Trustees and the Executive Team, you will play a key role in driving financial efficiency, operational excellence, and long-term growth. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of a growing organisation, overseeing areas including finance, HR, estates, governance, IT, and compliance. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership: Drive operational and business strategy in alignment with the Trust’s vision. Lead the financial governance of the Trust, ensuring compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook. Oversee all operational functions, including Finance, HR, Estates, IT, and Governance, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness. Plan and implement growth strategies and manage changes across the Trust. Financial Oversight: Develop and maintain medium- and long-term financial plans for the Trust. Provide financial reports and advice to the CEO and Trustees, ensuring informed decision-making. Manage cash flow, budgets, and consolidated financial statements. Lead annual audits and ensure compliance with regulatory bodies. Operations Management: Line manage senior leaders in HR, Estates, IT, and Governance. Ensure the effective delivery of all operational services across multiple sites. Oversee risk management and ensure compliance with GDPR and other regulations. Work collaboratively with Headteachers and Trustees to support strategic growth and new school conversions. People & Stakeholder Engagement: Build trusting relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Lead and support teams during times of change, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence. Deliver professional development and training to staff across the Trust. About You Qualifications & Experience: Qualified accountant (e.g., MAAT, ACA, ACCA, CIPFA) or equivalent. Experience in finance and operations leadership, ideally within a multi-site or educational setting (desirable). Proven track record of managing budgets, business operations, and teams across multiple locations. Leadership Qualities: A strong, visible presence with the ability to inspire and motivate others. Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders. Resilient, adaptable, and able to manage multiple high-level projects simultaneously. Strategic & Operational Expertise: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail. A clear understanding of financial and business planning, particularly within the education sector. Ability to manage risk and oversee compliance in a fast-paced environment. Why Join Us? A pivotal leadership role with the chance to make a real impact. Work closely with passionate and dedicated teams. A supportive and collaborative organisational culture. Competitive salary, with flexibility for the right candidate. This role is subject to safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check. To apply or for further information, please apply with a copy of your CV and a member of the PWR team will reach out to discuss further details. Chief Financial & Operations Officer All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date. Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants. We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided. For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website.