Business Manager / Trust CFO

Shorefields; Basildon; Hybrid; GBP 57,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Lee Chapel Multi-Academy Trust is seeking an experienced School Business Manager / Trust CFO to join from 1 March 2027, leading financial strategy across six schools and reporting to the CEO and Trust Board.

The role demands strategic, analytical and commercial leadership, with strong governance, accountability and the ability to secure value for money to support pupils’ educational outcomes.

Qualifications

• Strategic, commercially aware financial leader for a Multi-Acaemy Trust.
• Experience in education, charity or public sector finance desirable.
• Strong governance, compliance and risk management capabilities.
• Ability to provide strategic financial advice to CEO and Trustees.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of the Trust's financial strategy.
• Oversee budgets, forecasting, management accounts and reporting.
• Ensure robust controls, governance, compliance and risk management.
• Provide financial information to the Board and Heads for decisions.
• Support procurement, contracts, estates and resource management.
• Prepare annual accounts and liaise with external auditors.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Financial analysis

Budgeting & forecasting

Governance & compliance

Communication with governors

Commercial acumen

Education

Professional accountancy qualification

Job description

Position Start Date: 01/03/2027 Contract Type: Full-time Contract Term: Permanent

Application Close: 16/11/2026 Midnight Date of Interviews: 23/11/2026

Lee Chapel Primary School & Nursery Business Manager (& Lee Chapel MAT Chief Financial Officer)

Lee Chapel Multi-Academy Trust

Salary: Scale 12, Points 43 - 48 (£57,046 - £64,813) dependent upon experience and qualifications

Hours: 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

An exceptional opportunity has arisen to join our outstanding school and family of six succesful primary schools, which form the 'Lee Chapel Multi-Academy Trust'.

Lee Chapel Multi-Academy Trust is seeking to appoint an experienced School Business Manager / Trust CFO, a pivotal position, to join our Trust from 1st March 2027 (two months before the current post-holder retires).

This is a significant leadership appointment for Lee Chapel Primary and the Trust, and an exciting opportunity for an experienced finance professional to play a key role in maintaining the outstanding provision our family of schools offer.

We are looking for a strategic, commercially aware and highly capable financial leader who will combine excellent financial stewardship with a strong understanding of the wider educational and operational priorities of a Multi-Academy Trust.

The successful candidate will, together with the CEO:

• Uphold and embody our values of Lee Chapel Trust in every aspect of their work.
• Provide strategic financial leadership across the Trust, ensuring that our resources are managed effectively, sustainably and transparently, so that every pound is used to maximise opportunities and outcomes for our pupils.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the highest standards of financial leadership.
• Contribute to aspirational school improvement and the delivery of positive life chances for our dedicated staff and amazing pupils.

This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact at a strategic and operational level, while working within a values-driven organisation dedicated to excellence in education.

The Role

As Business Manager of Lee Chapel and CFO of the Trust, you will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer (Headteacher of Lee Chapel Primary School & Nursery), Trust Board, Heads and the five Finance Managers working across the five other schools, providing high-quality financial advice, challenge and assurance.

Together with the CEO, you will share responsibility for the Trust's financial strategy, planning and management, including:

• Leading the development and implementation of the Trust's financial strategy and long-term financial planning.
• Ensuring robust financial controls, governance, compliance and risk management.
• Overseeing annual budgets, forecasting, management accounts and financial reporting.
• Providing clear and insightful financial information to the Trust Board and Heads to support effective decision-making.
• Ensuring the Trust continues to secure value for money and make best use of its resources.
• Leading the preparation of the Trust's annual accounts and working effectively with external auditors
• Ensuring compliance with the Academies Trust Handbook, charity and company requirements, and all relevant financial regulations.
• Supporting procurement, contracts, estates and other areas of Trust-wide resource management.
• Developing financial systems, processes and reporting to support the Trust's continued growth and development.
• Providing strategic advice on future opportunities, investment and organisational development.

What we are looking for

We are seeking an individual who is:

Strategic

- able to see the bigger picture and translate financial information into meaningful strategic advice.

Analytical

- able to interrogate information, identify trends and risks, and provide clear recommendations to Heads and trustees.

Commercially astute

- able to identify opportunities, challenge assumptions and ensure that the Trust achieves excellent value for money.

Collaborative

- an excellent communicator who can build strong professional relationships with Heads and trustees and colleagues form across the Trust.

Rigorous

- committed to the highest standards of financial control, accountability, compliance and governance.

Forward-thinking

- able to contribute positively to the Trust's future direction and ensure that financial planning supports educational ambition.

You will ideally hold a recognised professional accountancy qualification and have substantial senior-level financial experience.

Experience of working within the education, charity or public sector environment, particularly within a Multi-Academy Trust, would be highly advantageous. However, above all, we are looking for an individual with the expertise, integrity, judgement and leadership capacity to make a significant contribution to our Trust.

Why join Lee Chapel Multi-Academy Trust?

Lee Chapel Multi-Academy Trust (LCMAT) is held in high regard and consists of six exceptional and over-subscribed Primary Schools with a clear commitment to providing outstanding standards of education for our pupils.

We believe that strong financial leadership is fundamental to achieving this ambition. Our CFO will therefore continue to be a key member of our senior leadership structure, working alongside the CEO to ensure that our resources are aligned with our priorities and used to maximum effect.

This is an opportunity to join a Trust where high expectations, professional excellence and continuous improvement are central to our work.

We can offer the successful candidate:

• A significant strategic leadership role within an ambitious Multi-Academy Trust.
• The opportunity to influence the Trust's future development and financial strategy.
• A collaborative and highly professional leadership environment.
• The opportunity to work closely with the CEO, Heads and trustees across the Trust.
• A role in which your expertise will have a direct impact on the opportunities and provision available to our wonderful pupils.
• A supportive environment where innovation, challenge and professional development are valued.

Lee Chapel Multi‑Academy Trust 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 candidate will be subject to appropriate safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.

Documents

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Sue Jackson
The Knares, Basildon
Essex, SS16 5RU Telephone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]