Chief Finance Officer

Derbyshire County Council; Derby; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational trust in Derby seeks a Chief Finance Officer (CFO) to oversee financial management and contribute to strategic development. The role involves building collaborative relationships and supporting improvement across the Trust's schools. The ideal candidate will have strong financial expertise and excellent interpersonal skills. A competitive salary and various employee benefits are offered, alongside a key leadership position in the Trust.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Employee benefits

Leadership role in a sustainable Trust

Qualifications

• Experience in financial management within an educational setting.
• Ability to build strong collaborative relationships.
• Commitment to supporting and improving all schools in the Trust.

Responsibilities

• Provide financial expertise ensuring effective resource utilization.
• Build strong collaborative relationships across the Trust.
• Support and improve all schools within the Trust.

Skills

Financial expertise

Excellent communication

Inter-personal skills

Strong moral purpose

Job description

Overview

We are looking to appoint a new Chief Finance Officer (CFO) to our seven school trust. The CFO will be a pivotal member of the Central Team and will have overall responsibility for the financial management of the Trust. The CFO will work alongside other senior leaders in the strategic development of the Trust.

Full Time. Part-time hours will also be considered.

Odyssey Collaborative Trust, is a group of five primary and two junior schools, all within the City of Derby. We educate 2,111 pupils and employ 351 staff. We aim to be a Trust where, pupils thrive, our colleagues thrive and our community thrives. You can find out more about the trust through the CEO’s welcome and the vision and culture sections of our website.

The Trust has a turnover of around £17m. We pool reserves, but not General Allocation Grant Income. Schools have School Business Managers who work closely with the CFO.

Responsibilities

• Provide financial expertise ensuring the Trust uses its resources effectively to deliver on our thrive vision
• Build strong collaborative relationships with colleagues across the Trust
• Be a proactive part of the Trust’s activities and be fully committed to supporting and improving all schools in the Trust
• Demonstrate excellent communication and inter-personal skills, with a high level of integrity and strong moral purpose that aligns closely with the ethos of the school and the Trust.

Benefits

• A key leadership role in a well-managed and financially sustainable Trust
• The opportunity to make a significant difference to the education of children across Derby
• The opportunity to work alongside a dedicated and committed Central Team that values its staff and fosters positive relationships across the Trust
• A competitive salary and a range of employee benefits

Odyssey Collaborative Trust is fully committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We have rigorous recruitment procedures that are designed to stop unsuitable candidates for being appointed. As the post is in regulated activity, the successful candidate will require enhanced DBS clearance and references will be taken before interview. Odyssey Collaborative Trust is committed to equality of opportunity in employment and services.

We are keen to give candidates a chance to find out more about the role, please contact our CEO, Ian Dewes on 07708 475 638 or [e-mail].

Starting date 1st January 2026, or to be negotiated with the successful candidate.

To apply, please complete the attached Application form and return it to [e-mail].