Chief Finance Officer

ST GABRIEL THE ARCHANGEL CMAT; England; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A Catholic multi-academy trust is seeking an experienced Chief Finance Officer to lead financial operations, ensuring sustainability and compliance across 64 schools. The role demands robust strategic leadership, financial planning, and management of staff in a dynamic educational environment. Ideal candidates will possess strong ethical practices and a proven track record in financial oversight within educational organisations.

Qualifications

• Ability to develop and implement a financial strategy aligned with educational goals.
• Experience in managing financial compliance in educational settings.
• Strong leadership skills and capability to manage a finance team.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial strategy and operations for the Trust.
• Ensure compliance with statutory and contractual obligations.
• Lead financial management and audit processes.

Skills

Financial strategy development

Regulatory compliance

Team leadership

Ethical financial practices

Excellent communication

Education

Qualified finance professional

Job description

The Role

St Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Multi-Academy Trust (SGtA) is seeking an exceptional Chief Finance Officer (CFO) to lead the financial strategy and operations of one of the country’s largest and fastest-growing Catholic multi-academy trusts. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the financial future of a dynamic, values-driven organisation at a pivotal stage in its development.

The CFO will provide dynamic and ethical business and operational leadership, inspiring and enabling staff at every level to excel in delivering the Trust’s mission, vision, strategic aims, and improvement priorities for the benefit of all pupils across 64 schools. With ultimate responsibility for the finance function, the CFO will ensure consistent financial reporting, oversee the Trust's banking and secure strong reserves/investment strategies. The CFO will work with Chief Operations and People Officer to maintain robust Trust-wide payroll and financial support to all schools, ensuring excellence, transparency and efficiency across every area of operation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Driving the Trust’s Catholic ethos and values through all operational and financial activity, ensuring the Catholic character is reflected consistently in day-to-day business and strategic decision-making.
• Supporting the CEO as Accounting Officer, maintaining the highest standards of probity, propriety and value for money in managing public funds, while securing the Trust’s long‑term financial strength and sustainability.
• Ensuring full statutory and contractual compliance, including the Academies Trust Handbook, and embedding robust governance and accountability across the organisation.
• Providing strategic insight and analysis to the executive team, enabling confident, evidence-based decisions that enhance the educational experience and outcomes for every pupil.

As a core member of the executive leadership team, the CFO will help shape the Trust’s long‑term blueprint, influence key strategic decisions, and leave a lasting legacy on Catholic education across the region. This is an extraordinary opportunity for a visionary finance leader to make a tangible difference, joining a Trust that is ambitious, innovative, and committed to excellence in all it does.

Key Responsibilities

The Chief Finance Officer will provide robust strategic and financial leadership across all aspects of the Trust’s financial operations, ensuring financial sustainability, regulatory compliance, and the optimal use of resources to support the Trust’s mission, vision, and strategic aims. The CFO will act as a trusted advisor to the CEO and the Trust Board, driving excellence, transparency, and value for money across finance, business operations, procurement, payroll, and academy acquisitions.

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and implement the Trust’s financial strategy aligned with its educational goals.
• Advise the CEO and Board on financial matters, risks, and opportunities.
• Lead financial planning for growth, capital projects and other development.

Financial Compliance:

• Ensure the Trust Board complies with its obligations and responsibilities as set out by DfE in the Academy Trust Handbook, with statutory returns completed in a timely manner.
• Monitor and report on regulatory compliance to the CEO and Board.
• Review and monitor the Trust’s Financial Scheme of Delegation.
• Provide the Executive Team with management reports to enable comprehensive financial oversight and sound decision-making.
• Oversee the provision of external audit and ensure timely submission of all statutory returns.
• Manage the relationship with HMRC and ensure adherence to VAT, Corporation Tax, and PAYE requirements.
• Embed a culture of ethical financial practice and continuous improvement.

Financial Management:

• Lead financial strategic planning, scenario modelling, and resource optimisation across the Trust.
• Develop and maintain robust Trust-wide financial management policies and procedures.
• Fulfil reporting needs for leaders, governance, directors, executives and regulatory compliance at all levels of the organisation.
• Oversee the production of management accounts routinely to provide the Executive Team with a succinct and insightful view of financial performance against plan.
• Manage cashflow to ensure appropriate working capital and a positive cash position.
• Oversee billing, cash collection, and accounts payable.
• Ensure the integrity and accuracy of all financial information.
• Identify key financial risks and implement effective mitigations.
• Monitor and manage costs, track income, and propose corrective actions where necessary.
• Procure and maintain an effective accountancy and financial planning system.

Payroll:

• Working with the Chief Operations and People Officer - oversee the effective and accurate provision of payroll processing across the Trust.
• Audit payroll information to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely transactions.

Procurement:

• Support the Chief Infrastructure Operations Officer in ensuring procurement across the Trust achieves best value for money.
• Monitor and manage procurement authorisations in line with the Scheme of Delegation.
• Ensure risks of conflicts of interest or related‑party transactions are correctly declared and managed.

Team Management:

• Ensure adequate resourcing and suitably qualified staff to manage the financial affairs of the Trust.
• Provide leadership for the Finance Team: set objectives, monitor workload, and prioritise tasks.
• Manage team performance to ensure effective, high‑quality service across the Trust.
• Oversee the professional development of team members and promote continuous professional learning (CPD).
• Demonstrate a commitment to personal development and share best practice to support team growth.
• Promote wellbeing and a culture of personal responsibility, recognising excellence and addressing underperformance.
• In partnership with the CEO, identify succession plans and associated development pathways.