Chief Finance Officer

Newham Community Learning; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Newham Community Learning Trust is seeking a Chief Financial Officer to lead the Trust's financial strategy, budgeting, and governance from the Central Office in East London. Reporting to the CEO, you will shape long-term financial planning and ensure resources are used with integrity across its academies.

You will oversee controls, risk management, treasury and procurement, build a high-performing finance team, and provide clear financial advice to Trustees and senior leadership to secure

Qualifications

• A recognised accountancy qualification and significant senior finance experience.
• Experience of leading finance in a complex organisation, ideally a multi-academy trust, education or another public or not-for-profit setting.
• Strong knowledge of academy financial regulation and governance, or the ability to master it quickly.
• Credibility with Trustees and the ability to explain complex financial matters clearly.
• A track record of leading, developing and motivating high-performing teams.
• Sound judgement, resilience and integrity, and a direct, collaborative style.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial strategy, budgeting, forecasting and long-term planning, ensuring financial sustainability across all our academies.
• Ensure compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook, DfE requirements and statutory reporting, including the annual accounts and audit.
• Oversee financial controls, risk management, treasury, procurement and value for money.
• Lead and develop the finance team and shared services, and work closely with estates, HR and operational colleagues.
• Contribute to Trust-wide decision-making as a member of the senior leadership team.

Skills

Senior finance leadership

Strategic financial planning

Governance and compliance

Stakeholder communication

Team leadership

Education

ACA, CIMA, CIPFA, ACCA or equivalent

Job description

CHIEF FINANCE OFFICER

Job Role: Chief Finance Officer

Location: Newham Community Learning Trust Central Office, Pretoria Rd, London E16 4NP (Eastlea Community School)

Closing Date: 14th October 2026

***We are seeking to appoint an experienced Chief Financial Officer to lead the Trust’s financial strategy, sustainability and governance, and to provide strategic financial leadership to the CEO, Executive Team and Trustees***

Newham Community Learning is a Multi-Academy Trust serving children and young people in East London. We believe every young person deserves an excellent education, whatever their background. Our commitment to equality and social justice shapes how we lead, how we spend, and how we hold ourselves to account.

The Role

We are looking for a Chief Financial Officer to join our senior leadership team at an important time for the Trust. Reporting to the CEO, you will lead the Trust's financial strategy and operations, ensure our resources are used with integrity and impact, and provide clear, confident advice to the CEO, Executive Team and Trustees.

You Will:

• Lead financial strategy, budgeting, forecasting and long-term planning, ensuring financial sustainability across all our academies.
• Ensure compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook, DfE requirements and statutory reporting, including the annual accounts and audit.
• Oversee financial controls, risk management, treasury, procurement and value for money.
• Lead and develop the finance team and shared services, and work closely with estates, HR and operational colleagues.
• Contribute to Trust-wide decision‑making as a member of the senior leadership team.

About You

You will be a qualified finance professional with significant senior‑level financial leadership experience. You will combine strong technical expertise with the strategic judgement, communication skills and integrity required to operate effectively at Board and Executive level.

• A recognised accountancy qualification (ACA, CIMA, CIPFA, ACCA or equivalent) and significant senior finance experience.
• Experience of leading finance in a complex organisation, ideally a multi‑academy trust, education or another public or not‑for‑profit setting.
• Strong knowledge of academy financial regulation and governance, or the ability to master it quickly.
• Credibility with Trustees and the ability to explain complex financial matters clearly.
• A track record of leading, developing and motivating high‑performing teams.
• Sound judgement, resilience and integrity, and a direct, collaborative style.

Why Join Us?

• A senior leadership role with real influence on the Trust's future.
• Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• A supportive, values‑led culture in the heart of London.

Safeguarding and Equality

Newham Community Learning is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.

The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, including a children's barred list check where applicable, and other pre‑employment checks in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education and relevant legislation.

We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.