Chief Finance Officer

Academicis; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Tame River Educational Trust is seeking a Chief Finance Officer to shape its financial future across three academies with a £22 million budget. You will report to the CEO and work with the Executive Team and Board to drive long-term strategy and financial governance.

The role requires a qualified accountant with senior leadership experience, strong commercial acumen, and the ability to influence at Trustee level. Education-sector knowledge is desirable but transferable experience is welcomed.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with substantial senior financial leadership experience.
• Education sector knowledge is desirable but not essential; transferable expertise welcomed.
• Experience in multi-academy trusts or complex organisations is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Shape and deliver the Trust's long-term financial strategy.
• Provide strategic financial leadership across three academies.
• Drive financial sustainability, innovation and operational efficiency.
• Lead and develop the finance function, including procurement and contract management.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Commercial acumen

Board influence

People leadership

Education

Chartered accountant qualifications (ACA/ACCA/CIMA/CIPFA)

Job description

A £100,000 leadership opportunity. Three thriving academies. One ambitious and growing Trust.

Are you an accomplished finance leader ready to make a real difference?

Tame River Educational Trust is seeking an exceptional Chief Finance Officer to help shape its financial future and play a pivotal role in its continued growth and success.

Established in 2022, the Trust currently comprises three secondary academies across Tameside, with a combined budget of approximately £22 million. With ambitious plans for the future, this is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking organisation where your expertise, commercial insight and leadership will make a genuine impact.

The opportunity

Reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with the Executive Team and Board of Trustees, you will:

• Shape and deliver the Trust's long-term financial strategy.
• Provide strategic financial leadership across all three academies.
• Drive financial sustainability, innovation and operational efficiency.
• Lead and develop the finance function, including procurement and contract management.
• Play a central role in the Trust's future growth and strategic decision-making.

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA) with substantial senior financial leadership experience, strong commercial acumen and the ability to influence at Board level.

You will be a confident, forward-thinking leader who combines strategic vision with sound financial judgement and a collaborative approach.

Experience within education or a multi-academy trust would be advantageous, but is not essential. We welcome applications from talented finance leaders across other sectors who can bring fresh perspectives and transferable expertise.

Why consider this opportunity?

• An attractive £100,000 salary.
• A genuine executive leadership role with significant strategic influence.
• The opportunity to help shape the future of a growing multi-academy trust.
• A values-driven organisation committed to improving young people's life chances.
• Flexibility for the right candidate, including consideration of part-time or term-time plus three weeks working arrangements, with salary pro rata.

Closing date: Monday 7 December 2026

Interviews: Tuesday 15 December 2026

Tame River Educational Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be subject to appropriate safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check.