Chief Finance Officer - One Excellence Multi Academy Trust

Stockton Academy Vacancies; Billingham; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading multi-academy trust in Billingham is seeking an inspirational Chief Finance Officer. This role involves providing strategic financial leadership, developing financial strategies, and ensuring effective resource use in a growing organization. The ideal candidate should have experience in financial management and a strong track record in large, complex organizations. The position offers a permanent full-time contract with a competitive salary and excellent development opportunities.

Benefits

Structured health and well-being programme

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in senior management and service improvements.
• Track record of achieving successful outcomes in complex organizations.
• Experience in financial management within schools or academies.

Responsibilities

• Provide financial leadership and strategic direction.
• Develop financial strategies and annual plans.
• Oversee internal controls and risk management.

Skills

Financial leadership

Strategic thinking

Effective communication

Data analysis

Numeracy skills

Education

Relevant professional qualifications

Job description

Overview

Chief Finance Officer. 37 hours per week, full time. Permanent contract. Salary – NJC PO7, spinal points 43 to 46 (Actual salary £54,495 - £57,867).

Employer

One Excellence Multi Academy Trust is a forward thinking, aspirational, mixed Multi Academy Trust founded in July 2017. The Trust consists of three Church of England schools and one Community school. The Trust’s vision is to be a collaborative family of schools, ensuring fullness of life and excellence in education, whilst celebrating individuality. The Trust emphasises growth, inclusion and strategic leadership across its schools, with SEMH provisions, ARPs, and nurture facilities across several Primary Schools.

Role purpose

This is an exciting time of growth and development. We are seeking an inspirational Chief Finance Officer who can support a clear growth strategy, provide visible strategic leadership and help achieve high standards. The role involves working directly with schools, the Board of Directors and the central team to ensure the best possible education for children and effective use of resources. Strategic thinking, planning and continuous improvement are essential parts of the role.

Responsibilities

• Provide financial leadership and strategic direction in a large, complex organisation.
• Develop and implement successful financial strategies and annual plans.
• Lead and support processes of continuous improvement and organisational effectiveness.
• Oversee an Estate Management Strategy and understand academy structures and policies.
• Communicate effectively at all levels, both verbally and in writing; maintain a high standard of presentation.
• Think strategically, analyse complex data, and formulate action plans.
• Ensure robust financial management including income generation and budgeting.
• Monitor internal controls, risk management and compliance with relevant legislation and codes of practice.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to achieve targets and ensure best use of resources.

Qualifications and experience

• suitably qualified and/or experienced; evidence of ongoing professional development.
• Experience as part of a senior management team and implementing service improvements.
• Track record of turning business strategy into successful outcomes within a large, complex organisation.
• Experience in financial management including income generation and developing financial strategies.
• Experience in overseeing financial, estate and procurement activities within schools/academies.
• Knowledge of academy structures and issues facing schools and academies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, high presentation skills.
• Strategic thinking and ability to analyse complex situations and implement plans.
• Numeracy and literacy skills to handle data accurately.
• Understanding of Company Act accounts, management accounts, computerised accounting packages, funding Arrangements for schools and academies, internal control and risk management, estates management, and commercial requirements.
• Ability to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and manage competing priorities.

Benefits and development

One Excellence Multi Academy Trust is committed to high-quality education, safeguarding and staff development. We offer a structured health and well-being programme including physiotherapy, nurse support, counselling, mindfulness, weight management, stress awareness, GP consultations and access to private medical operations if required. We provide professional development opportunities across education, nurturing and leadership.

Safeguarding and equal opportunities

Disclosure: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful applicant will be subject to enhanced DBS clearance. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcome applicants from all sections of the community. Where roles involve customer interaction, clear spoken English is essential. We are a Disability Confident employer and will provide reasonable adjustments as needed.

How to apply

For an informal chat regarding this post please contact Lindsey Vollans, CEO, at [phone].

Please apply using the following link: [application link not shown in plain text]

Important dates

Closing date for applications – 9.00am on Friday 10 October 2025. Shortlisting and interview dates to be confirmed.

Equal opportunities and safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment.