Chief Finance & Operations Officer

John Taylor MAT; Rugeley; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

John Taylor MAT in Rugeley is seeking a fully qualified CFOO to lead finance and cross-functional operations within a hybrid role (minimum 3 days on site). The role influences the future direction of the Trust, ensuring resources align with strategic objectives and statutory requirements.

With responsibility for a portfolio including finance, estates, HR, IT and data protection, you will balance strategic leadership with hands-on action, supported by a team of directors.

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant with strategic and operational leadership experience.
• Experience overseeing finance, estates, HR, IT and data protection.
• Strong regulatory compliance knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Shape and oversee financial sustainability and operational effectiveness across a multi-function portfolio.
• Ensure statutory and regulatory compliance with rigorous attention to detail.
• Influence stakeholders and translate strategy into action.

Skills

Fully qualified accountant

Education

Chartered Accountant (CA) or equivalent

Job description

Location: Rugeley John Taylor School (Hybrid working: Minimum of 3 days per week on site). Please note this role requires attendance at evening meetings throughout the year.

This is more than a finance role; it’s the chance to influence the future direction of the Trust, ensuring resources and people are aligned to strategic objectives. Beyond every spreadsheet and operational decision is a child whose future we are helping to shape, and our new CFOO needs to be committed to that mission.

Leading at scale across our trust, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and overseeing the financial sustainability and operational effectiveness of our business services, with a portfolio including finance, estates, HR, IT and data protection. Statutory and regulatory compliance is a key part of this role, requiring in-depth knowledge and rigorous attention to detail.

As a fully qualified accountant with a strong track record of strategic and operational leadership at senior level, you will have commercial acumen, sound judgement and embody the JTMAT values. With excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to gain credibility and influence others, you will be a strategic and creative thinker, whilst also being hands-on to translate that into action.

Supported by a reporting line of committed and capable directors of functions, you will be joining a friendly and professional team who work hard. You will be stepping into a role with strong foundations already in place and the opportunity to build on this success.

If you’re ambitious and looking for the next step in your career and want to make a significant contribution to our future, we would be delighted to receive your application.