Chief Financial Officer

The Great Schools Trust; Coalville; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Great Schools Trust is seeking a Chief Financial Officer to lead and develop the finance function, providing strategic, values-led financial leadership across the Trust. This is a demanding full-time role requiring technical excellence, sound judgement and a commitment to stewarding public money.

The CFO will work closely with the CEO, Executive Team and trustees, shaping financial information into insight to support leaders in decision-making and planning for future sustainability across

Qualifications

• Lead the finance function with strategic financial leadership.
• Strong governance, risk & compliance oversight.
• Experience stewarding public funds and budgets.
• Ability to translate financial data into actionable insight.

Responsibilities

• Develop financial strategy to support GST’s mission and priorities.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting and long-term financial planning.
• Ensure robust financial governance, controls, and assurance across the Trust.
• Collaborate with CEO, trustees and senior teams to drive value and accountability.

Skills

Financial leadership

Strategic planning

Public sector finance

Governance & compliance

Tools

Financial reporting

Job description

Chief Financial Officer Great Schools Trust

Contract: Permanent, full-time, 37 hours, all year round
Location: Hybrid, with a minimum of three days per week at King’s Leadership Academy Warrington and regular travel across Trust academies
Salary: £100,000 - £110,000 FTE
Start: Negotiable

This is an important executive appointment for Great Schools Trust.

We are seeking a Chief Financial Officer who can provide strategic, values-led financial leadership across our Trust. This is a demanding full-time role that requires technical excellence, strong professional judgement, and a clear commitment to stewarding public money.

At GST, financial decisions are educational decisions. They shape what we can sustain, where we can invest and how confidently we can plan for the future. We are looking for someone who can help us turn financial information into insight, strengthen financial planning and assurance and support leaders to make wise, evidence-informed decisions.

The successful candidate will work closely with the CEO, Executive Team, trustees, academy leaders and central colleagues. You will lead and develop the finance function, support long-term sustainability and ensure our resources are aligned with the Trust’s mission, values and priorities.

Our current CFO remains in post until the end of February 2027 and our COO would be happy to meet prospective candidates to provide insight into the role and the Trust.

For an informal conversation or to arrange a visit, please contact:

Hayley Fenlon at [e-mail]

Applications should be submitted via MyNewTerm - we cannot accept CV applications.