Chief Financial Officer

Page Executive; East Hagbourne; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LGPS pension

Annual leave

Job summary

Ridgeway Education Trust in Didcot is seeking an experienced Chief Financial Officer to join its Executive Team and shape the Trust's financial strategy. This role requires expertise in financial planning, risk management, and compliance to support educational objectives.

You will lead budgeting, forecasting, management accounts and statutory reporting, oversee procurement and HR/payroll, and provide strategic oversight of governance and assurance to the CEO and Trustees.

Qualifications

• Senior financial leadership experience, ideally as a CFO, Finance Director or Deputy in a complex, multi-site not-for-profit or public sector organisation.
• Strong track record of strategic financial planning, budget management and statutory reporting within a regulated environment.
• Experience of leading and developing professional finance and/or HR teams, with the credibility to operate at Board and Executive level.
• Strong understanding of governance, risk management and value-for-money principles; academies or education sector experience desirable but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the Trust's financial management, ensuring long-term sustainability, value for money and alignment with our educational priorities.
• Lead on budgeting, forecasting, management accounts and statutory reporting, presenting clear and timely financial information to our Executive, Board and the committees.
• Oversee the Trust-wide financial systems, controls, procurement and compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook and other regulatory frameworks.
• Provide strategic oversight of Human Resources and payroll, including workforce planning, affordability modelling and employment compliance.
• Lead risk management, audit, insurance and assurance processes, advising the CEO and Trustees on financial and operational risk.

Education

Senior financial leadership

Job description

The Chief Financial Officer will oversee the financial strategy and operations of a not-for-profit organisation, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability. This pivotal role requires expertise in financial planning, risk management, and compliance to support organisational objectives.

Ridgeway Education Trust is at an exciting stage of development. We are a Trust of eight schools based in and around Didcot, comprising a mix of Church of England and non-faith schools, including two secondary and six primary schools. We value the diversity of our schools alongside the strength that comes from our close geographical proximity. With an ambitious vision for the future, we plan to continue growing the Trust in the coming years.

Our mission is to create excellence through high quality education for three to nineteen year olds, with strong collaboration at our heart. We believe school improvement is most effective when best practice is shared through deep professional collaboration, underpinned by trust, support and challenge. We value our people and take seriously our responsibility for staff wellbeing.

Our values of ambition, integrity and leading for legacy guide our decision-making and ensure children and young people remain at the centre of all we do.

We are seeking an experienced Chief Financial Officer to join our established Executive Team and play a key role in shaping and delivering the Trust's next strategic plan and longer‑term future.

Description

• Provide strategic leadership for the Trust's financial management, ensuring long‑term sustainability, value for money and alignment with our educational priorities.
• Lead on budgeting, forecasting, management accounts and statutory reporting, presenting clear and timely financial information to our Executive, Board and the committees.
• Oversee the Trust-wide financial systems, controls, procurement and compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook and other regulatory frameworks.
• Provide strategic oversight of Human Resources and payroll, including workforce planning, affordability modelling and employment compliance.
• Lead risk management, audit, insurance and assurance processes, advising the CEO and Trustees on financial and operational risk.

Profile

• Senior financial leadership experience, ideally as a CFO, Finance Director or Deputy in a complex, multi-site not for profit or public sector organisation.
• Strong track record of strategic financial planning, budget management and statutory reporting within a regulated environment.
• Experience of leading and developing professional finance and/or HR teams, with the credibility to operate at Board and Executive level.
• Strong understanding of governance, risk management and value-for-money principles; academies or education sector experience desirable but not essential.

Job Offer

• Competitive salary ranging from £90,000 to £95,000 per annum.
• Additional benefits including annual leave and LGPS pension.
• Opportunity to influence the financial direction of a meaningful organisation.

This is an opportunity to join the Trust at an important point in its journey. The role carries real purpose, with the chance to contribute positively to the education and experiences of children and young people across Didcot and the surrounding area.

Ridgeway Education Trust is committed to safeguarding, equality and promoting the welfare of children and expects staff working in all its schools to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to satisfactory enhanced DBS, references and pre-employment safeguarding checks. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining a post. All cases are considered confidentially and according to the nature of the role and information disclosed.

To view our Safeguarding policy, please visit our website: Safeguarding - Ridgeway Education Trust

Please be aware that you will be required to bring proof of right to work in the UK and photographic ID, as applicable, to interview and online searches may be made for shortlisted candidates, as part of due diligence checks.