Chief Financial Officer

Reed; Highweek; On-site; GBP 81,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking Multi-Academy Trust in the South West seeks a Chief Finance Officer to lead strategic financial planning and risk management. The ideal candidate will be ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified with experience in educational finance. This leadership role offers 31 days of annual leave and a supportive environment based in beautiful Totnes, South Devon. Contribution to education equity is essential.

Benefits

31 days annual leave + bank holidays (rising to 36 days)

Local Government Pension Scheme

On-site parking

Access to Occupational Health, Coaching, and Employee Assistance Programme

Supportive collaborative team

Qualifications

• Experienced in strategic financial leadership.
• Passionate about education and equity of opportunity.
• Resilient leader with strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic financial planning and risk management.
• Oversee capital projects and income generation.
• Transform financial systems and technology.

Skills

Strategic financial leadership

Risk and investment management

Creative problem-solving

Communication

Collaboration

Innovation

Education

Professionally qualified (ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent)

Job description

Overview

Lead Financial Strategy in a Values-Driven Education Trust – Chief Finance Officer

Location: Totnes, South Devon | Salary: L21 £81,441 rising to L26 £92,052 + Benefits | Start Date: January 2026 (or earlier if available) | Closing Date: 8 September 2025

Are you a strategic finance leader ready to make a meaningful impact in education? A forward-thinking Multi-Academy Trust in the South West is seeking a dynamic Chief Finance Officer to join its Executive Team and help shape the future of a growing, values-led organisation.

The Trust serves a diverse mix of Church of England and Community Schools across Torbay, Devon, and Somerset. As CFO, you’ll be based in the beautiful town of Totnes, leading a talented finance team and working closely with the CEO and Trustees to drive strategic financial planning, risk management, and innovation.

You’ll be at the heart of:

• Strategic financial leadership and planning
• Risk and investment management
• Capital project oversight and income generation
• Financial systems and technology transformation
• Collaborative leadership across the Trust

Qualifications

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Professionally qualified (ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent)
• Experienced in strategic financial leadership
• Passionate about education and equity of opportunity
• A creative problem-solver and resilient leader
• Skilled in communication, collaboration, and innovation

Benefits

• 31 days annual leave + bank holidays (rising to 36 days)
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• On-site parking
• Access to Occupational Health, Coaching, and Employee Assistance Programme
• A supportive, collaborative Central Services Team in a stunning location