Chief Financial Officer

DealHub Ltd.; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 83,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

Synergy Education Trust in Blackpool, Lancashire, is seeking a fully qualified CFO to guide financial strategy and governance across a growing multi-school trust with an annual income of circa £26m.

You will lead a high-performing finance team, strengthen systems and reporting, and work with the CEO and Board to shape sustainable growth and long-term financial resilience. Experience at board level is essential, with the ability to influence across education and non-education sectors.

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant with senior-level finance experience.
• Ability to operate at Board level.
• Experience in education isn't essential; we welcome finance leaders from other sectors.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic financial leadership and sound commercial advice.
• Lead and develop a high-performing finance team.
• Strengthen financial systems, controls and reporting.
• Support organisational growth and long-term financial sustainability.
• Build strong relationships with trustees, senior leaders and schools.

Skills

Strategic financial leadership

Board-level communication

People leadership

Education

Fully qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA/CIPFA)

Job description

Chief Financial Officer – Synergy Education Trust

Salary: £83,478–£96,694 (L19–L25)

Location: Blackpool, Lancashire

Contract: Full-time, permanent

Closing date: 17 November 2026, 9am

Are you a fully qualified finance leader looking for an opportunity to make a real impact in a growing organisation?

Synergy Education Trust is seeking a Chief Financial Officer to help shape its next stage of development.

Established in 2024, Synergy has grown from three to seven schools across Blackpool and the Fylde Coast, with an annual income of approximately £26m and further growth planned.

Working closely with the CEO and Board, you'll play a key role in shaping financial strategy, strengthening systems and processes, and developing a finance function that supports the trust's ambitions.

We're looking for someone who can:

• Provide strategic financial leadership and sound commercial advice.
• Lead and develop a high-performing finance team.
• Strengthen financial systems, controls and reporting.
• Support organisational growth and long-term financial sustainability.
• Build strong relationships with trustees, senior leaders and schools.

You’ll need to be a fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA) with significant senior-level finance experience and the confidence to operate at Board level.

Experience in education isn't essential. We welcome applications from finance leaders across other sectors who bring the right skills, experience and values.

This is an opportunity to make your mark in a developing trust, where your expertise will have a direct impact on the resources available to support children and young people.

Interested in finding out more?