Chief Financial Officer

SMART Schools Trust; Liskeard; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational trust in Liskeard is looking for an experienced finance leader to join the Strategic Leadership Team. This role involves delivering high-quality finance and operations services while fostering collaboration within teams. Candidates should be professionally qualified with a strong background in finance service leadership. Hybrid working arrangements are available, and the position offers a chance to significantly contribute to the Trust's ongoing success.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Professionally qualified with experience in leading a finance service.
• Experience in managing operations and finance effectively.
• Ability to work flexibly and collaboratively with teams.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality finance and operations services to the Executive Team.
• Maintain and build upon the Trust's success in finance leadership.
• Manage hybrid working arrangements and team collaboration.

Skills

Finance leadership

Operational management

Team collaboration

Education

Relevant leadership qualification

Job description

SMART (South East Cornwall Multi Academy Regional Trust) Schools Trust is a successful educational Trust comprising two nurseries, a pre-school, three primary schools, three secondary schools, two sixth forms and two Area Resource Bases clustered around the towns of Liskeard, Saltash and Looe.

We are seeking an experienced finance leader to join us in delivering high-quality finance, estates and operations services to the Trust’s Executive Team. The successful candidate will be part of our Trust’s Strategic Leadership Team and will play a critical role in continuing to maintain and build upon our success.

We welcome applications from candidates who are professionally qualified and have experience of leading a finance service. A relevant leadership qualification would be advantageous. The post is based in Liskeard, with travel to other sites in South East Cornwall being a regular part of the role.

This is a leadership role within the Trust Shared Services Team, working with an experienced and dedicated team of colleagues who deliver services to our schools on a 52-week-per-year basis. Although the majority of our working hours are during term-time, there is a requirement for some work to be undertaken during school holidays. The team regularly work in a hybrid and flexible way with technology to enable us to co-locate within the schools, the team, or to work independently at home as required.

We welcome visits to the Trust from prospective candidates and/or a conversation with the CEO. Please contact Claire Askar, PA to the CEO, on 01579 325732 or by email:[e-mail].

To find out more about SMART Schools Trust and to apply, please visit our website.

Closing date: 9.00am on Tuesday, 16th September 2025.
Interview date: Tuesday, 23rd September 2025.

We are unable to accept applications made via CVs or applications from agencies.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks and references, including an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. In accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance, the Trust will undertake an online search of all shortlisted candidates.

Supporting Documents for Chief Financial Officer

• Download Application Form (DOC)
• Download Job supporting document (PDF)

C1FO