Chief Financial Officer

WANDLE LEARNING TRUST; London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing Multi Academy Trust in South London is seeking a dynamic senior leader to oversee financial strategy and operations. This role involves strategic financial planning, compliance with academy regulations, and providing expert guidance to the Trust Board. Ideal candidates will possess a CCAB-recognised accountancy qualification and significant financial management experience within education.

Qualifications

• CCAB-recognised accountancy qualification required.
• Significant experience in senior financial management within the education sector is preferred.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence and inspire.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial strategy and operations across the Trust.
• Ensure compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook.
• Drive innovation through Integrated Curriculum Financial Planning.

Skills

Strategic financial planning

Leadership

Compliance

Financial reporting

Communication

Education

CCAB-recognised accountancy qualification

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced senior leader to lead our financial strategy and operations across a growing family of schools. This is a pivotal role within our Executive Team, offering the opportunity to shape the financial future of the Trust and contribute to educational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Strategic financial planning and oversight of all financial controls.
• Ensuring compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook and ESFA regulations.
• Leading financial reporting, forecasting, and budget consolidation.
• Driving innovation through Integrated Curriculum Financial Planning (ICFP).
• Supporting income diversification and commercial ventures.
• Providing expert financial guidance to the Trust Board and senior leaders.

Qualifications

• A CCAB-recognised accountancy qualification (e.g. CIMA, CIPFA, ACCA, ICAEW).
• Significant experience in senior financial management, ideally within the education or academy sector.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence and inspire.
• A strategic mindset and commitment to public service values.

About the Trust

Wandle Learning Trust, a growing Multi Academy Trust based in South London, currently comprises of two secondary schools and eight primary schools. The Trust also runs the Wandle Learning Partnership, which oversees our English, Maths and Teaching DfE Hubs, as well as our sector leading phonics programme, Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised.