Chief Financial Officer

Coast and Vale Learning Trust; Swindon; On-site; GBP 118,000 - 158,000; Full time

Job summary

The White Horse Federation in Swindon invites applications for a visionary Chief Financial Officer to lead and evolve financial operations across one of the region's largest multi‑academy trusts. You will shape a forward‑looking financial strategy underpinning excellence and sustainability.

As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will drive governance, value‑for‑money, and safeguarding commitments across 30 schools (rising to 40).

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA/CIPFA) with senior leadership experience.
• Track record in financial transformation and performance improvement.
• Commitment to safeguarding, equity and public service.

Responsibilities

• Lead and shape financial strategy across the multi-academy trust.
• Ensure rigorous governance, robust compliance and value-for-money.
• Drive innovation and organizational resilience to enable long-term growth.

Skills

ACA/ACCA/CIMA/CIPFA qualified

Senior leadership experience

Strategic thinker

Financial transformation

Performance improvement

Collaborative leader

Safeguarding & public service

Education

Qualified accountant

Job description

Please note that applications will be reviewed as received and should a suitable candidate be identified, we may close the vacancy early. Therefore, early application is encouraged.

Chief Financial Officer

Salary Band: Executive 3 - £118,225 to £158,433
Location: Central Office, Swindon
Contract Type: Permanent, Full Time
Closing Date: 23rd September 2026
Interviews: Week commencing 28th September

Start Date: ASAP/Negotiable

The White Horse Federation is seeking an inspiring and strategically minded Chief Financial Officer to lead and elevate financial operations across one of the South of England’s largest and most ambitious multi‑academy trusts.

As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will shape and deliver a forward‑looking financial strategy that underpins excellence, sustainability and growth. You will ensure rigorous governance, robust compliance and exceptional value‑for‑money across our 30 schools — rising to 40 by November— and our central services. This role is pivotal in driving innovation, strengthening organisational resilience and enabling the Trust to achieve its long‑term vision

What We’re Looking For:

• A qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA) with significant senior leadership experience
• A strategic thinker with a track record of financial transformation and performance improvement
• A collaborative leader who thrives in complex, values-driven environments
• A commitment to safeguarding, equity, and public service

Why Join TWHF?

• A connected, inclusive organisation with a strong culture of kindness and integrity
• A mission-driven Trust: “Inspiring every child to flourish through an inclusive, all-through education that nurtures opportunity, equity, and agency for life.”
• A dynamic professional services team supporting 11,000 pupils and 1,500 colleagues
• Opportunities to lead innovation and shape the future of education finance

The White Horse Federation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. If successful for this role, you will be expected to apply for a disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service before an appointment is confirmed. Please note that references will be sought on shortlisted candidates before the interview.

The White Horse Federation values uniqueness and recognises the benefit of having a diverse workforce. We value the contributions of all staff from a wide range of backgrounds and we are committed to building an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. At The White Horse Federation, we believe that everyone should be treated with fairness and respect and share a commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at all of our schools. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and operate a fair recruitment process, free from discrimination against protected characteristics, in line with the Equality Act 2010.