Chief Financial Officer

The Great Schools Trust; Warrington; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Great Schools Trust is seeking a Chief Financial Officer to provide strategic, values-led financial leadership across the Trust. This is a permanent, full-time executive role with a 37-hour week, hybrid working and regular travel to Trust academies.

The CFO will lead the finance function, steward public funds and translate financial information into insight for strategic planning and accountability. Negotiable start date and close collaboration with the CEO and trustees are essential.

Qualifications

• Executive leadership experience in finance within large organisations.
• Strong strategic and financial planning capabilities.
• Experience stewarding public or regulated funds is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the finance function across the Trust.
• Provide strategic, values-led financial leadership to support educational outcomes.
• Turn financial information into insight to inform governance and decision-making.
• Collaborate with the CEO, trustees and academy leaders to ensure sustainable resources.

Job description

Chief Financial Officer Great Schools Trust

Contract: Permanent, full-time, 37 hours, all year round
Location: Hybrid, with a minimum of three days per week at King’s Leadership Academy Warrington and regular travel across Trust academies
Salary: £100,000 - £110,000 FTE
Start: Negotiable

This is an important executive appointment for Great Schools Trust.

We are seeking a Chief Financial Officer who can provide strategic, values-led financial leadership across our Trust. This is a demanding full-time role that requires technical excellence, strong professional judgment, and a clear commitment to stewarding public money.

At GST, financial decisions are educational decisions. They shape what we can sustain, where we can invest and how confidently we can plan for the future. We are looking for someone who can help us turn financial information into insight, strengthen financial planning and assurance and support leaders to make wise, evidence-informed decisions.

The successful candidate will work closely with the CEO, Executive Team, trustees, academy leaders and central colleagues. You will lead and develop the finance function, support long-term sustainability and ensure our resources are aligned with the Trust’s mission, values and priorities.

Our current CFO remains in post until the end of February 2027 and our COO would be happy to meet prospective candidates to provide insight into the role and the Trust.

For an informal conversation or to arrange a visit, please contact:

Hayley Fenlon at [e-mail]