Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

The Methodist Church in Britain; England; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexible and hybrid working

Employee Assistance Programme

Ongoing professional development

Relocation package

Job summary

St John The Baptist Catholic Multi Academy Trust is seeking a Chief Financial Officer who will sit on the Executive Leadership Team. The role combines lead finance responsibilities with Company Secretary duties for the Board, focusing on long-term sustainability, value for money and governance across the schools.

The post supports the planned merger with a sister trust and offers hybrid working, plus relocation assistance for candidates outside East Anglia. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent).
• Significant senior leadership experience.
• Proven track record of governance and organisational leadership.
• Track record of delivering strategic financial leadership within complex organisations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Trust's financial strategy and ensure long-term financial sustainability.
• Act as the Trust's most senior financial professional, working with the CEO, Board and school leaders.
• Act as Company Secretary and trusted adviser to the Board on governance, compliance and decision-making.
• Ensure high standards of stewardship, accountability and value for money.
• Drive innovation and efficiency across the schools.
• Support growth, merger and expansion projects.
• Develop and lead a professional finance team.
• Sit on the Executive Leadership Team and influence strategic decisions.
• Translate complex financial information into clear strategic insight.

Skills

Strategic finance

Governance

Board advisory

Relationship management

Education

Chartered accountant

Job description

This Chief Financial Officer post sits on the Executive Leadership Team of St John The Baptist Catholic Multi Academy Trust, combining the lead finance role with Company Secretary duties for the Board. The work centres on long-term financial sustainability, value for money and governance across the schools, while supporting the trust's planned merger with a sister trust. Hybrid working is offered, and a relocation package is available for candidates living outside East Anglia. Visa sponsorship is not available.

What the job involves

• Lead the Trust's financial strategy and ensure long-term financial sustainability
• Act as the Trust's most senior financial professional, working with the CEO, Board and school leaders
• Act as Company Secretary and trusted adviser to the Board on governance, compliance and decision-making
• Ensure high standards of stewardship, accountability and value for money
• Drive innovation and efficiency across the schools
• Support growth, merger and expansion projects
• Develop and lead a professional finance team
• Sit on the Executive Leadership Team and influence strategic decisions
• Translate complex financial information into clear strategic insight
• Work closely with Trustees, senior leaders and external partners

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent)

Experience

• Significant senior leadership experience
• Proven track record of strategic financial management
• Proven track record of governance and organisational leadership
• Track record of delivering strategic financial leadership within complex organisations

Skills & knowledge

• Comfortable advising boards and influencing stakeholders
• Ability to translate complex financial information into strategic insight

What’s offered

• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Ongoing professional development
• Supportive central team
• Commitment to staff wellbeing under the Staff Charter
• Relocation package for candidates living outside East Anglia