Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

LB WANDSWORTH SCHOOLS; London; On-site; GBP 200,000 +; Full time

Job summary

A growing multi-academy trust in London is seeking an experienced Chief Financial Officer to lead financial strategy and operations. This pivotal role requires a CCAB-recognised qualification and significant senior financial management experience, ideally in education. Responsibilities include strategic planning, financial oversight, and providing expert guidance to the Trust Board. Competitive salary from £87k depending on experience.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Strategic financial planning and oversight of all financial controls.
• Leading financial reporting, forecasting, and budget consolidation.
• Driving innovation through Integrated Curriculum Financial Planning (ICFP).
• Providing expert financial guidance to the Trust Board and senior leaders.

Skills

Strategic financial planning

Compliance with regulations

Leadership

Communication skills

Influencing skills

Expert financial guidance

Education

CCAB-recognised accountancy qualification

Job description

Overview

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

From £87k depending on experience

(A higher salary may be offered to a candidate with significant relevant expertise).

Full time

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

You will be responsible for:

• 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 Wandle Learning Trust

Wandle Learning Trust, a growing Multi Academy Trust based in South London, currently comprises 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.

How to apply

For details and to apply please visit our website at wandlelearningtrust.org.uk/work-with-us

Contact for informal discussion

Informal discussion about the role: [e-mail]

Important dates

Closing Date: 1st October at Midday

Initial online interviews for shortlisted candidates planned for 2nd October, with final interviews on 8th October.

Safeguarding and equality

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check and a Children’s Barred List check.

The Wandle Learning Trust values diversity and aims to select all staff on merit, irrespective of race, sex, disability, age, gender reassignment, sexuality or other protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. The Academy welcomes applications from disabled candidates. If you have a disability, please indicate any adjustments we might make when applying to ensure fair shortlisting.

CVs are not accepted.

Location

Wandle Learning Trust, South London. Dagnall Street, London SW11 5DT