Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Teaching Vacancies; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 105,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational trust is seeking a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to ensure financial strength and sustainability. This role requires strategic vision and strong leadership within the Executive Leadership Team. The ideal candidate will have a track record in financial leadership and a commitment to educational excellence. The position offers a salary within the KGA Leadership Pay Scale of £105,595 - £110,892 per annum and generous benefits including professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Flexible working arrangements

Entry into the Local Government Pension Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Colleague discounts

Qualifications

• Proven experience in financial leadership roles.
• Ability to influence strategy and governance.
• Commitment to educational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement financial strategies for Trust growth.
• Lead financial services and ensure compliance.
• Provide expert advice to CEO and Board.
• Represent Trust with external stakeholders.

Skills

Financial acumen

Vision and ambition

Collaborative spirit

Innovative thinking

Job description

Overview

What skills and experience we're looking for

At KGA, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We are a values-led Trust, guided by Honesty, Faith and Courage, and committed to creating a culture where every colleague can thrive. We believe that strong leadership, openness and integrity enable us to provide the very best opportunities for the children and communities we serve.

This role represents a pivotal opportunity to shape the future direction of our organisation. As CFO, you will not only ensure the financial strength and sustainability of the Trust, but also play a central part in our Executive Leadership Team, influencing strategy, governance and growth. Your expertise will help us to deliver high-quality education while securing the long-term stability of our schools.

We are seeking an individual who combines financial acumen with ambition, vision and a collaborative spirit. Someone who is motivated by the belief that education transforms lives, and who can bring innovation, resilience and courage to one of the most important leadership roles within our Trust.

About us

At King’s Group Academies (KGA), we share a vision of a global community of pupils and colleagues whose connections broaden horizons and foster understanding. We are passionate about working collaboratively—within our UK communities and more widely—to promote international citizenship. We believe every pupil deserves teachers and colleagues who are deeply committed to their success, and we achieve this through strong partnerships with parents and carers who hold us to account.

Collaboration is at the heart of our work. Our colleagues share expertise and drive strategy across a range of Trust-wide forums, covering Teaching & Learning, Safeguarding, Curriculum, International, HR, Finance and more. Headteachers also come together regularly through our Headteacher Board to support one another and share best practice. Alongside these forums, Senior Leadership Teams are empowered by their Local Governing Bodies and supported by our central team.

Each of our academies has its own identity, history and context, which we embrace and celebrate. What unites us is a shared commitment to continuous improvement and educational excellence. Together, we are working towards opportunity and success on a global stage for every pupil.

We currently comprise fifteen academies across Berkshire, Hampshire and Sussex. By joining our central team, you will play an active role in supporting and visiting these academies as needed. As a Trust, we are committed to sustainable growth and school improvement, building strong foundations for our leaders to deliver our mission: to equip all pupils with the confidence, knowledge, skills and values they need to thrive in the modern world.

About the role

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year

Salary: KGA Leadership Pay Scale: L30–L40. The appointed salary will be within L30–L32 (£105,595 – £110,892 per annum).

Direct Reports: Central Finance Team

Functional Responsibility for: Finance, ICT (financial systems), Governance (financial compliance and risk)

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a key member of the Trust’s Executive Leadership Team and functional director responsible for ensuring financial strength, compliance, and sustainability across King’s Group Academies.

The CFO will:

• Develop and implement a forward-looking financial strategy that supports Trust growth, sustainability, and pupil-focused outcomes.


• Lead the design and delivery of effective financial services, systems, and controls, ensuring transparency and accountability.


• Provide expert advice to the CEO, Board, and Committees, building confidence through accurate reporting and professional integrity.


• Represent the Trust with external regulators, funders, and partners, championing innovation and best practice.


• Deputise for the CEO in the event that the Deputy CEO is unavailable, ensuring the Trust is represented at the highest levels with honesty, faith, and courage in pursuit of our mission.

What the school offers its staff

Our offer to you

Working for KGA delivers all the benefits you would expect from a progressive and supportive employer, including:

• Generous annual leave and flexible working arrangements


• Entry into the Local Government Pension Scheme


• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme


• A range of colleague discounts schemes


• Ongoing professional development and opportunities to grow your career within the Trust

How to apply

To apply, please download and complete our application form, sending it to [e-mail].

Application deadline: Friday 7th November 2025 at 12:00pm.

Commitment to safeguarding

To ensure the best possible provisions and outcomes in relation to safeguarding: Safeguarding is represented at a senior level by our Safeguarding Lead. We have a series of measures in place to help create safe and inclusive environments for children and young people here at KGA. These include: Recruitment and selection processes, the provision of a safeguarding induction, in-depth safeguarding training, a clear, accessible reporting mechanism and guidance for all representatives of The Trust employee and volunteers.