Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

The Methodist Church in Britain; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development opportunities

Career progression opportunities

Wellbeing support package

Tools and support to do the job well

Comprehensive academy-trust finance &.

Job summary

Peak Edge is seeking a senior finance leader to head the Trust’s finance function. You will work closely with the CEO and COO to shape financial strategy and reporting across the Trust’s schools.

The role requires a fully qualified accountant and a proven track record in financial leadership, preferably within academy trusts or the public sector. A DBS check is standard for safeguarding purposes.

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant status with recognized professional bodies.
• Proven track record of financial leadership in complex organisations.
• Experience in academy trusts or public sector preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Trust's financial strategy, planning, reporting and assurance.
• Deploy resources effectively to maximise pupil outcomes.
• Ensure high standards of financial management, governance and value for money across the schools.
• Develop robust financial plans and identify and mitigate financial risks.
• Support strategic decision-making with financial analysis.
• Lead and develop the Trust's finance function.
• Ensure compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook and regulatory requirements.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders within and beyond the Trust.
• Provide professional challenge and support while keeping strategic objectives in focus.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Financial analysis

People management

Effective communication

Public sector experience

Governance & risk

Education

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

Job description

Peak Edge's senior finance post sits at the head of the Trust's finance function, working alongside the chief executive and chief operating officer. The work centres on setting financial strategy, planning, reporting and assurance across the Trust's schools, with a focus on getting the most from resources for pupils. Candidates from outside academy trusts are considered, as training in academy finance is provided, though a fully qualified accountancy background is essential. Visa sponsorship is not available, and an enhanced DBS check is required.

What the job involves

• Lead the Trust's financial strategy, planning, reporting and assurance, in partnership with the COO
• Deploy resources effectively and efficiently to maximise pupil outcomes
• Ensure high standards of financial management, governance and value for money across the schools
• Develop robust financial plans and identify and mitigate financial risks
• Support strategic decision-making with financial analysis
• Lead and develop the Trust's finance function
• Ensure compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook and relevant statutory and regulatory requirements
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders within and beyond the Trust
• Provide professional challenge and support while keeping the Trust's strategic objectives in focus

What’s required

Qualifications

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

Experience

• Successful track record of financial leadership
• Experience from the academy, education, public or private sector

Skills & knowledge

• Strong financial expertise and strategic leadership
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Exceptional leadership, organisational and people management skills
• Effective communication and relationship-building at all levels
• Collaborative leadership with the ability to provide professional challenge
• Commitment to public service

Checks & eligibility

• Enhanced DBS check
• Right to work in the UK

Nice to have

• Experience of working within an academy trust

What’s offered

• Professional development opportunities
• Career progression opportunities
• Wellbeing support package
• Tools and support to do the job well
• Comprehensive support and development in academy trust finance, funding and regulatory requirements