Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Peak Edge Academy Trust; South Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing support package

Job summary

Peak Edge Academy Trust is seeking a Chief Financial Officer to join our leadership team. You will steer financial strategy, planning, reporting and assurance across our schools, ensuring resources drive excellent educational outcomes.

You will work closely with the CEO and COO, lead the finance function, and develop robust financial plans with a focus on value for money. The successful candidate will be a fully qualified accountant with strong leadership, analytical and communication skills,

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent).
• Experience leading financial functions in education/public sector preferred.
• Ability to develop robust financial plans, identify risks and support strategic decisions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Trust's financial strategy, planning, reporting and assurance functions.
• Develop and oversee financial plans, governance and value-for-money across schools.
• Manage and develop the Trust's finance function with strong leadership and people management.

Skills

Financial leadership

Strategic planning

People management

Communication

Analytical thinking

Education

Chartered accountant or equivalent

Job description

What skills and experience we're looking for

Are you a qualified finance professional looking for an exciting new challenge? Do you want to work in a collaborative and supportive environment, making a meaningful contribution to the education of our children?

We are looking for a Chief Financial Officer to join the leadership team at Peak Edge Academy Trust. We provide a warm, friendly and encouraging workplace, with a commitment to professional development and opportunities for career progression. All our employees are offered a wellbeing support package and the tools and support to do their job well. In return, we ask that all our staff place children ’s outcomes at the heart of what they do.

As Chief Financial Officer, you will play a pivotal strategic role in the financial leadership of the Trust. Working closely with the CEO and Chief Operating Officer (COO), you will ensure that resources are deployed effectively and efficiently to maximise educational outcomes for our pupils. In partnership with the COO, you will lead the Trust’s financial strategy, planning, reporting and assurance functions, ensuring the highest standards of financial management, governance and value for money across our schools.

We are looking for a fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent) with a successful track record of financial leadership. We will consider experience from within the academy, education, public or private sectors , provided applicants can demonstrate strong financial expertise, strategic leadership and a commitment to public service. While experience of working within an academy trust would be advantageous, it is not essential. We welcome applications from professionals in other sectors and will provide comprehensive support and development to help the successful candidate gain a thorough understanding of academy trust finance, funding and regulatory requirements.

You will possess excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop robust financial plans, identify and mitigate risks, and support strategic decision-making. With exceptional leadership, organisational and people management skills, you will lead and develop the Trust’s finance function, ensuring compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook and all relevant statutory and regulatory requirements.

You will be an effective communicator who can build strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels, both within and beyond the Trust. You will be a collaborative leader, able to provide professional challenge and support while maintaining a clear focus on achieving the Trust’s strategic objectives.

If you are passionate about public service and want to make a meaningful contribution to the success of Peak Edge, we would be delighted to hear from you.

What the school offers its staff

We provide a warm, friendly and encouraging workplace, with a commitment to professional development and opportunities for career progression. All our employees are offered a wellbeing support package and the tools and support to do their job well. In return, we ask that all our staff place children’s outcomes at the heart of what they do.

Flexible working opportunities

This is a full-time position; however, the Trust recognises the value of flexible working and will consider applications from candidates seeking part-time working arrangements. Any agreed part‑time working pattern will need to ensure the effective fulfilment of the strategic and operational responsibilities of the role, including attendance at key meetings and governance commitments.

Closing date for applications: 12 noon Thursday 29th October 2026

Assessment centre and interviews: Thursday 5th and Friday 6th November 2026