Deputy Chief Financial Officer

Rochdale Council; Rochdale; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking education trust as the Deputy Chief Finance Officer, where you'll play a crucial role in shaping financial strategies that enhance educational excellence. This position offers the opportunity to lead financial planning and compliance, ensuring that all academies within the Trust thrive. Collaborate with a dynamic team to deliver impactful financial solutions, manage budgets, and drive operational efficiency. Be part of a vibrant community committed to making a positive difference in the lives of students and the local community. If you are passionate about education and finance, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Qualified Accountant or equivalent professional finance qualification.
• Experience in producing year-end accounts and meeting audit deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Support the CFO in delivering financial solutions for school improvement.
• Lead on the preparation of the annual Trust budget and monthly management accounts.

Skills

Financial Management

Strategic Financial Planning

Team Leadership

Interpersonal Communication

Education

Qualified Accountant

Degree Level Education

Job description

The Deputy Chief Finance Officer will contribute towards the broader priorities and objectives of the Trust finance team and senior leadership, supporting the CFO in the delivery and preparation of accurate ESFA and DfE financial returns and other external reporting requirements. In addition, the Deputy CFO will be required to support the CFO in the delivery of strategic and operational leadership of the financial functions of Altus Education Partnership. This includes strategic financial planning, financial compliance, statutory and internal financial reporting, internal audit and support services to all academies within the Trust.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Management :Support the CFO in delivering financial solutions that continue to support the school improvement journey of all academies for all stakeholders. Lead on the development of the academies’ annual financial forecasts in liaison with the senior leadership. Assist the CFO in providing strategic financial direction within the Trust’s executive leadership team, working with colleagues to secure financial compliance across the Trust.
• Operational :Lead on the preparation of the annual Trust budget and the completion of the DfE 3-year return ensuring consistency with the Trust’s strategic and financial objectives. Be responsible for ensuring that finance systems are responsive to user need and organisational efficiency while meeting the needs audit requirements. Deliver monthly management accounts to academy SLTs.
• Line Management :Lead and develop staff within the finance team as delegated and promote a strong customer service ethos and high professional standards. Ensure that the finance team works effectively in collaboration with other Trust functions. Ensure that managers’ roles and responsibilities for monitoring financial performance/budget management are clear.

About You

• Qualified Accountant or equivalent professional finance qualification
• Educated to degree level or equivalent
• Experience of managing/leading a team
• Experience in producing year-end accounts and meeting audit and statutory deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in dealing and collaborating with colleagues, partner organisations, the community and other stakeholders.

Why Altus Education Partnership?

• Diverse Academies:Be a part of a vibrant community that includes outstanding institutions like Rochdale Sixth Form College, recognised nationally as Sixth Form College of the Year 2021. Explore new horizons with Edgar Wood Academy, Kingsway Park High School, and Bamford Academy each contributing uniquely to our vision.
• Educational Excellence:Altus is committed to providing high-quality education that raises achievement levels. Join us, and you’ll be at the forefront of driving operational efficiency and organisational development to support this commitment.
• Community Impact:Altus Education Partnership was born from the desire to enhance education in Rochdale. Be a part of a trust that not only educates but also positively impacts the local community through its academies.

How to apply:

Please complete the Altus Education Partnership application form and email it to [e-mail].

For more information, visit www.altusep.com or contact [e-mail].

Application Deadline:to arrive no later than12.00 midday on 6 June 2025
Interviews:Week commencing 23 June 2025

Altus Education Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are made in accordance with safer recruitment practices and the statutory guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education. Online checks will be carried out on all shortlisted candidates, and all appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and checks regarding suitability to work with children.

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