Interim Chief Financial Officer, QUANTOCK EDUCATION TRUST

Guardian Jobs; Bridgwater; Hybrid; GBP 71,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking Multi Academy Trust is seeking an Interim Chief Financial Officer to lead financial strategy and governance. This dynamic role offers the opportunity to shape the financial future of the Trust while working closely with schools and the Board of Trustees. The ideal candidate will be a fully qualified Chartered Accountant with a proven track record in financial leadership within complex organizations, particularly in educational settings. Join a team that values character development and academic achievement, and enjoy a competitive salary along with hybrid working flexibility.

Benefits

Structured CPD opportunities

Generous annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Eligibility for a Blue Light Card

Qualifications

• Fully qualified Chartered Accountant with a successful track record in financial leadership.
• Experience in school or academy financial management and knowledge of statutory regulations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement robust financial strategies for the Trust.
• Oversee financial health and governance while managing resources effectively.

Skills

Financial Leadership

Strategic Planning

Financial Governance

School Financial Management

Statutory Regulations Knowledge

Education

Chartered Accountant (CIPFA, ACA, ACCA)

Job description

Interim Chief Financial Officer (Interim CFO)

QET Central Offices, Haygrove School, Bridgwater, TA6 7HW

Salary: £71,557 - £77,419 per annum

Full-time (37 hours per week, all year round)

Temporary for 12 months, Hybrid Remote (minimum 3 days per week on-site or within Trust Schools)

Building character, shaping futures

Quantock Education Trust is a growing and ambitious mixed Multi Academy Trust founded in 2019. We are defined by our values and ethos, which drive our all-through school improvement model. Our schools advocate for all children and place a strong emphasis on character development as well as academic achievement.

We are seeking a highly skilled and strategic Interim Chief Financial Officer who can support a clear growth strategy, provide visible strategic leadership and oversee the financial health of the Trust. This rewarding role involves working directly with schools, our Board of Trustees and Central Team and will involve developing and implementing robust financial strategies, ensuring strong financial governance and managing resources effectively to support our growth.

You will be a fully qualified Chartered Accountant (CIPFA, ACA, ACCA, or equivalent) and you will have a successful track record of financial leadership within a complex organisation. Ideal candidates will have experience in school or academy financial management and possess in-depth knowledge of statutory regulations, including the Academies Financial Handbook and ESFA reporting requirements.

Why Join Us?

• A dynamic leadership role within a forward-thinking
• Multi Academy Trust Structured CPD opportunities
• Generous annual leave
• Competitive salary and hybrid working flexibility
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Eligibility for a Blue Light Card and more.

Visits to the Trust are warmly welcomed. Please contact Tracy Lee, Director of Finance and Operations on 01278 455531 or email [e-mail] for more information or a confidential discussion about the role.

Closing date: noon on 19 May 2025.

Interviews: week commencing 2 June 2025.

Quantock Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We welcome applications from under-represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.