Financial Director

We are partnering with a highly respected independent school foundation in Cambridge to appoint a Finance Director, with a clear pathway to Chief Financial Officer as the organisation evolves. This is a rare chance to join a financially strong, values-driven educational foundation at a genuinely strategic moment. The Foundation is reviewing its structure, aligning operations across its Senior and Prep Schools, and strengthening the way it plans for the future. The Finance Director will sit at the centre of this development – shaping financial strategy, modernising systems, and providing leadership with clear financial insight.

Base pay range

Direct message the job poster from Acuity Associates

Finance Director (Designate CFO)

The Opportunity

• Lead the Foundation’s financial strategy, planning and reporting
• Strengthen financial controls, governance and oversight
• Modernise systems and processes, improving financial information and decision support
• Develop and lead a capable, established finance team
• Partner closely with senior leadership and Governors on key decisions
• Provide forward‑looking insight, modelling and scenario planning
• Contribute directly to long‑term organisational change
• Progress into the CFO role as the structure evolves

What We’re Looking For

• A qualified senior finance leader (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) who brings strong technical finance capability
• Clear, confident communication with senior stakeholders
• The ability to simplify complexity and provide strategic clarity
• Leadership experience, including developing teams and leading change
• Ambition and appetite to help shape a forward‑looking organisation
• Education or charity‑sector experience is helpful but not essential

• Location: Cambridge (on site during term time, flexible outside term)
• Benefits: Full independent school package
• Progression: Structured pathway to Chief Financial Officer

Note: All candidates will be required to complete The Acuity Measure in order to be considered for this role.