At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and governance for a growing educational Trust.
- Company: Aequalis Education Trust, committed to inclusive and ambitious education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to empowering students and staff alike.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education while ensuring financial sustainability and growth.
- Qualifications: Professional accountancy qualification and senior financial leadership experience required.
Job Description
Chief Financial Officer | Worcestershire | £75,000 to £85,000 per annum
Aequalis Education Trust is at a defining moment in its development. As a blended, cross‐phase Trust with specialist SEND expertise and a strong commitment to ethical, inclusive and ambitious education, we are proud of the strong foundations established by our five founder schools. The Trust is seeking to appoint a highly skilled and values‐driven Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead the Trust's financial strategy, governance and sustainability during an exciting period of growth.
The Role
The CFO is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), responsible for leading the Trust's financial strategy, ensuring exemplary financial governance, and securing the long-term sustainability. They will ensure full compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook, lead the Trust's financial planning and reporting, and oversee the development of efficient, high‐performing financial systems that support the Trust's vision:
To create an inclusive and empowering educational community, driven by high‐performing teams, where everyone thrives.
The post holder will play a central role in delivering the Strategic Plan 2025–2028 and supporting Aequalis Education Trust as it grows from its five founder schools and New College Worcester, to encompass approximately 10 settings and/or 3,000 pupils
Success Measures
- Strong external audit and internal scrutiny outcomes, with actions addressed promptly, timely and accurate statutory returns.
- High-quality, accurate and timely monthly management information.
- Accurate forecasting and effective medium-term financial planning.
- Robust and consistently applied Trust-wide financial controls.
- Sustainable reserves, liquidity and effective cash management.
- Successful financial due diligence and integration of new academies; demonstrable value-for-money and efficiency improvements.
- Development of a high-performing, resilient and scalable finance function capable of supporting the Trust's future growth.
About You
The successful applicant will hold a professional accountancy qualification from a body such as the ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent (essential). Proven acumen of senior financial leadership experience, ideally within education, charity or public sector environments, is essential.
Please include a covering letter with your application.
The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure & Barring Service.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
If you have any questions about the role or would like to discuss the post further, please contact our advising consultants, RM Recruit.
Chief Financial Officer in Kidderminster employer: Aequalis Education Trust
Aequalis Education Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the professional growth of its staff. Located in Worcestershire, the Trust provides unique opportunities for career advancement within the education sector, alongside a commitment to ethical practices and community impact. As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Chief Financial Officer will play a vital role in shaping the financial future of a rapidly expanding organisation dedicated to empowering students and fostering high-performing teams.
