At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function and develop operational systems for impactful social change.
- Company: Barnwood Trust, a charitable foundation dedicated to empowering disabled people and those with mental health conditions.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape financial strategies and make a real difference in the community.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team and influence positive change in Gloucestershire.
- Qualifications: CFO experience or similar, with a commitment to social impact and strategic leadership.
- Other info: Exciting phase of renewal and growth with a new leadership team.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Barnwood Trust is a long‑established charitable Trust in Gloucestershire. Their vision is that Gloucestershire will be a better place when disabled people and people with mental health conditions are equal, empowered and their rights are upheld. They are now looking for a Chief Financial Officer who can lead, deliver, and develop the finance function, governance, and operational systems of a complex charitable foundation which aims to create social change.
They have made exciting strides in their approach to social and impact investment alongside local grant making, and the way in which they manage their investment portfolio. The new CFO will shape and evolve this approach, ensuring alignment between capital stewardship and mission impact. The new CFO will be a strategic, pragmatic and commercially‑minded leader and will ensure effective, efficient and innovative use of financial resources, investments and capital assets to deliver mission aligned impact and value.
They will bring:
- Commitment to social change for disabled people and people with mental health conditions
- Demonstrable CFO experience or similar
- Chartered accounting or equivalent financial qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA)
- Experience in developing and implementing long‑term organisational, financial and governance strategies, with a focus on operational improvement and effectiveness.
- Experience and confidence working with a diverse Board of Trustees
The Trust is coming to the end of its current strategy phase and has a new CEO and Leadership Team in place. They have developed and piloted a range of interesting work over the last few years, and in 2026 will be setting plans, partnerships and strategies for the next phase of their journey. This is a period of renewal and strategic opportunity, building on strong foundations while shaping the Trust for its next phase.
How to Apply
To apply for the role, please upload your CV together with a supporting statement (of no more than 1000 words) onto the Prospectus website via the link below. Please ensure that you have included a telephone number, as well as any dates when you will not be available or might have difficulty with the recruitment timetable. If you wish to apply using an alternative format, please contact Prospectus.
For guidance on formulating your supporting statement, please review our guide How to Write a Cover Letter for a Charity Leadership Role. If you would like to have an informal conversation about the role, please contact our retained partners.
At Prospectus we believe passionately that a truly inclusive workplace leads to increased social impact. We are committed to supporting our clients build more inclusive teams. To understand how we are performing, we ask that you kindly complete the brief equal opportunities questionnaire when you submit your application via our website. Please be assured that your responses are kept confidential, separate from your candidate record, are not part of any application you make, and that the consultants never see individual responses to the questionnaire.
Recruitment Timetable
Deadline for applications: Sunday 1st February (midnight). Interviews with Prospectus: w/c 9th February. First stage interviews with Barnwood Trust: 2nd– 5th March.
Chief Financial Officer in Cheltenham employer: Barnwood Trust
Contact Detail:
Barnwood Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Financial Officer in Cheltenham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the charity sector, especially those who have experience with organisations similar to Barnwood Trust. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into Barnwood Trust's mission and recent projects. Show us that you’re not just a numbers person but also passionate about social change for disabled people and those with mental health conditions.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate how your CFO experience aligns with their vision. We want to hear how you can lead financial strategies that create real impact, so make it clear and compelling.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who follow the process closely.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Financial Officer in Cheltenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Chief Financial Officer. Highlight your relevant experience in finance, governance, and social impact investment. We want to see how your background aligns with Barnwood Trust's mission!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about social change and how your skills can help Barnwood Trust achieve its goals. Keep it concise and focused on the key points from the job description.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key. Avoid jargon and keep your language straightforward. We want to understand your thoughts easily, so make sure your ideas flow logically and are easy to follow.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through the Prospectus website! It's the easiest way for us to receive your CV and supporting statement. Plus, make sure to include your contact details and any availability issues upfront.
How to prepare for a job interview at Barnwood Trust
✨Know Your Mission
Before the interview, dive deep into Barnwood Trust's mission and values. Understand their commitment to social change for disabled people and those with mental health conditions. This will help you align your answers with their vision and demonstrate your genuine interest in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Financial Expertise
Be ready to discuss your previous CFO experience or similar roles in detail. Prepare specific examples of how you've developed and implemented financial strategies that led to operational improvements. Highlight any experience you have with social and impact investment, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Engage with the Board
Since you'll be working closely with a diverse Board of Trustees, think about how you can effectively communicate and engage with them. Prepare to discuss your approach to governance and how you’ve successfully collaborated with boards in the past. This shows you're not just a numbers person but also a strategic leader.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with insightful questions about the Trust's future plans and how they envision the CFO's role in shaping that journey. This not only shows your interest but also your strategic thinking and commitment to their mission.