At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function and develop operational systems for social change.
- Company: Barnwood Trust, a charitable foundation focused on empowering disabled individuals.
- Benefits: £75,000 salary, 36 days holiday, and flexible working arrangements.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the community while shaping financial strategies.
- Qualifications: CFO experience or similar, with a commitment to social change.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team during an exciting strategic renewal phase.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ 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. 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.
Key Requirements
- 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
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 on or email.
For guidance on formulating your supporting statement, please review our guide How to Write a Cover Letter for a Charity Leadership Role.
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 Gloucester employer: Barnwood Trust
Contact Detail:
Barnwood Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Financial Officer in Gloucester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the charity sector, especially those who might know someone at Barnwood Trust. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the Trust's recent projects and initiatives. When you get the chance to chat with them, drop in some insights or ideas based on their work. It shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common CFO questions but also think about how you can align your answers with their mission of social change. Show them you’re not just about numbers, but about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that dream role.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Financial Officer in Gloucester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Chief Financial Officer role. Highlight your relevant experience and qualifications, especially those that align with Barnwood Trust's mission and values. We want to see how you can contribute to social change!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your skills can help Barnwood Trust achieve its goals. Keep it concise and focused on your impact.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a CFO, leadership is key. In your application, emphasise your experience in leading teams and working with diverse boards. We want to know how you've driven operational improvements and strategic initiatives in the past.
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 Numbers
As a Chief Financial Officer, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive strategic decisions in previous roles. This shows that you can align financial stewardship with the Trust's mission.
✨Show Your Commitment to Social Change
Make sure to articulate your passion for social change, especially regarding disabled people and those with mental health conditions. Share specific examples of how your financial strategies have positively impacted communities or organisations in the past.
✨Engage with the Board
Since you'll be working closely with a diverse Board of Trustees, prepare to discuss your experience in collaborating with boards. Highlight instances where you’ve successfully communicated complex financial information in an accessible way, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
✨Strategic Vision is Key
The Trust is entering a new strategic phase, so be prepared to share your vision for the finance function. Discuss how you would develop and implement long-term financial strategies that not only improve operational effectiveness but also align with the Trust’s goals for social impact.