At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and support school leaders in achieving educational excellence.
- Company: Join the Bishop Wheeler Catholic Academy Trust, serving over 5,000 pupils across multiple schools.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive holidays, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Confidential conversations with the CEO available for interested candidates.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while working in a supportive, ethical environment.
- Qualifications: Proven finance leadership experience, ideally within education, with a track record of driving improvements.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
The Bishop Wheeler Catholic Academy Trust is a group of schools serving communities across North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and Lancashire. Our sixteen schools, two secondary and fourteen primary, work together to educate more than 5,000 pupils. In doing this, we aim to fulfil our mission of working together as a true family of schools to offer high quality Catholic education, enabling our young people to develop spiritually, morally, intellectually and personally, putting their faith into action, through serving Christ in others, in the church and in the world around them.
We are seeking to appoint our new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and are looking for a highly credible Trust leader, with deep knowledge and experience of finance, who is keen to embrace the challenge of helping to take our Trust forward in the next year during the lead-up to a planned merger with two other Catholic trusts in the Leeds Diocese.
As a Trust, we recognise that the commitment and care shown by all staff are fundamental to the success of our students and commit to supporting, encouraging, and respecting all colleagues and providing them with an enjoyable and rewarding working environment, where we take account of their workload and wellbeing. Our schools and Central Team are led in an ethical way, driven by moral purpose, creating a positive and aspirational culture.
Our CFO will work as part of the Trust Central Team, led by the Chief Executive Officer, providing support and advice to Headteachers who lead their school teams. We recognise that maintaining a long-term financial stable footing, coupled with strategic delivery of operational capacity and capability, will enable this Trust to deliver on its ambitions for children and its staff. The strategic role of CFO involves drawing out and developing all that is best within our schools, ensuring a shared culture of excellence.
The CFO will work with Headteachers and leaders in our schools and across our Trust, with external business partners, and other stakeholders to drive financial efficiency to support our educational practices, in pursuit of our mission and strategic aims. You will be empowered to make decisions and to be creative, within the framework of regulation and compliance. You will lead a supportive and experienced team, building on the well-organised finance systems that are in place across the organisation.
The successful candidate will be a highly respected finance professional and operational leader, a role model with broad leadership experience, which may include working in education. We are looking for a candidate with a proven track record of implementing sustained finance improvement across several settings. You must have the ability to initiate and lead change in a positive way which makes a real difference to learning and share each of our school's commitment to ensuring the pupils are safe and happy and achieve their full potential. Working in a supportive Trust environment must be central to your thinking, helping school leaders to sustain their mutual support across the wider network of schools.
What benefits does the Trust offer to its employees?
- A Defined Benefit Pension Scheme with favourable terms for all employees (Teachers' Pension for Teachers; LGPS for Support Staff)
- Employee centred and family friendly policies and practices that support you in and beyond your workplace.
- Offering flexible working wherever we can, in order to support the work life balance of our employees.
- Enhanced sick pay, maternity leave, paternity leave and parental leave.
- Competitive holiday entitlement for support staff.
- Cycle to work scheme, funded eye tests and glasses for DSE users (subject to T&Cs).
- Access to Occupational Health and an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) through Education Support.
- Employee benefits scheme through Vivup specialising in health and wellbeing.
If you would like further information, including a confidential conversation with our CEO, please contact Amanda Whelan, Head of HR.
Closing Date - 12:00 Thursday 10th July 2025
Interview Date - Wednesday 16th July 2025
Chief Financial Officer in Ilkley employer: BISHOP WHEELER CATHOLIC ACADEMY TRUST
The Bishop Wheeler Catholic Academy Trust is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and rewarding work environment for its staff. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, the Trust offers flexible working arrangements, generous leave policies, and a Defined Benefit Pension Scheme, ensuring that all team members can thrive both personally and professionally. As part of a collaborative and ethical culture, the new Chief Financial Officer will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education across North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, and Lancashire, while benefiting from ample opportunities for growth and development within a family-oriented community.
Contact Details:
BISHOP WHEELER CATHOLIC ACADEMY TRUST Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Financial Officer in Ilkley
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial challenges and opportunities within the education sector, particularly in multi-academy trusts. Understanding the nuances of funding, budgeting, and financial compliance in this context will help you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former CFOs in educational settings to gain insights into their experiences and the skills they found most valuable. This can provide you with practical knowledge that you can reference during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your commitment to the values of the Trust by engaging with their community initiatives or attending events. Showing that you are already invested in their mission can make a strong impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading financial improvements and change management. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully implemented strategies that have positively impacted educational outcomes.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Financial Officer in Ilkley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Trust's Mission:Familiarise yourself with the Bishop Wheeler Catholic Academy Trust's mission and values. Highlight how your experience and vision align with their commitment to providing high-quality Catholic education and supporting the development of pupils.
Showcase Relevant Experience:Emphasise your financial expertise and leadership experience, particularly in educational settings or similar organisations. Provide specific examples of how you've implemented financial improvements and led teams effectively.
Tailor Your Application:Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements outlined in the job description. Address how you can contribute to the Trust's goals, especially regarding the upcoming merger and financial stability.
Proofread and Edit:Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your documents for any errors or inconsistencies. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a CFO role.
How to prepare for a job interview at BISHOP WHEELER CATHOLIC ACADEMY TRUST
✨Understand the Trust's Mission
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the mission of The Bishop Wheeler Catholic Academy Trust. Familiarise yourself with their values and how they aim to provide high-quality Catholic education. This will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your commitment to their vision.
✨Showcase Financial Expertise
As a CFO, your financial acumen is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in finance, particularly any improvements you've implemented in past roles. Highlight specific examples where your financial strategies have led to positive outcomes, especially in educational settings if applicable.
✨Emphasise Leadership Skills
The role requires strong leadership capabilities. Be ready to share instances where you've successfully led teams or initiatives. Discuss how you foster collaboration and support among staff, as this aligns with the Trust's emphasis on a supportive working environment.
✨Prepare for Change Management Questions
Given the upcoming merger with two other trusts, expect questions about change management. Prepare to discuss your approach to leading change positively and effectively. Share examples of how you've navigated transitions in the past and the impact it had on the organisation.
