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- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and operations for a growing educational trust.
- Company: Horizons Specialist Academy Trust, dedicated to supporting students with special educational needs.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, family-friendly policies, and generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Join a committed team and enjoy extensive professional learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education while ensuring financial sustainability and excellence.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with senior leadership experience and strategic financial insight.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 80000 £ per year.
Salary: circa £80,000 (depending on experience and wider portfolio responsibilities). Permanent, Full-time.
Horizons Specialist Academy Trust consists of eight academies and one sixth form across Tees Valley, Durham and North Yorkshire, serving approximately 1,000 students with a broad range of special educational needs.
Following the retirement of the current postholder, the Trust is seeking to appoint an exceptional and strategic Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join the Executive Leadership Team. Based at Abbey Hill Academy, the CFO will play a pivotal role in shaping financial sustainability and supporting the Trust’s long-term strategic direction at an exciting stage of growth, building on strong and stable financial foundations.
Reporting to the Chief Executive and working closely with the Board of Trustees, the CFO will lead all aspects of financial strategy, planning and operations. This includes ensuring robust financial governance, delivering value for money, and enabling high-quality decision-making that supports improved outcomes for pupils.
The CFO will also lead the central finance function and contribute to wider Trust strategy, working collaboratively with senior leaders across education and operations to align financial planning with organisational priorities.
- Be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with significant senior leadership experience.
- Demonstrate a strong track record of strategic financial leadership within a complex organisation (education or public sector experience desirable but not essential).
- Have experience advising Boards and senior stakeholders, translating financial information into clear strategic insight.
- Ensure strong financial governance and compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
- Bring strong commercial acumen with a focus on efficiency, sustainability and continuous improvement.
A committed and skilled Central Team across Finance, HR, Estates, IT and Operations. Extensive and varied professional learning opportunities. Family Friendly Working policies to support work-life balance. Access to a generous Local Government or Teachers’ Pension scheme.
If you have the vision, expertise and leadership to drive financial excellence and support the continued success of Horizons Specialist Academy Trust, we would very much like to hear from you.
Horizons Specialist Academy Trust is committed to safer recruitment and promoting the welfare of children. Any offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check, appropriate references and a 6-month probation period.
Chief Financial Officer (Contract) in England employer: HORIZONS SPECIALIST ACADEMY TRUST-1
Contact Detail:
HORIZONS SPECIALIST ACADEMY TRUST-1 Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Financial Officer (Contract) in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a CFO role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Trust's financial strategies and challenges. Show us that you understand their mission and how your experience aligns with their goals. Tailor your responses to highlight your strategic financial leadership.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings! Keep an eye on our website and apply directly through it. This shows initiative and gives you a better chance of standing out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews with a thank-you note. It’s a simple gesture that keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your fit for the position!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Financial Officer (Contract) in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the CFO role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a CFO, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership. Share specific examples of how you've led financial strategy and operations in previous roles, especially in complex organisations.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at HORIZONS SPECIALIST ACADEMY TRUST-1
✨Know Your Numbers
As a CFO, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them to drive strategic decisions in previous roles. This shows you can translate complex financial data into actionable insights.
✨Understand the Trust's Vision
Familiarise yourself with Horizons Specialist Academy Trust’s mission and values. Be prepared to articulate how your financial strategies can align with their goals, especially in supporting students with special educational needs. This will show your commitment to their cause.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific financial challenges or scenarios. Think about past experiences where you've successfully navigated similar situations and be ready to share those stories. This demonstrates your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
✨Engage with the Board's Perspective
Since you'll be advising the Board of Trustees, it's crucial to understand their priorities. Prepare to discuss how you can support their decision-making processes and ensure robust financial governance. Showing that you can communicate effectively with senior stakeholders is key.