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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, professional development, and family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to improving outcomes for pupils.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education while ensuring financial sustainability and governance.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with senior leadership experience and strategic financial insight.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 85000 ÂŁ per year.
Salary: circa ÂŁ80,000 (depending on experience and wider portfolio responsibilities)
Permanent, Full-time
Required for September
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.
Successful Candidate Requirements
- 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.
- Be an inspirational, collaborative leader with the ability to develop high‑performing teams and build effective relationships.
- Bring strong commercial acumen with a focus on efficiency, sustainability and continuous improvement.
Benefits
- An ambitious and forward‑thinking Chief Executive Officer and Board of Trustees.
- A highly collaborative and supportive Executive Leadership Team.
- A committed and skilled Central Team across Finance, HR, Estates, IT and Operations.
- Well‑established systems, processes and infrastructure.
- Extensive and varied professional learning opportunities.
- Access to a wide range of support for your physical and mental wellbeing.
- Family‑Friendly Working policies to support work‑life balance.
- Access to a generous Local Government or Teachers’ Pension scheme.
- Recognition by Investors in People as a Gold organisation and Silver award for wellbeing.
Chief Financial Officer employer: Horizons Specialist Academy Trust
Contact Detail:
Horizons Specialist Academy Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Financial Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the lookout 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 recent developments. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your understanding of their goals and how you can contribute to their financial sustainability.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your strategic financial leadership experience clearly and confidently. We want to hear how you've turned complex financial data into actionable insights for boards and stakeholders.
✨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 are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Financial Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the CFO role. Highlight your strategic financial leadership experience and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at Horizons Specialist Academy Trust.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the role. Share specific examples of how you've led financial strategy in complex organisations, and don’t forget to mention your collaborative leadership style.
Showcase Your Financial Acumen: In your application, be sure to demonstrate your strong commercial acumen. Discuss how you've ensured financial governance and compliance in previous roles, as this is crucial for us at Horizons Specialist Academy Trust.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a seamless application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Horizons Specialist Academy Trust
✨Know Your Numbers
As a CFO, you'll need to demonstrate your financial expertise. 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 data into actionable insights.
✨Understand the Trust's Vision
Familiarise yourself with Horizons Specialist Academy Trust’s mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your financial strategies can align with their goals for improving outcomes for students. This will show that you're not just about numbers but also about making a difference.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Highlight your experience in leading teams and collaborating with senior stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've built high-performing teams and fostered effective relationships. This is crucial for a role that requires inspiring others and driving financial governance.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare insightful questions about the Trust's current financial challenges and future plans. This demonstrates your strategic thinking and genuine interest in contributing to their long-term success.