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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic financial initiatives and drive long-term planning for educational excellence.
- Company: Star Academies, a leading multi-academy trust dedicated to nurturing young leaders.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension schemes, generous holidays, and healthcare cash plans.
- Why this job: Shape the future of thousands of young people in a values-driven environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in strategic finance and organisational planning in complex settings.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with extensive professional development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
ImpactEd Consulting is acting as recruitment advisor to Star Academies on this appointment.
View and download the full Appointment Brief .
Star Academies is one of the country’s leading multi-academy trusts, with a diverse network of primary and secondary schools serving communities across the country. We are committed to educational excellence, character development and service to our communities, nurturing today’s young people and inspiring tomorrow’s leaders.
About the role
We are now seeking a Chief Strategy & Finance Officer (CSFO) to join our executive leadership team. This is a pivotal new role that will provide strategic financial leadership and drive the Trust’s long-term planning, commercial development and financial sustainability, ensuring alignment with our mission and priorities.
Working closely with the Chief Executive and the newly appointed Chief Operating Officer, you will lead strategy development and financial stewardship across the Trust. You will oversee budgeting and forecasting, financial modelling and investment planning, risk and assurance, and the development of commercial and income-generating initiatives that strengthen resilience and support educational excellence.
Who we’re looking for
We are looking for an experienced senior leader with a track record of strategic finance and organisational planning in complex, multi-site environments. You will bring exceptional analytical acuity, systems-level thinking and a collaborative leadership style that builds trust and organisational capability.
This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of a values-driven, high-performing trust and make a significant contribution to the life chances of thousands of young people.
About Star Academies
Star Academies is a high-performing multi-academy trust that runs more than 30 primary and secondary schools. We are a values-based organisation that works to improve the life chances of young people in areas of social and economic deprivation to help them succeed at the highest levels of education, employment and the professions. Every single day you’ll be rewarded with the opportunity to shape a young person’s future – our STAR values embody what we believe is needed to succeed.
Professional development is key to our ongoing success, so we continually invest in our employees through our professional development hub, Star Talent Academy . With a wealth of training, mentoring and progression opportunities across a large, growing group of academies, joining our team of leading education experts could propel your career to the next level.
We can also offer you a range of rewards and benefits , including competitive salaries and pension schemes, generous holiday entitlements and healthcare cash plans.
Find out more
If you have any questions based on any aspect of the appointment process or require any additional information, please contact with the subject line “Star Academies – Chief Strategy & Finance Officer”.
Key dates:
Closing Date: Monday 3 November 2025 at 5:30pm.
Interview Date: First round w/c Monday 17 November. Final interview w/c 24 November.
Proposed Start Date: January 2026 or ASAP thereafter.
Application process
Please download and review the full Appointment Brief before applying. To apply, download and complete the application form and send it by email to with the subject line “Star Academies – Chief Strategy & Finance Officer”.
Chief Strategy and Finance Officer (Star Academies) employer: IMPACTED GROUP
Contact Detail:
IMPACTED GROUP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Strategy and Finance Officer (Star Academies)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who have insights into Star Academies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could set you apart.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into Star Academies' mission and values. Show us how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in strategic finance and organisational planning. We love candidates who resonate with our vision!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your leadership style and how you've driven financial sustainability in previous roles. We want to hear about your successes and how you can bring that magic to Star Academies.
✨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’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in education.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Strategy and Finance Officer (Star Academies)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Appointment Brief: Before you dive into your application, make sure to download and thoroughly read the full Appointment Brief. It’s packed with essential info about the role and what Star Academies is all about, helping you tailor your application to fit their needs.
Showcase Your Experience: When filling out the application form, highlight your experience in strategic finance and organisational planning. Use specific examples that demonstrate your analytical skills and collaborative leadership style, as these are key traits they’re looking for.
Align with Their Values: Star Academies is all about values-driven work. Make sure your application reflects how your personal values align with theirs, especially in terms of improving life chances for young people. This will show them you’re not just a fit on paper but also culturally.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Star Academies.
How to prepare for a job interview at IMPACTED GROUP
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Chief Strategy and Finance Officer, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to multi-academy trusts, such as budgeting, forecasting, and investment planning. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed finances in complex environments.
✨Align with the Mission
Star Academies is all about educational excellence and community service. Make sure you understand their mission and values inside out. Prepare examples of how your previous work aligns with these principles, showcasing your commitment to improving life chances for young people.
✨Showcase Collaborative Leadership
This role requires a collaborative approach. Think of instances where you've built trust and capability within teams. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive strategic initiatives while fostering a positive organisational culture.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Practice articulating your thought process when faced with challenges like financial sustainability or risk management. This will show your analytical acuity and systems-level thinking, which are crucial for this role.
