At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance and operations for a Multi-Academy Trust during a transition period.
- Company: Join a supportive Multi-Academy Trust focused on education and community.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, flexible work options, and impactful leadership role.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while managing diverse teams and projects.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in finance and operations within education is essential.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence change and drive compliance in a dynamic environment.
We are seeking an experienced Interim Chief Finance Operating Officer to support a Multi-Academy Trust during a transition period. Reporting to the CEO, the role will provide strategic and hands-on leadership across finance, operations, IT, estates and health & safety, HR and GDPR/data protection. You will also be line managing three people.
Candidate Profile
- Senior financial and operational leadership experience within a MAT or education, working across multiple sites is essential.
- SEND experience would be desirable.
- Strong track record in operations, IT oversight, and compliance.
- Strong experience of estates and health & safety.
- Working knowledge of GDPR and data protection.
- Experience of change management/turnaround.
- Proven ability to deliver impact quickly in an interim role.
- Excellent stakeholder and governance experience.
Interview & start are being conducted in February 2026. If you have the expertise above, please apply now! Or alternatively, for more information, please contact Raj.
Panoramic Associates is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful candidates will be subject to necessary recruitment checks.
Interim Chief Finance Operations Officer in England employer: iO Associates
Contact Detail:
iO Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Chief Finance Operations Officer in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who have experience with Multi-Academy Trusts. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about opportunities and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of GDPR and data protection. Since this role involves compliance, showing that you’re on top of these regulations will definitely impress the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your change management skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've successfully led transitions or turnarounds in previous roles. This will highlight your ability to deliver impact quickly, which is crucial for an interim position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Chief Finance Operations Officer in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your senior financial and operational leadership experience, especially within a Multi-Academy Trust or education sector. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your SEND experience if you have it!
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 Interim Chief Finance Operations Officer role. We love seeing candidates who can articulate their change management experience and how they’ve delivered impact quickly in previous roles.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves line managing three people, make sure to highlight your leadership style and any relevant experiences. We’re looking for someone who can provide strategic and hands-on leadership, so share examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at iO Associates
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Interim Chief Finance Operations Officer, 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 decisions in previous roles. This will show your potential employer that you can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll be managing a team, so it’s crucial to articulate your leadership approach. Prepare examples of how you’ve successfully led teams through transitions or change management. Highlight your experience in fostering collaboration and driving results across multiple sites.
✨Understand the Education Sector
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and regulations within the Multi-Academy Trust environment. Be prepared to discuss your experience with SEND and how you’ve navigated compliance issues, especially around GDPR and data protection. This knowledge will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about past situations where you had to make quick decisions or manage crises. Practising these scenarios will help you articulate your thought process and demonstrate your ability to deliver impact quickly.