At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and governance for a forward-thinking education Trust.
- Company: Orion Education, dedicated to transforming lives and improving outcomes for young people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, professional development, and a focus on wellbeing.
- Other info: Join an ambitious team committed to values of trust, kindness, and endeavour.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education and social mobility in your community.
- Qualifications: Professional accountancy qualification and senior finance leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 125000 - 125000 £ per year.
Orion Education is seeking an exceptional Chief Finance Officer to help shape the next stage of the Trust’s development. This is a pivotal executive leadership role at a critical moment for a forward-looking, values-led organisation with eight schools across Bromley and Kent.
Orion is driven by a clear mission: to improve outcomes, transform lives and enable social mobility. Its work is underpinned by the values of trust, kindness and endeavour, and by a belief that strong culture, academic rigour and excellent leadership can make a lasting difference for young people and their communities.
Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Trustees and wider Executive Leadership Team, the CFO will provide clear, disciplined and strategic financial leadership across the Trust. You will ensure that Orion has the financial strategy, systems, governance and decision-making capability required to support sustainable growth, operational resilience and improved outcomes for pupils, particularly those who are most disadvantaged.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Leading the Trust’s long-term financial strategy, planning, budgeting and forecasting.
- Providing high-quality financial insight to the CEO, Board and Executive Leadership Team.
- Ensuring robust financial governance, compliance, risk management and assurance.
- Overseeing statutory reporting, audit, cashflow, financial controls and regulatory requirements.
- Implementing curriculum-led financial planning across the Trust.
- Supporting school and Trust leaders to make evidence-informed decisions about staffing, resources and investment.
- Driving value for money through procurement, contract management, systems improvement and standardisation.
- Building financial frameworks that support sustainable growth and potential future school integration.
- Developing finance colleagues and contributing to a strong, collaborative and accountable culture.
This is a role for a finance leader who can operate with both strategic ambition and practical grip. You will be able to translate complex financial information into clear advice, build confidence among non-finance leaders, and ensure that resources are aligned to educational priorities.
We are looking for someone who can bring:
- Professional accountancy qualification and significant senior finance leadership experience.
- A strong track record in financial strategy, planning, control and governance.
- Experience of operating at executive or board level in a complex organisation.
- The ability to manage significant budgets, risk and resources with confidence.
- Strong judgement, integrity and accountability.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence a wide range of stakeholders.
- A values-led approach, with the ability to build trust and develop others.
- Commitment to Orion’s mission, values and ambition for young people.
Just as importantly, you will be a leader with cultural tenacity, accountability with purpose, imaginative intelligence and the capacity to connect with colleagues, pupils, communities and partners.
In return, Orion offers:
- A senior executive role with real strategic influence.
- The opportunity to join an ambitious Trust at an exciting stage of development.
- Competitive salary of up to £125,000 per annum.
- Pension provision and a strong commitment to professional development.
- A culture that places wellbeing, inclusion and belonging at its heart.
- The chance to make a lasting contribution to pupils, schools and communities.
Orion Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The Trust is fully committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.
For a confidential conversation, please contact Phil Southern at Ivy Rock Partners.
Chief Finance Officer in Chislehurst employer: Ivy Rock Partners Ltd
Orion Education is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and professional development of its staff, offering a competitive salary and a culture rooted in trust, kindness, and endeavour. As a Chief Finance Officer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of a values-led organisation dedicated to transforming lives and improving educational outcomes for young people in Bromley and Kent. With a strong commitment to inclusion and a collaborative work environment, Orion provides meaningful opportunities for growth and the chance to make a lasting impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Finance Officer in Chislehurst
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who might know someone at Orion Education. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into Orion's mission and values. Show us how your experience aligns with their goals of improving outcomes and transforming lives. We love candidates who can connect their skills to our vision!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your financial storytelling! Be ready to explain complex financial concepts in simple terms. This will help you build confidence with non-finance leaders during the interview process, which is key for a CFO role.
✨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 take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Finance Officer in Chislehurst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Chief Finance Officer role. Highlight your financial strategy expertise and leadership experience, as these are key for us at Orion Education.
Showcase Your Values:We’re all about trust, kindness, and endeavour, so don’t forget to weave these values into your application. Share examples of how you’ve demonstrated these in your previous roles, especially in relation to improving outcomes for young people.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is crucial. Use straightforward language to explain your financial insights and strategies. Remember, we want to see how you can translate complex information into actionable advice for non-finance leaders.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it reaches the right people in our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ivy Rock Partners Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Chief Finance Officer, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the organisation and be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive strategic decisions in the past.
✨Align with Their Values
Orion Education is all about trust, kindness, and endeavour. Make sure you can articulate how your personal values align with theirs. Share examples of how you've fostered a positive culture in previous roles, especially in challenging environments.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about potential challenges Orion might face and prepare to discuss how you would approach them, particularly in terms of financial governance and risk management.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
You’ll be working closely with various stakeholders, so show that you can communicate complex financial information clearly. Prepare to discuss how you've influenced non-finance leaders in the past and how you plan to build relationships within the Trust.
