Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial management and strategy for a historic foundation in Croydon.
- Company: Join the John Whitgift Foundation, dedicated to community support and education since 1596.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension scheme, private medical insurance, and school fee discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community education and care while shaping financial strategies.
- Qualifications: Professionally qualified with executive leadership experience and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Exciting capital projects and a culture of excellence await you.
The predicted salary is between 115000 - 175000 £ per year.
The John Whitgift Foundation is looking for a new Chief Finance Officer. The role will be based in Croydon, South West London 3 days a week.
About Our Client
John Whitgift Foundation has operated in Croydon since 1596. From supporting young people through an outstanding independent education to caring for older people, our organisation works with people of all ages and backgrounds. John Whitgift Foundation is proud to continue our founder's legacy of caring for the local community, educating the young (at Whitgift and Trinity Schools) and caring for the elderly in their later years. Over 2500 young people attend our excellent schools. Our care facilities provide a range of support for approximately one hundred elderly residents. Our endowment comes from the land and assets set aside by our Founder and enables us to fund bursaries in our schools and operate almshouses in the centre of Croydon. This year alone our bursary provision is well over £5m. In the next five years we will be delivering a significant expansion of Trinity school by some 350 pupils, as well as providing education for boys and girls throughout the school.
Job Description
- Take responsibility for the Foundation's financial management, overseeing budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting.
- Ensuring timely production of high-quality annual accounts whilst building a resilient and sustainable finance function.
- Inspire, lead and develop a high-performing finance team, creating a culture of excellence, accountability and continuous improvement.
- Shape and deliver a forward-looking financial strategy, acting as a trusted adviser to the CEO, governors and senior leadership, and influencing key organisational decisions.
- Enhance and strengthen financial systems, controls and processes, ensuring they remain robust, efficient and aligned with future organisational needs.
- Play a key role in the Foundation's investment strategy and the oversight of the commercial property portfolio, working with external investment managers to maximise long-term returns whilst identifying opportunities to enhance value and operational performance.
The Successful Applicant
- Professionally qualified (ACA, ACCA or CIMA or equivalent) with a commitment to ongoing development.
- Seasoned senior leader, operating at executive level or working directly with executive teams.
- Excellent communicator and collaborator with the confidence and credibility to influence diverse stakeholders.
- Versed in investment and debt capital markets, with the ability to navigate complex funding landscapes.
- Strategic thinker with operational depth never losing sight of the detail that makes execution successful.
This is a unique opportunity to join one of South London's most historic organisations, where community is at the heart and there are some exciting capital projects afoot.
What's on Offer
- Salary £135,000 to £150,000
- DC pension scheme (up to 10% employer contribution)
- Opportunity to join a private medical insurance plan at a preferential group rate (employee funded)
- Generous school fee discount (50% off school fees for up to 2 children on completion of probation period)
Chief Financial Officer employer: John Whitgift Foundation
Contact Detail:
John Whitgift Foundation 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 finance sector, especially those who might know someone at the John Whitgift Foundation. A personal introduction can make all the difference in landing that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Foundation's history and values. Show us that you understand their mission and how your financial expertise can contribute to their community-focused goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience in financial management and how you've led teams to success. We want to hear about your strategic thinking and how you can influence key decisions at the executive level.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows your commitment to joining the John Whitgift Foundation and being part of their legacy.
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 Chief Financial Officer role. Highlight your financial management experience and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at the John Whitgift Foundation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our community-focused mission. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your strategic thinking and operational depth. We love numbers, so if you’ve improved financial performance or led successful projects, make sure to include those details!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at John Whitgift Foundation
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Chief Financial 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 in past roles. This shows you’re not just a numbers person but someone who can strategically apply financial insights.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've inspired and led finance teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you fostered a culture of excellence and accountability. This will highlight your ability to develop high-performing teams, which is crucial for this role.
✨Understand the Organisation's Mission
Familiarise yourself with the John Whitgift Foundation’s history and mission. Be ready to discuss how your financial strategies can align with their goals of supporting education and community care. This shows that you’re not just interested in the role, but also in making a meaningful impact.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Anticipate questions about your approach to shaping financial strategies and managing investments. Think about how you would enhance financial systems and processes to meet future needs. Being prepared to discuss these topics will demonstrate your strategic thinking and operational depth.
