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.
- Other info: Exciting capital projects and a culture of excellence await you.
- 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.
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
The John Whitgift Foundation is an exceptional employer, deeply rooted in the Croydon community since 1596, offering a unique opportunity to lead financial management in a historic organisation dedicated to education and elder care. With a strong commitment to employee development, a collaborative work culture, and generous benefits including a competitive salary, pension scheme, and significant school fee discounts, this role promises not only professional growth but also the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of local families. Join us in shaping a sustainable financial future while being part of a legacy that prioritises community well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Financial Officer
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
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Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like John Whitgift Foundation. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Financial Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to John Whitgift Foundation.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on John Whitgift Foundation's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at John Whitgift Foundation
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with John Whitgift Foundation.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at John Whitgift Foundation will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former John Whitgift Foundation employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
