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- Tasks: Lead finance operations and provide strategic financial guidance for a thriving school community.
- Company: Lordswood Boys' School and Central Academies Trust, committed to educational excellence.
- Benefits: Supportive environment, professional development, health benefits, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education through strong financial stewardship and strategic influence.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in finance leadership and a passion for educational success.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 117800 £ per year.
The Director of Finance and Chief Finance Officer is a key leadership support professional working across both Lordswood Boys' School and Central Academies Trust. The postholder will provide professional leadership for finance operations at school level while also contributing to the trust's wider financial stewardship, compliance and long‑term sustainability. This is a deliberately balanced role. It is not simply a strategic CFO post removed from operational reality, nor is it solely a transactional finance management role. The successful candidate will take genuine ownership of school-based finance activity while working in close partnership with external finance partners on management accounts, balance sheets, payroll, pensions, VAT returns and wider statutory and regulatory returns. As the trust's named CFO, the postholder will also provide assurance, analysis and advice to senior leaders, governors and trustees. They will help ensure that financial information is accurate, timely and trusted, that internal controls are secure and proportionate, and that leaders are able to make well‑informed decisions which support educational excellence, inclusion and responsible growth.
Responsibilities
- To provide strategic and operational leadership for finance across Lordswood Boys' School and Central Academies Trust.
- To act as the trust's named CFO, ensuring strong financial stewardship, compliance, sustainability and value for money.
- To lead school-level finance operations while working in close partnership with finance partners on management accounts, payroll, pensions, VAT and regulatory returns.
- To support executive leaders, governors and trustees with clear financial information, analysis and advice.
Benefits
- A friendly and supportive environment
- Excellent and ongoing opportunities for professional development
- A role with genuine strategic influence at both school and trust level
- Westfield Health and employee wellbeing support
- Access to optical, dental, physiotherapy and 24/7 doctor line benefits
- The chance to contribute to a flourishing and ambitious school community and ambitious Multi Academy Trust
Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities
Lordswood Boys' School and Central Academies Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and warmly welcome applications from candidates who share our commitment to inclusion, integrity and service.
Director of Finance and Chief Finance Officer in Essex employer: Lordswood Boys' School
Contact Detail:
Lordswood Boys' School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Finance and Chief Finance Officer in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and finance sectors. Attend events, webinars, or even casual meet-ups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and trust thoroughly. Understand their financial operations and challenges. This way, you can showcase how your skills align with their needs and demonstrate that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience in finance can directly benefit Lordswood Boys' School and Central Academies Trust. Highlight your leadership skills and how you can ensure strong financial stewardship and compliance.
✨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 you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to a flourishing school community.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance and Chief Finance Officer in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Director of Finance role. Highlight your leadership in finance operations and any relevant partnerships you've had with external finance partners.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your strategic vision for financial stewardship and how you can contribute to the trust's long-term sustainability.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements in previous roles. Use numbers and examples to demonstrate how you've improved financial processes or contributed to compliance and value for money.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our values!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lordswood Boys' School
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Director of Finance and CFO, you’ll need to demonstrate a solid grasp of financial metrics. Brush up on key financial statements, management accounts, and compliance regulations relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss how you've used these in past positions to drive strategic decisions.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
This role requires strong leadership skills, so prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading finance teams and collaborating with senior leaders. Think about times when your financial insights influenced decision-making at a strategic level.
✨Understand the Educational Context
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial challenges faced by schools and multi-academy trusts. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to financial sustainability while supporting educational excellence and inclusion.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the trust's financial strategies, challenges, and goals. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.