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- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and operations for a growing educational trust.
- Company: Horizons Specialist Academy Trust, dedicated to supporting students with special educational needs.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to improving outcomes for students.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the financial sustainability of an innovative educational organisation.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with senior leadership experience and strategic financial insight.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 80000 £ per year.
Horizons Specialist Academy Trust consists of eight academies and one sixth form across Tees Valley, Durham and North Yorkshire, serving approximately 1,000 students with a broad range of special educational needs. Following the retirement of the current postholder, the Trust is seeking to appoint an exceptional and strategic Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join the Executive Leadership Team. Based at Abbey Hill Academy, the CFO will play a pivotal role in shaping financial sustainability and supporting the Trust's long-term strategic direction at an exciting stage of growth, building on strong and stable financial foundations.
Reporting to the Chief Executive and working closely with the Board of Trustees, the CFO will lead all aspects of financial strategy, planning and operations. This includes ensuring robust financial governance, delivering value for money, and enabling high-quality decision-making that supports improved outcomes for pupils. The CFO will also lead the central finance function and contribute to the wider Trust strategy, working collaboratively with senior leaders across education and operations to align financial planning with organisational priorities.
Requirements
- Be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with significant senior leadership experience.
- Demonstrate a strong track record of strategic financial leadership within a complex organisation (education or public sector experience desirable but not essential).
- Have experience advising Boards and senior stakeholders, translating financial information into clear strategic insight.
- Ensure strong financial governance and compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
- Be an inspirational, collaborative leader with the ability to develop high‑performing teams and build effective relationships.
- Bring strong commercial acumen with a focus on efficiency, sustainability and continuous improvement.
Benefits
- An ambitious and forward‑thinking Chief Executive Officer and Board of Trustees.
- A highly collaborative and supportive Executive Leadership Team.
- A committed and skilled Central Team across Finance, HR, Estates, IT and Operations.
- Well‑established systems, processes and infrastructure.
- Extensive and varied professional learning opportunities.
- Access to a wide range of support for your physical and mental well‑being.
- Family‑Friendly working policies to support work‑life balance.
- Access to a generous Local Government or Teachers' Pension scheme.
- Recognition by Investors in People as a Gold organisation and Silver award for wellbeing.
Horizons Specialist Academy Trust is committed to safer recruitment and promoting the welfare of children. Any offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check, appropriate references and a 6‑month probation period.
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) - Abbey Hill Academy (Horizons Specialist Academy Trust ) employer: North Tyneside Council
Contact Detail:
North Tyneside Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Financial Officer (CFO) - Abbey Hill Academy (Horizons Specialist Academy Trust )
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the education sector! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current or former employees of Horizons Specialist Academy Trust. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your strategic financial leadership experience. Share specific examples of how you've driven financial sustainability and improved outcomes in previous roles. We want to see that you can inspire and lead teams!
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework on Abbey Hill Academy and Horizons Specialist Academy Trust. Understand their mission, values, and recent developments. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows that you’re proactive and serious about joining our team at Horizons Specialist Academy Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Financial Officer (CFO) - Abbey Hill Academy (Horizons Specialist Academy Trust )
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the CFO role at Abbey Hill Academy. Highlight your strategic financial leadership experience and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your vision for financial sustainability and how you can contribute to our Trust's growth. Be genuine and let your personality shine through!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a CFO, you'll be leading teams and advising Boards. Use your application to demonstrate your collaborative leadership style and how you've built high-performing teams in the past. We love seeing examples of effective relationship-building!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at North Tyneside Council
✨Know Your Numbers
As a CFO, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the education sector and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive strategic decisions in previous roles.
✨Understand the Trust's Vision
Familiarise yourself with Horizons Specialist Academy Trust's mission and values. Be prepared to articulate how your financial strategies can align with their goals, particularly in supporting students with special educational needs.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Highlight your experience in leading finance teams and collaborating with senior stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've inspired teams and built effective relationships, as this role requires strong leadership and collaboration.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about potential financial challenges the Trust might face and how you would approach them. This will show your strategic thinking and readiness to tackle complex issues.