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- 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, life assurance, and school fee discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a role that shapes the future of education and community care.
- Qualifications: Professional finance qualification and experience in senior leadership roles required.
- Other info: Exciting capital projects and a culture focused on excellence and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 115200 - 126000 £ per year.
The John Whitgift Foundation is looking for a new Chief Finance Officer. The role will be based in Croydon, South London 3 days a week.
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)
- Life assurance (3× salary)
- 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)
- Free parking
Chief Finance Officer employer: Page Executive
Contact Detail:
Page Executive Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Finance Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who might have insights into the John Whitgift Foundation. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Foundation’s history and values. Show them you’re not just about numbers; you care about their mission of supporting the community and education. Tailor your responses to reflect that passion!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in financial management and team leadership. Keep it concise but impactful – they should remember you!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. 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
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Chief Finance Officer role. Highlight your financial management expertise and any leadership roles you've held, as we want to see how you can inspire and lead our finance team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about the John Whitgift Foundation and how your strategic thinking can contribute to our mission. Be genuine and let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage finances effectively. We love numbers, so if you’ve improved financial processes or led successful projects, make sure to include those details!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Page Executive
✨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 John Whitgift Foundation, such as budgeting processes and investment strategies. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully managed finances in previous roles.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role requires inspiring and leading a finance team. Think of examples where you've developed high-performing teams or implemented a culture of excellence. Share specific instances that highlight your ability to motivate and guide others towards achieving financial goals.
✨Understand the Organisation's Mission
Familiarise yourself with the John Whitgift Foundation's history and its commitment to the community. Be ready to articulate how your financial strategies can support their mission of education and care for the elderly. This shows you're not just about numbers but also about making a positive impact.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
As a trusted adviser to the CEO and governors, you’ll need to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you've influenced key decisions in the past and be ready to demonstrate your communication style. Practice articulating complex financial concepts in a way that's accessible to non-financial audiences.
