At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial management and strategy for a historic foundation in Croydon.
- Company: Join the John Whitgift Foundation, dedicated to education and community care since 1596.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, life assurance, and school fee discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial strategy while supporting education and community initiatives.
- Qualifications: Professional finance qualification and experience at an executive level required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 115000 - 135000 £ 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 2,500 young people attend our excellent schools. Our care facilities provide a range of support for approximately 100 elderly residents. Our endowment funds bursaries in our schools and operates 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.
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
Contact Quote job ref: JN-012026-6933022
Chief Finance Officer in Croydon employer: Page Executive
Contact Detail:
Page Executive Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Finance Officer in Croydon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector and let them know you're on the lookout for a Chief Finance Officer role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the John Whitgift Foundation thoroughly. 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 legacy.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for the financial strategy and how you can lead a high-performing team. Confidence is key, so rehearse your answers to common interview questions and be prepared to discuss your past successes.
✨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 the John Whitgift Foundation and making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Finance Officer in Croydon
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 develop a high-performing 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 shape our financial future. Be sure to mention your experience in investment and debt capital markets.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a CFO, you'll need to influence diverse stakeholders. In your application, demonstrate your excellent communication and collaboration skills. Share examples of how you've successfully navigated complex funding landscapes or worked with executive teams.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a seamless application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
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, forecasting, and investment strategies. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed finances in previous roles.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role requires inspiring and leading a finance team. Prepare examples of how you've developed high-performing teams in the past. Think about specific instances where you fostered a culture of excellence and accountability, and be ready to share these stories during the interview.
✨Understand the Organisation's Mission
Familiarise yourself with the John Whitgift Foundation’s history and mission. Understand their commitment to education and community care. This will help you align your answers with their values and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their legacy.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
As a strategic thinker, you’ll need to discuss how you can shape the financial strategy of the Foundation. Prepare to talk about your experience with investment and debt capital markets, and think about how you would approach enhancing financial systems and processes to meet future needs.