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- Tasks: Lead financial and operational success for a pioneering education Trust in Horsham.
- Company: Horsham Learning Alliance is dedicated to transforming local education for young people.
- Benefits: Join a community-driven initiative with opportunities for growth and impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education while making a meaningful difference in students' lives.
- Qualifications: Seeking a qualified accountant with strong financial leadership experience, preferably in education.
- Other info: Commitment to safeguarding children is essential; enhanced DBS check required.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Join us as we launch a new Trust, Horsham Learning Alliance.
About Horsham Learning Alliance
Horsham Learning Alliance is a pioneering new multi-academy trust dedicated to improving the lives of local young people through the power of education. Our vision is built on five key pillars:
- Local to Horsham – A commitment to serving the Horsham District, ensuring education is shaped by and for our community.
- Early Years to Post-16 – A unique opportunity to create a seamless learner journey, supporting progression and transition at every stage.
- Collegiate Ethos – Schools retain their distinct identities and cultures while benefiting from the strength of the collective trust.
- Inclusive Community – Strong partnerships with parents, families, and the wider community are at the heart of our mission.
- Aspirational for All – A relentless focus on high achievement and positive life outcomes for every learner.
Our Trust has been formed by Collyer’s and The Forest School, two institutions with long-standing reputations for excellence. We are actively welcoming new partners and have a clear roadmap for sustainable growth. We begin as a Trust in a sound financial position, thanks to the success of both founding partners. We have already begun collaborative projects within Horsham schools, laying the foundation for a Trust that will support education from early years through to post-16.
About the role
This is an exciting time to join us and be a part of shaping the future of education in Horsham. As the CFOO of Horsham Learning Alliance, you will be an integral part of our Executive team, playing a crucial role in driving the Trust’s financial and operational success. Reporting to the CEO and working closely with the Board of Trustees and school leaders, you will oversee key elements of the strategic planning and operational management of the Trust. Your leadership will ensure that HLA continues to grow and thrive, providing the highest level of educational support for our schools and students.
As the CFOO, you will be a key external representative of the Trust, liaising with stakeholders, auditors and regulators. You will ensure that HLA’s financial reporting and audit processes meet the highest standards and help maintain the Trust’s reputation for transparency, integrity and accountability. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape the future of the Trust, contributing to the long-term success of our schools and the outcomes of the children and young people.
Who we are looking for
We seek an experienced strategic financial leader who is passionate about education and committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of students. You will be an entrepreneurial, forward-thinking visionary who can bring expertise and innovation to our Executive team. The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant with significant experience in financial leadership, preferably within the education or public sector. However, we will consider candidates with relevant experience in other sectors.
You will be adept at managing complex budgets, overseeing multi-disciplinary teams and driving high-impact financial and operational strategies that support the delivery of outstanding educational experiences. In addition to technical expertise, we seek someone with strong interpersonal and communication skills. You will need to effectively engage with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. Your ability to present complex financial information in a clear and accessible way will be essential in ensuring that all stakeholders understand the Trust’s financial health and future direction.
You should be a proven leader with experience managing teams through change and transition. As HLA continues to grow, your ability to drive business transformation and effectiveness will be crucial. You will also need to be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where adaptability and resilience are key to success. Above all, we are looking for someone who shares our vision and values, someone who is committed to creating a Trust that puts the needs of our community first.
Peridot Partners and Horsham Learning Alliance are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and our client expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.
Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Friday 2nd May 2025.
Chief Financial and Operating Officer employer: Peridot Partners
Contact Detail:
Peridot Partners Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Financial and Operating Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the education sector, especially those involved in multi-academy trusts. Attend local events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and stakeholders who can provide insights into the role and the organisation.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial challenges and opportunities within the education sector. Understanding funding mechanisms, budget management, and financial reporting standards relevant to academies will give you an edge in discussions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your vision for the role and how you would approach strategic planning and operational management. Think about innovative financial strategies that could support the Trust's mission and be ready to share these ideas.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership experience by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed teams through change. Highlight your ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to diverse audiences, as this will be crucial in the CFOO role.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Financial and Operating Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, take the time to thoroughly understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Chief Financial and Operating Officer position. Familiarise yourself with Horsham Learning Alliance's mission and values to tailor your application accordingly.
Craft a Tailored CV: Highlight your relevant experience in financial leadership, particularly within the education or public sector. Emphasise your skills in managing complex budgets and leading teams through change, ensuring your CV aligns with the specific requirements outlined in the job description.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to express your passion for education and your vision for the role. Discuss how your background and skills can contribute to the Trust's goals and community focus. Make sure to address the key pillars of the Trust and how you can support them.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your documents for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a leadership role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Peridot Partners
✨Understand the Trust's Vision
Familiarise yourself with Horsham Learning Alliance's mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their commitment to improving education in the community and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Financial Expertise
As a CFOO, your financial acumen is crucial. Prepare to discuss your experience managing complex budgets and driving financial strategies. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate your ability to ensure financial health and transparency.
✨Highlight Leadership Skills
Be ready to talk about your leadership style and experiences managing teams through change. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams in dynamic environments and how you plan to foster collaboration within the Trust.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since the role involves liaising with various stakeholders, prepare to discuss your communication strategies. Think of instances where you've effectively presented complex information to diverse audiences and how you can build strong relationships within the community.
