At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and planning for a growing multi-academy trust focused on education.
- Company: The Leaf Academy Trust, dedicated to inclusion, equity, and excellence in primary education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team committed to improving outcomes for children and communities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education while ensuring financial sustainability and operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience and a recognised accountancy qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 90000 £ per year.
Peridot Partners is supporting The Leaf Academy Trust in their search for a new Chief Financial Officer.
Who we are
The Leaf Trust is a primary‑only multi‑academy trust operating across Bristol and South Gloucestershire. Our work includes a Teaching School Alliance Hub, an English Hub, a specialist SEND provision and an expanding nursery provision. We bring together unique primary schools growing together so that children and adults Belong, Grow and Succeed. Our approach is based on collaboration, shared practice and aligned systems that support strong educational and operational outcomes. Our strategic plan, ‘Getting it Right for ALL through Inclusion, Equity and Excellence’, sets out how we will strengthen financial sustainability, develop scalable systems, support school improvement and prepare for further growth. Our business vision focuses on service, systems, resource management and organisational resilience. As we grow, we are building the organisational infrastructure required for a primary‑only trust of increasing scale.
About the role
As the Chief Financial Officer, you will be responsible for long‑term financial sustainability, multi‑year forecasting, scenario modelling and strategic financial planning aligned to our educational mission. You will advise our CEO, executive leadership team and Trustees on financial performance, risk and strategic options, ensuring that financial planning supports our priorities for inclusion, equity and excellence. The CFO will oversee financial governance, statutory compliance, budgeting, management accounts, audit, procurement, reserves strategy and risk management. The role requires maintaining proportionate and scalable systems of financial control and ensuring compliance with DfE requirements and the Academy Trust Handbook. The CFO will support Trustees and the Audit and Risk Committee through clear reporting and analysis. You will lead our finance function, supporting the development of team members including the strategic leadership of our school business managers. You will also have responsibility for financial due diligence for schools joining our Trust as well as growth modelling, onboarding and integration planning. The CFO will work as a core member of our executive leadership team, contributing to organisational development, system design and cross‑functional coordination. The role requires working across finance, HR, estates and governance to strengthen planning, improve service quality and support schools to focus on teaching and learning. You will help us build the organisational infrastructure required for a growing primary‑only trust and ensure that financial strategy and operational planning support our long‑term development.
Who we are looking for
We are seeking a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) with significant senior leadership experience in a complex organisation, alongside a recognised professional accountancy qualification. The successful candidate will bring strong expertise in financial strategy, forecasting, governance, compliance and risk management. This is a key executive role, requiring the ability to operate at Board level, contribute to strategic decision-making and lead organisational planning across multiple sites and services. You will be confident in leading financial planning and multi-year forecasting, and able to analyse complex information to provide clear, actionable insights to senior leaders, Trustees and school leaders. We are looking for someone who can build trust quickly, work collaboratively and lead through influence and sound judgement. You will be comfortable managing competing priorities, operating in complexity and supporting decision-making in a growing organisation. The role requires a clear understanding of the link between financial sustainability and educational delivery. Experience in the education sector, public sector or a regulated environment is desirable, including:
- Academy Trusts, school business leadership or trust growth/onboarding
- The operational realities of primary education organisations
- Knowledge of the Academy Trust Handbook
You will lead the finance team, with a focus on building capability, strengthening systems and ensuring finance operates as a strategic partner to schools. Above all, we are seeking a leader aligned with our mission and committed to improving outcomes for children, schools and communities across The Leaf Trust.
Chief Financial Officer in Newport employer: Peridot Partners
The Leaf Academy Trust is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises the growth and success of both its staff and students. As a Chief Financial Officer, you will have the opportunity to lead a dynamic finance team while contributing to meaningful educational outcomes across Bristol and South Gloucestershire. With a strong focus on professional development and organisational resilience, The Leaf Trust offers a supportive environment where your expertise in financial strategy will directly impact the future of primary education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Financial Officer in Newport
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a CFO 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 Leaf Academy Trust 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 goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your financial storytelling! Be ready to discuss how your past experiences align with their needs, especially around financial sustainability and strategic planning. Use specific examples to illustrate your impact in previous roles.
✨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 Leaf Academy Trust and contributing to their mission of inclusion, equity, and excellence.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Financial Officer in Newport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Chief Financial Officer role. Highlight your relevant experience in financial strategy and governance, and show how your skills align with our mission at The Leaf Academy Trust.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see your leadership style! Share examples of how you've successfully led teams and influenced decision-making in complex environments. This is key for a role that requires collaboration across various functions.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is crucial. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate well-organised applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
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 at The Leaf Academy Trust.
How to prepare for a job interview at Peridot Partners
✨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, such as funding models and budget management. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully managed financial sustainability in previous roles.
✨Understand the Educational Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and opportunities within primary education. Research The Leaf Academy Trust's mission and values, and think about how your financial strategies can align with their goals of inclusion, equity, and excellence.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong leadership skills. Prepare examples of how you've led finance teams and collaborated with other departments. Highlight your ability to influence decision-making and build trust with stakeholders, especially in complex environments.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities. Think about potential scenarios the Trust might face, such as budget cuts or new funding opportunities, and be ready to discuss how you would approach these challenges.
