Chief Financial Officer in Kirkby Lonsdale

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

We are currently seeking a values‑driven Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to be responsible for the financial development and sustainability of Lunesdale Learning Trust. The CFO will drive internal excellence by providing strong financial leadership, guidance and stewardship to deliver the organisation’s financial objectives.

The role involves working directly with the Trust Leader (CEO), the Chief Operations Officer (COO), our Trust Board and our central team, and it is vital to the financial stability and growth of the Trust which supports pupils, colleagues and school communities.

The successful candidate will be joining our Trust at an exciting time of growth, moving from circa £12 M pa turnover to circa £50 M pa, with the future planned onboarding of three additional secondary schools and a primary school, in Phase 1 of our growth strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide financial leadership, guidance and stewardship across the Trust.
• Ensure outstanding financial compliance and governance in line with the Academy Trust Handbook and annual accounts directives.
• Support the leadership and finance staff within the central team and at school level.
• Lead the financial management team, maintaining accuracy and meeting key deadlines.
• Develop and maintain robust, accurate and sustainable financial management and monitoring systems.
• Project accurate cash‑flow forecasts and respond effectively to changes in educational funding.
• Support the Trust’s ambitious growth strategy and expand financial operations accordingly.

Qualifications & Skills

• Experienced and fully qualified accountant with a proven track record in leading and developing a team.
• Values‑driven and strategic problem‑solver, committed to making a difference.
• Strong working knowledge of financial management systems and the ability to project accurate cash‑flow forecasts.
• Analytical approach, able to respond effectively to the changing landscape of educational funding.
• Ability to prioritise workload, maintain accuracy and meet deadlines.
• Experience in establishing robust, accurate and sustainable financial systems for growth.
• Knowledge of the education sector is preferred but not essential.

Contact

Mr David Waugh, Executive Headteacher and Trust Leader

Phone: 015242 71275 | Email: recruitment@qes.org.uk

EEO Statement

The Lunesdale Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and safety of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. All successful candidates will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), other statutory required clearance and reference checks with previous employers.