At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and management for a multi-school trust, ensuring sustainability and compliance.
- Company: Ridgeway Education Trust, dedicated to high-quality education and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual leave, LGPS pension, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Join a mission-driven team committed to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the education of children in Didcot and surrounding areas.
- Qualifications: Senior financial leadership experience in a complex organisation, ideally in the not-for-profit sector.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 95000 € per year.
Ridgeway Education Trust is looking for a Chief Financial Officer. The role will be based at Didcot Girl's School, we offer hybrid working.
About Our Client
Ridgeway Education Trust is at an exciting stage of development. We are a Trust of eight schools based in and around Didcot, comprising a mix of Church of England and non-faith schools, including two secondary and six primary schools. We value the diversity of our schools alongside the strength that comes from our close geographical proximity. Our mission is to create excellence through high quality education for three to nineteen year olds, with strong collaboration at our heart. We believe school improvement is most effective when best practice is shared through deep professional collaboration, underpinned by trust, support and challenge. Our values of ambition, integrity and leading for legacy guide our decision-making and ensure children and young people remain at the centre of all we do.
We are seeking an experienced Chief Financial Officer to join our established Executive Team and play a key role in shaping and delivering the Trust's next strategic plan and longer-term future.
- Provide strategic leadership for the Trust's financial management, ensuring long-term sustainability, value for money and alignment with our educational priorities.
- Lead on budgeting, forecasting, management accounts and statutory reporting, presenting clear and timely financial information to our Executive, Board and the committees.
- Oversee the Trust-wide financial systems, controls, procurement and compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook and other regulatory frameworks.
- Provide strategic oversight of Human Resources and payroll, including workforce planning, affordability modelling and employment compliance.
- Lead risk management, audit, insurance and assurance processes, advising the CEO and Trustees on financial and operational risk.
Senior financial leadership experience, ideally as a CFO, Finance Director or Deputy in a complex, multi-site not for profit or public sector organisation.
Strong track record of strategic financial planning, budget management and statutory reporting within a regulated environment.
Experience of leading and developing professional finance and/or HR teams, with the credibility to operate at Board and Executive level.
Strong understanding of governance, risk management and value-for-money principles; academies or education sector experience desirable but not essential.
Competitive salary ranging from £90,000 to £95,000 per annum. Additional benefits including annual leave and LGPS pension. Opportunity to influence the financial direction of a meaningful organisation. The role carries real purpose, with the chance to contribute positively to the education and experiences of children and young people across Didcot and the surrounding area.
Ridgeway Education Trust is committed to safeguarding, equality and promoting the welfare of children and expects staff working in all its schools to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to satisfactory enhanced DBS, references and pre-employment safeguarding checks. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining a post. Please be aware that you will be required to bring proof of right to work in the UK and photographic ID, as applicable, to interview and online searches may be made for shortlisted candidates, as part of due diligence checks.
Chief Financial Officer (Contract) in Oxford employer: Ridgeway Education Trust
Ridgeway Education Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead financial strategy within a collaborative and supportive environment. With a commitment to high-quality education and the well-being of children, employees benefit from competitive salaries, hybrid working options, and a strong focus on professional development. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the Didcot community while enjoying a culture that values ambition, integrity, and legacy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Financial Officer (Contract) in Oxford
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the education sector! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current or former employees of Ridgeway Education Trust. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with someone from the Trust, make sure to highlight your experience in strategic financial planning and governance. Share specific examples of how you've led teams and managed budgets in complex environments. We want to see your skills in action!
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework on Ridgeway Education Trust and its mission. Be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs, especially around ambition and integrity. Think about how you can contribute to their goals and be prepared to share your vision for the role.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Ridgeway Education Trust family.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Financial Officer (Contract) in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Chief Financial Officer role. Highlight your strategic financial planning and leadership experience, especially in a multi-site or not-for-profit context.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about education and how your values align with Ridgeway Education Trust's mission. Be specific about what you can bring to the table.
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your past roles, focus on achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage budgets, lead teams, and ensure compliance. Use metrics where possible to show the impact of your work.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ridgeway Education Trust
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Chief Financial Officer, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the education sector and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. This shows you understand the financial landscape and can contribute strategically.
✨Align with Their Values
Ridgeway Education Trust values ambition, integrity, and leading for legacy. Before the interview, think about how your personal values align with theirs. Prepare examples from your experience that showcase these values in action, especially in leadership and decision-making.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Think of specific challenges you've faced in financial management and how you overcame them. This will help you illustrate your capability to lead in a complex environment.
✨Showcase Team Leadership
Since the role involves leading finance and HR teams, be prepared to discuss your leadership style. Share examples of how you've developed teams and fostered collaboration. Highlight any experience you have in multi-site organisations, as this will resonate well with their structure.
