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- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and ensure long-term sustainability for a multi-academy trust.
- Company: Bedfordshire Schools Trust (BEST) - a growing, values-driven education provider.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and the chance to impact thousands of students.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to high standards and community-based education.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education while ensuring financial excellence and compliance.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with significant leadership experience, preferably in education.
The predicted salary is between 98040 - 117064 £ per year.
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Salary: £98,040 – £117,064
Accountable to: Chief Executive Officer
Location: BEST House, Shefford, Bedfordshire
Start date: September 2026
Bedfordshire Schools Trust (BEST) is a high-performing and growing multi-academy trust providing exceptional education across 11 schools and five nurseries. We serve more than 8,000 children from nursery through to advanced level study and employ over 1,000 staff.
Driven by clear values and a strong sense of purpose, we are committed to putting children first, working collaboratively, and delivering high-quality community-based education. As we continue to grow, we are seeking an outstanding Chief Financial Officer to lead our financial strategy and ensure long-term sustainability.
As Chief Financial Officer, you will provide strategic leadership for all aspects of finance across the Trust. You will work closely with the CEO, Board of Trustees and school leaders to support delivery of BEST’s vision and strategic priorities. You will ensure that financial planning, reporting and controls are robust, transparent and aligned to improving educational outcomes.
You will lead the central finance team and provide expert advice to academy and nursery leaders, enabling them to focus on delivering excellence in education. You will play a key role in Trust growth, including financial due diligence for new schools joining BEST, and in strengthening systems, processes and financial governance.
As a senior leader, you will ensure the highest standards of financial management and compliance. You will oversee budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting, ensuring public funds are used effectively and deliver value for money. You will maintain strong internal controls and ensure compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements.
The successful candidate will be a fully qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent) with significant leadership experience, ideally within the education sector. You will bring strong financial acumen, strategic insight and the ability to lead complex organisations.
You will be an effective communicator, able to build strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels. You will demonstrate integrity, resilience and a commitment to high standards, equality and safeguarding.
This is a pivotal role within a values-led organisation with a strong track record and ambitious future. You will play a central part in ensuring BEST continues to grow and thrive.
For more information and to apply for the role, please visit www.joinbest.co.uk
To arrange an informal, confidential discussion regarding this role, please contact Jenna Everett at Satis Education on 07593583047 or email jenna@satiseducation.co.uk
Closing date for applications: 9.00am Friday 15 May 2026
Interviews: Wednesday 20 May 2026
If you would like to make a visit to the Trust or any of their academies, please contact Jenna Everett via the details above.
We reserve the right to close the recruitment process early in the event of sufficient applications.
Safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks and references, including enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance.
Strictly no agencies.
Chief Financial Officer| Bedfordshire Schools Trust (BEST) in Luton employer: Satis Education
Contact Detail:
Satis Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Financial Officer| Bedfordshire Schools Trust (BEST) in Luton
✨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 at BEST or other trusts.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your financial strategy knowledge. Be ready to discuss how you can lead financial planning and reporting to improve educational outcomes. Show them you’re the perfect fit for their mission!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply; engage! When you submit your application through our website, follow up with a friendly email expressing your enthusiasm for the role. It shows initiative and keeps you on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Research BEST thoroughly! Understand their values and strategic priorities so you can tailor your discussions around how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Financial Officer| Bedfordshire Schools Trust (BEST) in Luton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and mission of Bedfordshire Schools Trust. Highlight your experience in financial leadership within the education sector, as this will resonate with us and show you understand our goals.
Showcase Your Qualifications: As a fully qualified accountant, don’t forget to emphasise your credentials like ACCA, ACA, CIMA, or CIPFA. We want to see how your qualifications align with the role of Chief Financial Officer and how they can benefit our Trust.
Communicate Clearly: Effective communication is key! Use clear and concise language in your application to demonstrate your ability to build relationships with stakeholders. We appreciate straightforwardness and clarity, especially in financial matters.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website at www.joinbest.co.uk. This ensures we receive all the necessary information and helps us keep track of your application efficiently. We’re excited to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Satis Education
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Chief Financial Officer, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial expertise. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the education sector and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles.
✨Align with Their Values
Bedfordshire Schools Trust is all about putting children first and working collaboratively. Make sure you can articulate how your personal values align with theirs and provide examples of how you've fostered teamwork and prioritised educational outcomes in your past positions.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Think of specific challenges you've encountered in financial management and how you navigated them, especially in an educational context.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves working closely with various stakeholders, be prepared to discuss your approach to building strong relationships. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated with different teams and leaders to achieve common goals.