At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and operations to shape the future of education.
- Company: Synergy Education Trust, dedicated to collaborative and high-quality education.
- Benefits: Opportunity to influence organisational strategy and make a real impact.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic environment with significant growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team focused on improving life chances for children.
- Qualifications: Proven finance leadership experience and strategic planning skills.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
Join the growing and ambitious Synergy Education Trust as Chief Financial Officer to help shape the future of education across Blackpool and Lancashire.
About Synergy Education Trust
Synergy Education Trust was established with a clear belief that schools are stronger when they work together. Through collaboration, shared expertise and collective accountability, we seek to create the conditions in which children, staff and schools can flourish. Our schools serve diverse communities across Blackpool and Lancashire and are united by a shared commitment to delivering high-quality education and improving life chances. Whilst each school brings its own strengths, identity and history, our Trust provides a framework through which those strengths can be shared for the benefit of all. We have made strong progress since our formation, establishing a culture that values partnership, professionalism and continuous improvement. Looking ahead, we remain focused on ensuring that our organisation has the capacity, resilience and leadership required to support our schools effectively and sustain high standards across every aspect of our work.
About the role
The next phase of our development presents significant opportunities. We are committed to strengthening our systems, investing in our people and ensuring that our resources are deployed in ways that maximise impact. The appointment of our next Chief Financial Officer will therefore be central to our future success. Working alongside the Chief Executive Officer, Trustees and school leaders, the Chief Financial Officer will provide strategic leadership across finance, operations and organisational planning. This is a role that extends well beyond financial management. It is an opportunity to influence organisational strategy, support sustainable growth and ensure that our resources are used to deliver the greatest possible impact for the children and communities we serve.
Who we are looking for
We are seeking an accomplished finance leader with the experience, judgement and credibility required to operate effectively at executive and board level. You will bring a strong track record of leadership within a complex organisation and a deep understanding of strategic financial planning, risk management and organisational performance. Whilst experience within the education sector would be advantageous, we are equally interested in candidates who have built successful careers within other complex and highly regulated environments. Most importantly, we are looking for someone who can see beyond the numbers. This role requires an individual who is as comfortable discussing long-term organisational strategy as they are ensuring the delivery of strong financial discipline. We are seeking a leader who will play a visible and influential role in helping Synergy Education Trust realise its ambitions over the coming years.
Chief Financial Officer employer: Schools Week
Horizons Specialist Academy Trust is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the professional growth of its staff. As a Principal at The Woodlands Academy, you will lead a passionate team in a vibrant community, with access to ongoing training and development opportunities, ensuring that you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils with SEND. Located in a dynamic environment, this role offers the chance to be part of a forward-thinking organisation committed to excellence in education and safeguarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Financial Officer
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Schools Week. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Schools Week.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Schools Week. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Financial Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Schools Week and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Schools Week how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Schools Week
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Schools Week.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Schools Week's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
