At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and operations for a multi-academy trust, shaping its future.
- Company: GLF Schools, a respected multi-academy trust educating nearly 20,000 children.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity to drive innovation and continuous improvement across 43 schools.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and influence the education of thousands of students.
- Qualifications: Financially qualified with senior leadership experience in complex organisations.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 75000 £ per year.
Help shape the future of GLF Schools as its Chief Finance and Operations Officer as you lead the Trust's financial strategy, operations and systems and long-term planning.
Location: Banstead, Surrey (with regular travel and flexibility to work from other sites within the organisation)
About GLF Schools
GLF Schools is one of the most established and respected multi‑academy trusts in the South East, educating nearly 20,000 children and young people across Surrey, West Sussex, Oxfordshire, Bracknell Forest, Hampshire, and the London Boroughs of Croydon and Wandsworth. Our growing family of 43 schools is united by a shared commitment to ensuring that every child can grow, learn and flourish. Financially, we are secure and well‑positioned for the future. While some schools face the pressures common across the sector, our overall position is robust, supported by investment in new systems, strengthened central capacity and a clear focus on long‑term sustainability. With a refreshed executive team in place, we are ready to build a more integrated, strategic and confident organisation — one that uses its scale to deliver excellence for pupils, staff and communities.
About the role
The Chief Finance and Operations Officer will help shape GLF’s future. This is a broad, influential and highly senior executive appointment, responsible for leading the Trust’s financial strategy, operations and systems and long‑term organisational planning. The CFOO will work closely with the CEO, Chief Education Officer and Trustees to ensure that GLF remains financially resilient, operationally strong and strategically aligned as we continue to grow and succeed. Although the CFOO does not hold direct line management of IT, Estates or People, they will provide strategic leadership and direction to these functions, ensuring they operate as a coherent, efficient and aligned part of the Trust’s wider operating model. This role sits above and across all enabling functions, shaping how they work together, strengthening Trust‑wide coherence and driving innovation and continuous improvement at scale.
Financial leadership is at the heart of the role. You will provide strategic oversight of a professional finance service, ensuring robust systems, strong internal controls and effective compliance frameworks. You will set financial direction and priorities, while delegating operational delivery to the Finance Director. You will ensure the effective delivery of the full financial cycle, including annual audited accounts, statutory returns, Trust‑wide budget setting, in‑year monitoring, due diligence and internal audit. You will also establish a clear financial risk and tolerance framework aligned to Trust strategy, ensuring that investment decisions, reserves management and long‑term planning reflect our goals.
Who we are looking for
We are seeking an exceptional leader who combines financial and operational excellence with authenticity, integrity and a values‑driven approach. The successful candidate will be financially qualified and bring significant senior leadership experience in a complex, multi‑site organisation, along with the strategic maturity required to help shape a Trust that is evolving quickly and ambitiously. We are looking for someone who can operate confidently at executive level while remaining grounded, relational and visible across the organisation. Above all, we are looking for someone who cares deeply about the impact of their work. You will understand that strong financial and operational foundations are essential to enabling great teaching and learning and you will be motivated by the opportunity to make that difference across 43 schools and beyond. This is a role for someone who wants to shape a Trust with ambition, integrity and a clear sense of purpose.
Chief Finance and Operations Officer in Surrey employer: Schoolsweek
GLF Schools is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment in Banstead, Surrey, where you can make a meaningful impact on the education of nearly 20,000 children. With a strong focus on financial resilience and operational excellence, employees benefit from a culture of collaboration, professional growth opportunities, and the chance to contribute to a strategic vision that prioritises long-term sustainability and innovation across a diverse network of schools.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Finance and Operations Officer in Surrey
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
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Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Schoolsweek. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Finance and Operations Officer in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Schoolsweek.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Schoolsweek's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Schoolsweek
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Schoolsweek.
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Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Schoolsweek will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Schoolsweek employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
