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- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and ensure the sustainability of our growing academy trust.
- Company: Join St Oscar Romero Catholic Academy Trust, a supportive and innovative educational environment.
- Benefits: Highly competitive salary, generous pension scheme, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the financial health of schools while fostering a positive community.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in executive leadership and strong financial communication skills.
- Other info: Flexible location with a commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
St Oscar Romero Catholic Academy Trust is recruiting for a Chief Finance Officer (CFO).
Contract Length: Permanent
Salary Range: Highly competitive + benefits
Location: Flexible. The nature of work will largely involve the postholder carrying out work at different schools within the Trust. There is also a Head office at Shirley Court, Croydon, CR9 5AS.
Accountable to: Chief Executive Officer
We are looking for an exceptional individual to join the Central Services team at St Oscar Romero Catholic Academy Trust. We currently have four secondary schools and twelve primary schools. We are a growing Trust and are supported by the Archdiocese of Southwark to grow to thirty-five schools over the next three to five years.
The Chief Finance Officer will play a crucial role in ensuring the financial health and sustainability of our academies. We are seeking an individual who possesses not only exceptional financial acumen but also a passion for fostering a positive and innovative environment where both students and staff can thrive. Our Catholic ethos and mission is at the heart of everything we do and we expect candidates to share and embrace those values.
The ideal candidate will:
- Have extensive previous experience of working as part of an Executive Leadership Team.
- Be able to communicate complex financial concepts to diverse audiences.
- Share our commitment to transparency and accountability.
- Play a key role in shaping the strategy of the Trust and ensuring that strong financial practices and strategy are embedded within all strategic planning.
- Align to the mission, vision and values of St Oscar Romero and the Diocese.
In return we offer:
- The opportunity to work within a highly skilled and supportive team.
- A commitment to continue with national pay, terms and conditions.
- Access to the generous Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Staff benefits, including a cycle to work scheme.
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth and access to our Training Portal.
- The opportunity to join a growing Trust.
Closing date: 9:00am Monday 23rd February.
Interview date: w/c 2nd March.
Start date: To be agreed.
How to apply: The deadline for receipt of applications is 9:00am on Monday 23rd February 2026. If you would like to arrange a visit or have a telephone appointment to discuss the role with Clare Verga, Chief Executive Officer, please contact Sarah Yusuf-Watson by email at syusufwatson@oscarromero.co.uk. Applicants should complete the Catholic Education Service Leadership form, available in supporting documents. Please use the personal statement in your application form to demonstrate how you meet the person specification, with evidence provided wherever possible of outcomes and positive impact.
Candidates will be shortlisted on how well they demonstrate the knowledge, skills and attributes set out in the job description and person specification. Completed forms should be submitted by email. Should you have any queries please contact HR on 0207 202 8199. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview in the week commencing on Monday 2nd March 2026. The interview process will consist of a series of job-related exercises designed to give candidates the opportunity to demonstrate the key attitudes, skills and knowledge required for the role. Shortlisted candidates will be fully briefed at the beginning of the process and supported throughout the day.
Safeguarding: St Oscar Romero Catholic Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to behave in such a way that supports this commitment. Appointment to this post will be subject to satisfactory shortlisting and pre-employment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check.
To be considered for the role, please attach an application form when applying.
Chief Finance Officer (CFO) employer: ST OSCAR ROMERO CATHOLIC ACADEMY TRUST
Contact Detail:
ST OSCAR ROMERO CATHOLIC ACADEMY TRUST Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Finance Officer (CFO)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who might know someone at St Oscar Romero. A friendly chat can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the Trust's mission and values. Show us how your financial expertise aligns with our Catholic ethos and how you can contribute to our growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice articulating complex financial concepts in simple terms. We want to see how you can communicate effectively with diverse audiences, from school staff to board members.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to showcase your previous leadership experiences! Highlight specific examples where you've made a positive impact, especially in educational settings. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Finance Officer (CFO)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for education and finance shine through. We want to see how you align with our Catholic ethos and mission, so don’t hold back on sharing why this role excites you!
Be Specific: Use the personal statement section to provide concrete examples of your previous experience. We’re looking for evidence of outcomes and positive impacts, so make sure to highlight your achievements in a clear and concise manner.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure your application speaks directly to the job description and person specification. We want to see how your skills and experiences match what we’re looking for, so customise your application to fit the role of CFO at our Trust.
Submit Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your completed application form via our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application, and it ensures that you’re following the correct process. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at ST OSCAR ROMERO CATHOLIC ACADEMY TRUST
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Chief Finance Officer, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial expertise. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them to drive decision-making in previous roles. This shows you can communicate complex concepts clearly.
✨Align with the Mission
Familiarise yourself with the values and mission of St Oscar Romero Catholic Academy Trust. Be prepared to share how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding fostering a positive environment for students and staff. This connection is crucial!
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Think of examples from your past experience where you successfully navigated financial challenges or implemented innovative solutions. This will showcase your ability to think on your feet.
✨Engage with the Team
Since you'll be part of an Executive Leadership Team, show your collaborative spirit during the interview. Ask insightful questions about the team dynamics and how you can contribute to their goals. This demonstrates your commitment to teamwork and transparency.
