At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and operational excellence for a leading independent school.
- Company: Renowned independent school in Cheshire with a focus on sustainability and success.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £120,000 and heavily discounted school fees.
- Other info: Join a collaborative environment that values inclusion and staff wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of education through strategic financial leadership.
- Qualifications: Degree educated with significant senior leadership experience and strong financial acumen.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 120000 € per year.
I’m currently retained by a leading independent school in Cheshire to appoint a Chief Financial Officer who will provide strategic and operational leadership across the organisation. Reporting to the Head and working closely with Governors, the CFO will lead financial strategy, operational performance and commercial development, ensuring the School’s long-term sustainability and continued success.
Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership
- Support the development and delivery of the School’s strategic plan, with a focus on financial sustainability and operational excellence.
- Provide strategic financial planning, forecasting and analysis to support informed decision-making.
- Contribute to organisational development, infrastructure planning and commercial growth initiatives.
- Financial Leadership
- Lead all aspects of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, audit and risk management.
- Advise on fee strategy, procurement, investments and resource allocation.
- Maintain strong financial controls, cash-flow management and relationships with external advisers.
- Governance & Compliance
- Support effective governance and ensure compliance with relevant legal, regulatory and safeguarding requirements.
- Oversee policy review processes, risk management and inspection readiness.
- Advise senior leaders and Governors on governance and compliance matters.
- Estates & Operations
- Lead the strategic management of the School estate, including maintenance, sustainability initiatives and capital projects.
- Oversee operational support services including facilities, catering, transport, security and administration.
- Drive continuous improvement across systems, processes and service delivery.
- Commercial & External Relations
- Develop commercial opportunities and maximise income generation from School facilities and activities.
- Support fundraising and philanthropic initiatives alongside development and alumni teams.
- Represent the School with external partners, professional networks and community stakeholders.
- People & Culture
- Promote an inclusive, high-performing culture across operational functions.
- Support organisational development, workforce planning and staff wellbeing initiatives.
- Ensure effective safeguarding and safer recruitment practices are maintained.
- Digital & Risk Management
- Support the development of a forward-looking digital and IT strategy.
- Oversee cyber security, business continuity and data protection arrangements.
- Ensure operational and financial systems effectively support the School’s strategic priorities.
About You:
- Qualifications & Experience
- Degree educated, with a relevant professional qualification desirable.
- Significant senior leadership experience within a complex organisation.
- Strong financial and commercial acumen, with experience in strategic planning, budgeting and operational leadership.
- Experience working with Boards, Governors or equivalent governance structures.
- Proven ability to lead organisational change and multi-disciplinary teams.
- Skills & Attributes
- Strategic, commercially minded and solutions-focused.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills.
- High levels of integrity, resilience and sound judgement.
- Collaborative leadership style with strong organisational and analytical capability.
- Commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and staff wellbeing.
What's on Offer: £100,000-£120,000 Heavily discounted school fees
Next steps: To register your interest for this CFO role and for a confidential discussion, please submit your CV via the apply button below.
CFO in Cheshire employer: Succession Partners
As a leading independent school in Cheshire, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With competitive remuneration of up to £120,000 and heavily discounted school fees, we offer a unique opportunity for the CFO to lead strategic financial initiatives while contributing to the long-term success of our educational community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CFO in Cheshire
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the education sector! Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current or former employees of the school. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
When you get the chance to chat with decision-makers, make sure to highlight your strategic leadership experience. Share specific examples of how you've driven financial sustainability and operational excellence in previous roles. We want to see that you can lead with confidence!
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework on the school’s mission and values. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs, especially around financial strategy and governance. We love candidates who come prepared with thoughtful questions that show you’re genuinely interested in their success.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your CV gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the role and keen to be part of the team.
We think you need these skills to ace CFO in Cheshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the CFO role. Highlight your strategic leadership and financial management experience, as these are key for us at the school.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the role. Mention specific achievements that demonstrate your financial acumen and leadership style.
Showcase Your Governance Experience:Since this role involves working closely with Governors, it's important to highlight any experience you have in governance or compliance. We want to see how you've navigated complex organisational structures.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Succession Partners
✨Know Your Numbers
As a CFO, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive strategic decisions in previous roles. This shows you can provide the financial leadership they’re looking for.
✨Understand the School's Vision
Research the independent school’s mission and values. Be prepared to articulate how your financial strategies can align with their long-term goals. This will show that you’re not just about numbers but also about supporting their educational mission.
✨Prepare for Governance Questions
Expect questions around governance and compliance. Think of examples where you've successfully navigated complex regulatory environments or improved governance structures. This will highlight your experience working with Boards and Governors.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be ready to discuss your collaborative leadership approach. Share specific instances where you've led multi-disciplinary teams through change. This will demonstrate your ability to promote a high-performing culture and support staff wellbeing, which is crucial for this role.
