At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial processes across 22 schools, ensuring strong financial leadership and support.
- Company: Join Sapientia Education Trust, a growing and ambitious educational organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, mentoring, and discounts from major retailers.
- Other info: Be part of a dedicated Finance Team empowering over 8,500 young people.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education while developing your finance career.
- Qualifications: CCAB/CIMA qualified with strong communication and analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 51356 - 60208 € per year.
Sapientia Education Trust are seeking a Deputy Chief Financial Officer to play a central role in ensuring strong financial leadership across 22 schools, enabling them to deliver world‑class education. This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing and ambitious trust at a pivotal point in its development.
Working closely with the CFO and Finance Managers, you will lead key financial processes, strengthen controls, and support school leaders with high‑quality financial insight.
This role would be suited to someone looking to move into education either from practice, commercial or other public sectors.
You will:
- Provide advice and support to school staff on financial and budgetary matters, ensuring that they meet legal requirements and represent best practice.
- Lead the finance team through monthly management accounts and budget setting cycles, ensuring financial and non-financial objectives are met.
- Lead the end of year accounts, external audit, and internal scrutiny processes to ensure all matters are resolved successfully in collaboration with the trust’s external auditors and internal scrutineers.
- Continuously review processes, procedures and practices to ensure the service provided is effective, efficient and compliant with all legal requirements.
What we offer:
- Mentoring and coaching to support your career aspirations.
- Sodexo benefits account and Blue Light Card with discounts from major retailers.
- Salary sacrifice car scheme from Tusker.
- Hybrid working (one day per week from home after probation).
- 24/7 access to our employee wellbeing platform and resources.
- Local Government Pension scheme.
- Children of staff benefit from increased priority under the admissions policy for their school base after 2 years continuous service.
If you are a CCAB/CIMA qualified professional with integrity, strong communication and analytical skills with the ability to build relationships across a diverse organisation, we would love to hear from you. Join a trust that values your professionalism, supports your growth, and recognises the difference your work makes every day.
At Sapientia Education Trust, our purpose reaches far beyond education. We inspire curiosity, nurture potential, and empower over 8,500 young people across 22 schools to flourish. Behind that success is a dedicated Finance Team who are seeking an aspiring finance leader to join the trust.
How to apply: Please read the Recruitment Information Sheet (pdf) and Why join Sapientia Education Trust (pdf). To apply please visit our website. Closing date: 12 April 2026. Applications are to be considered upon receipt, so early applications are recommended.
The trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, therefore all applicants must be prepared to undergo a number of checks to confirm their suitability to work with children and young people. The trust welcomes applications from all sectors of the community. In accordance with the Department of Education’s “Keeping Children Safe in Education”, references will be sought on all short‑listed candidates before interview.
Deputy Chief Financial Officer in Wymondham employer: Suffolk County Council
Sapientia Education Trust is an exceptional employer that prioritises professional growth and a supportive work culture, making it an ideal place for aspiring finance leaders. With a commitment to mentoring, hybrid working options, and a comprehensive benefits package, including a Local Government Pension scheme and discounts through the Sodexo benefits account, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. Join a dedicated team that plays a vital role in shaping the future of over 8,500 young people across 22 schools in Wymondham, Norfolk, where your contributions will be valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Chief Financial Officer in Wymondham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector or finance community. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral, which can give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the trust and its values. Understand their mission and how your skills align with their goals. This will help you stand out as someone who genuinely cares about contributing to their vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to financial leadership and compliance. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to build confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, early applications are encouraged, so don’t wait until the last minute to throw your hat in the ring!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Chief Financial Officer in Wymondham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the Deputy Chief Financial Officer role. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our finance team!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use specific examples of how you've led financial processes or improved controls in previous roles. This helps us see the impact you've made in your past positions.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While we love a professional tone, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Share why you're passionate about education and how you can contribute to our mission at Sapientia Education Trust.
Apply Early!:Remember, applications are considered as they come in, so don’t wait until the last minute! Head over to our website and get your application in early to increase your chances of standing out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk County Council
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Deputy Chief Financial Officer, 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 decisions in previous roles. This shows you can provide the high-quality financial insight they’re looking for.
✨Understand the Education Sector
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial challenges faced by schools and educational trusts. Research Sapientia Education Trust and its mission to deliver world-class education. Showing that you understand their context will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about past experiences where you led financial processes or improved controls. Prepare to explain your thought process and the outcomes of your actions clearly.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a finance team and collaborating with school leaders. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your communication skills and ability to build relationships across diverse organisations.
