Chief Financial Officer in Leeds

Chief Financial Officer in Leeds

Leeds Full-Time 71000 - 82000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Teaching vacancies

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial strategy and ensure sound management across our multi-academy trust.
  • Company: Join the White Rose Academies Trust, known for its commitment to educational excellence.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous pensions, and a supportive wellbeing programme.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on students' futures while shaping the financial direction of our schools.
  • Qualifications: Proven financial leadership experience and a professional finance qualification are essential.
  • Other info: Be part of a collaborative team dedicated to community engagement and school improvement.

The predicted salary is between 71000 - 82000 £ per year.

The White Rose Academies Trust is a Leeds-based multi-academy trust with a strong reputation for raising ambitions, engaging local communities, and driving rapid school improvement. At White Rose Academies Trust, we believe exceptional education begins with exceptional people.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly-skilled Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and leader of people to join the White Rose Academies Trust Executive Team. The Trust is committed to providing a high-quality education for all its students. This senior leadership role presents the right candidate with the opportunity to directly impact the success of every student in each of our schools.

This is an important moment in the evolution of the Trust as we move into a new era with a refreshed vision, great energy and ambition for the future. We are seeking an experienced and strategic financial lead to deliver on our compelling vision for the next era. The CFO will play a pivotal role in ensuring financial excellence and long-term sustainability of the Trust and will make a decisive contribution to the leadership of the Trust in support of Trustees and the Chief Executive Officer.

This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact in a thriving educational organisation with a strong community, collaborative ethos, and stable financial foundation.

Responsibilities
  • Provide expert financial leadership and strategic advice.
  • Ensure sound financial management, systems, governance and compliance.
  • Oversee all aspects of financial management across the Trust.
  • Work alongside Trustees, the CEO and Principals to ensure informed decision-making.
  • Lead as a member of the Executive Team, making a key contribution to the Trust's overall vision and success.
Qualifications
  • Proven experience in financial leadership at a senior level, preferably in an education or public sector setting.
  • A recognised professional finance qualification (e.g. ACCA, CIMA, ACA, CPA) or in the final year.
  • Excellent communication and strategic planning skills.
  • The ability to work collaboratively across teams and provide high-quality financial insight and direction.
Benefits and Looking After Our People

At White Rose Academies Trust, we value our people and offer a comprehensive benefits package. This role offers excellent opportunities for professional growth within the Trust. We provide flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance and networking opportunities across the education sector. Alongside generous pension schemes, wellbeing initiatives, and family-friendly policies, our benefits include long service recognition, salary sacrifice schemes, and access to resources such as Headspace and an Employee Assistance Programme.

Application details

Closing date: Monday 6th April, 2026 9am
Interview date: Monday 20th April 2026

White Rose Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its students and expects all staff and volunteers to share the commitment. Appointments will be subject to Safer Recruitment Procedures and an enhanced DBS check.

Please note this role will involve contact with children and you will be engaging in regulated activity. It is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

We promote diversity and want a workforce which reflects the population of Leeds. Applications are welcome from all, irrespective of sex, sexuality, race, religion, marital status, age or disability.

Chief Financial Officer in Leeds employer: Teaching vacancies

White Rose Academies Trust is an exceptional employer located in Leeds, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and supportive work culture that prioritises the wellbeing of its staff. With a strong commitment to professional growth, flexible working arrangements, and a comprehensive benefits package, including generous pension schemes and wellbeing initiatives, the Trust empowers its employees to make a meaningful impact on the education of students while enjoying a balanced work-life environment.
Teaching vacancies

Contact Detail:

Teaching vacancies Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Chief Financial Officer in Leeds

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a CFO role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews! Research the White Rose Academies Trust thoroughly, understand their vision, and think about how your financial expertise can help them achieve their goals. Tailor your responses to show you're the perfect fit.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, share examples of how you've led teams and made strategic decisions in previous roles. Highlight your ability to work collaboratively with trustees and executives to drive financial excellence.

✨Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of the White Rose Academies Trust community.

We think you need these skills to ace Chief Financial Officer in Leeds

Financial Leadership
Strategic Planning
Financial Management
Governance and Compliance
Collaboration
Communication Skills
Professional Finance Qualification (e.g. ACCA, CIMA, ACA, CPA)
Decision-Making
Analytical Skills
Insight and Direction
Team Leadership
Stakeholder Engagement
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the CFO role. Highlight your financial leadership experience and how it aligns with our vision at White Rose Academies Trust. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission!

Showcase Your Qualifications: Don’t forget to mention your professional finance qualifications, like ACCA or CIMA. We’re looking for someone with proven expertise, so make it clear how your background fits the bill!

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to convey your ideas and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at White Rose Academies Trust!

How to prepare for a job interview at Teaching vacancies

✨Know Your Numbers

As a Chief Financial Officer, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the education sector and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive strategic decisions in your previous roles.

✨Showcase Leadership Skills

This role is all about leadership, so prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams and driving change. Think about times when you’ve collaborated with other executives or stakeholders to achieve a common goal.

✨Understand the Trust's Vision

Familiarise yourself with the White Rose Academies Trust’s mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals for educational excellence and community engagement.

✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions

Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions that show your interest in the Trust’s future and challenges. Ask about their financial strategies or how they plan to enhance educational outcomes through financial management.

Chief Financial Officer in Leeds
Teaching vacancies
Location: Leeds

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