Chief Financial Officer in Bolton

The Chief Financial Officer is a pivotal executive leadership role, offering an engaging blend of strategic leadership and operational oversight within an ambitious and expanding Trust. As we continue to grow and evolve, this is an exciting opportunity for an experienced finance leader to shape the next phase of our financial strategy, strengthen the way our finance function operates, and help define how high-quality financial leadership supports educational excellence across the Trust.

This role will appeal to a finance professional who enjoys balancing strategic thinking with a hands-on approach. You will be equally comfortable influencing long-term direction as you are ensuring that our financial systems, processes and controls operate effectively on a day-to-day basis. Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer and executive colleagues, you will play a key role in shaping the future operating model for finance, ensuring it is responsive, efficient and capable of supporting the Trust’s continued growth.

We recognise that outstanding candidates may come from a range of sectors and not necessarily have worked within education. What is most important is a commitment to strong financial governance, high quality systems and processes, and delivering responsive, customer-focused support to our schools. Knowledge of the regulatory framework for Academy Trusts and the stewardship of public funds would be advantageous, although we welcome applicants who can demonstrate transferable experience from similarly complex organisations.

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will work alongside a talented group of professionals committed to supporting school leaders to achieve the very best outcomes for children and young people. You will have the opportunity to influence the continued development of our central services, ensuring they provide effective, high-quality support that enables our academies to thrive. In addition to leading the finance service, you will also line manage the Director of Estates, ensuring that financial planning and estate strategy are closely aligned. Working collaboratively, you will help ensure that investment in our estate supports educational priorities, delivers value for money and contributes to the Trust’s long-term sustainability.

Key priorities during your first six months are likely to include:

• Reviewing the Trust’s finance systems and processes to ensure they remain fit for purpose as the organisation continues to grow.
• Shaping and developing the finance team to meet the evolving needs of the Trust and establish an effective operating model for the future.
• Building strong working relationships with Headteachers through regular one-to-one meetings to develop robust financial plans that support educational priorities and sustainable growth.
• Continuing to strengthen finance, procurement and asset management arrangements to ensure consistency, efficiency and compliance across the Trust.
• Reviewing and enhancing internal financial policies, procedures and controls to ensure full compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook and best practice.
• Developing strong relationships with Trustees, the Finances and Resources Committee, Local Governing Bodies and other key stakeholders, providing clear financial insight to support effective decision making.
• Supporting current and aspiring leaders across the Trust by role-modeling high-quality leadership, guidance and professional challenge.
• Ensuring the CEO, Finance and Resources Committee and Trust Board receive timely, accurate and meaningful financial information to enable effective governance and informed strategic decision making.

This is an opportunity to make a lasting contribution to an established Trust with ambitious aspirations. As CFO, you will help shape not only the financial strategy, but also the way finance operates across the organisation, ensuring it continues to evolve as a trusted, enabling function that supports outstanding educational outcomes and personal development for every pupil.

In return, we offer:

• Continuous Professional Development (CPD): Access to National College training, subject-specific CPD, leadership pathways and technical mentoring from experienced colleagues.
• Career Progression: We use a ‘touch base’ informal approach to focus on professional development as well as an annual career conversation with your manager.
• Wellbeing & Support: Leadership training focused on wellbeing, mental health resources, and staff networks.
• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI): Commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace, with ongoing EDI training and initiatives.
• Generous annual leave entitlement of 25 days for all year-round support staff. This increases to 28 days after 5 years.
• A paid premium to a Healthcare Cash Plan to claim back contributions towards dental, optical and other medical costs via UK Healthcare.
• 24/7 access to an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Benefits and discounts via UK Healthcare.

The Bishop Fraser Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to child protection screening including an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service and also past employment checks. We are an equal opportunities employer. References will be sought prior to interview.