Deputy Chief Financial Officer

This post has arisen following the recent expansion of the Trust, with three new primary schools joining us this academic year. As a result, we are seeking to strengthen our central finance capacity to ensure we continue to provide an excellent service to all of our schools. At the heart of our central team philosophy is the belief that the Trust exists to serve its schools. Our role is to support them, and we are committed to ensuring that headteachers, staff and pupils receive the highest quality service and support. This means that every decision we take is grounded in what is best for our schools, with a clear focus on adding value rather than creating additional burden at the point of delivery.

The Trust’s finances are very secure, and we have consistently maintained a clean audit report. You would therefore be joining a well-established and capable team with systems and processes already in place. We are currently embedding a budgeting system (IMP) alongside a settled accounting system (IRIS). While prior experience with these specific systems is not essential, the successful candidate will need to demonstrate the ability to learn quickly and develop into the in-house expert as these systems become fully embedded across the Trust.

This role would be ideal for someone aspiring to become a CFO in time, as you will deputise for the CFO and be part of the Trust’s wider decision-making team. Professional development is important to us, and we would support you in your career ambitions. Equally, it could suit an experienced CFO looking to step down from the top role or gain experience in a different sector. We are therefore interested in hearing from candidates with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Confidence and the ability to present clearly to a range of audiences will also be important.

We envisage this role taking particular responsibility for the Trust’s primary schools (currently four), so strong relationship-building skills will be essential. As a Trust we actively encourage innovation and want our headteachers to feel real ownership of their schools, including for the finances. We are therefore looking for someone who can work creatively with school leaders while helping us maintain our strong track record of financial stability and security.

If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you. We are seeking a passionate candidate who:

• Has the ability and willingness to work flexibly to meet the demands of the role, working to deadlines.
• Is accurate and has an eye for detail.
• Enjoys working individually, as well as part of a team and is able to communicate effectively with all stakeholders.
• Can adopt a diplomatic, yet firm approach when necessary; with negotiating skills when required.
• Is a great team player, friendly, and professional.
• Is courteous and approachable whilst delivering high standards of customer service whether face to face, on the phone or online.
• Is confident in liaising with a variety of staff at all levels.
• Demonstrates personal resilience and role models those personal qualities we wish to instil in our young people.

Your main duties would be:

• To ensure that processes are in place to ensure that month-end production of management accounts is accurate and timely (with particular attention to newly joined schools).
• To take a lead on ensuring that the chart of accounts is reviewed and updated in line with the DFE new model CoA in order to make efficiencies from the automation surrounding statutory returns.
• To play a significant role in the audit and year-end demands of a large organisation ensuring that information is complete, accurate, consistent and within deadlines.
• Assist with regular checks across the organisation to ensure compliance with the Trust Financial Procedures.
• Gain sufficient understanding of the organisation in order to be able to deputise for the CFO.

In return, we offer:

• Membership (automatic but optional) of local Government Pension Scheme through GMPF; with security of a defined benefit scheme, early/flexible retirement options and strong death in service/ill health protections included as standard.
• Continuous Professional Development (CPD): Access to National College training, subject-specific CPD, leadership pathways and technical mentoring from experienced colleagues.
• Career progression: Clear pathways for growth, from early careers to leadership roles. We use a “touchbase” informal approach to focus on professional development as well as an annual career conversation with your manager.