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- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and operations for The Perse School, guiding a six-person finance team.
- Company: Join Cambridge’s oldest secondary school, known for its exceptional education and innovative spirit.
- Benefits: Be part of a prestigious institution with a commitment to educational excellence and community welfare.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education while working in a vibrant, ambitious environment with a rich history.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified accountant with strong financial skills and a passion for education.
- Other info: Applications close on January 13th; commitment to safeguarding children is essential.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
The Head and Governors of The Perse School invite applications for the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) from April 2025.
Founded in 1615, The Perse is Cambridge’s oldest secondary school and one of the country’s leading coeducational independent day schools, educating some 1,740 pupils aged 3 to 18 and employing approximately 400 staff. Comprising the Upper, Prep and Pelican schools, The Perse operates across five sites in and around leafy Cambridge, including the Porson Road and Abington playing fields. The School provides an exceptional education combining both tradition and innovation, and is listed in the UK top 10 of The Times Independent Schools Exam Results league table for A Level.
This is an exciting time for The Perse, having recently opened a state of the art sports centre in Cambridge and with franchises opening in Singapore in 2025 and Oman in 2026. The School now looks forward to the future with a sense of ambition and healthy confidence.
The Governors now seek to appoint an outstanding CFO to contribute to the further development and delivery of the School’s strategy. Reporting to the Bursar, the CFO will have responsibility for providing strategic and operational leadership on all financial matters across the Perse School and its group companies, and providing leadership to a six-person finance team. This will include effective management of the School’s financial resources through oversight of all accounting functions.
The successful candidate will be an experienced qualified accountant, with excellent financial and commercial acumen, as well as strong interpersonal and communication skills. They will bring the energy, resilience and ambition to help guide the School through the next exciting phase of its development. Applications are encouraged from candidates from a broad range of sectors who have strong finance skills, but a commitment to and empathy with the wider educational and charitable mission of the Perse School will be essential.
Further information on The Perse School can be found at . A candidate brief is available from .
CVs and covering letters should be sent by the closing date, 09.00 GMT Monday 13th January, to Freddie Dennis at Odgers Berndtson.
The Perse School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Therefore, we expect all workers and employees to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, including a satisfactory Enhanced criminal records with Barred List check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
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Chief Financial Officer employer: The Perse School
Contact Detail:
The Perse School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Financial Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with The Perse School's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to education and community will help you align your experience and vision with theirs during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former staff members of The Perse School. They can provide valuable insights into the school's culture and expectations, which can be beneficial in your conversations with the Governors.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing financial resources in an educational or charitable context. Highlight specific examples where your financial acumen has positively impacted an organization similar to The Perse School.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership style and how it fosters teamwork and collaboration. As the CFO, you'll be leading a finance team, so demonstrating your ability to inspire and guide others will be crucial.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Financial Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Chief Financial Officer position at The Perse School. Familiarize yourself with the school's mission and values, as well as its recent developments, such as the new sports centre and international franchises.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience in financial leadership, strategic planning, and team management. Emphasize your qualifications as a certified accountant and any previous roles that demonstrate your financial acumen and commitment to educational or charitable missions.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the school’s vision. Discuss how your skills and experiences align with the needs of the CFO position, and convey your understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in the educational sector.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you send your CV and cover letter to the specified contact, Freddie Dennis at Odgers Berndtson, before the closing date. Double-check that all documents are formatted correctly and free of errors to make a strong first impression.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Perse School
✨Understand the School's Mission
Familiarize yourself with The Perse School's educational philosophy and charitable mission. Demonstrating a genuine commitment to education and an understanding of how financial decisions impact student outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
Prepare to discuss your experience in financial management, particularly in educational or non-profit settings. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully managed budgets, improved financial processes, or contributed to strategic planning.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
As the CFO will lead a finance team, emphasize your leadership skills and experience. Share specific instances where you have motivated teams, resolved conflicts, or implemented changes that improved team performance.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you’ve faced in previous roles and how you navigated them, especially those related to financial oversight in an educational context.
