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- Tasks: Lead financial strategy for a multi-academy trust and support educational excellence.
- Company: Join Bedfordshire Schools Trust, dedicated to exceptional education for over 8,000 children.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time permanent role, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Commitment to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare is essential.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education while leading a dynamic finance team.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with leadership experience in the education sector.
The predicted salary is between 98040 - 117064 £ per year.
Bedfordshire Schools Trust (BEST) is a high‑performing and growing multi‑academy trust providing exceptional education across 11 schools and five nurseries. We serve more than 8,000 children from nursery through to advanced level study and employ over 1,000 staff.
Employment Details
- Contract: Full‑time, permanent
- Salary: £98,040 – £117,064
- Accountable to: Chief Executive Officer
- Location: BEST House, Shefford, Bedfordshire
- Start date: September 2026
Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership for all aspects of finance across the Trust, working closely with the CEO, Board of Trustees and school leaders to support the delivery of BEST’s vision and strategic priorities.
- Ensure financial planning, reporting and controls are robust, transparent and aligned to improving educational outcomes.
- Lead the central finance team and provide expert advice to academy and nursery leaders, enabling them to focus on delivering excellence in education.
- Play a key role in Trust growth, including financial due diligence for new schools joining BEST, and strengthen systems, processes and financial governance.
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting, ensuring public funds are used effectively and deliver value for money.
- Maintain strong internal controls and ensure compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements.
Qualifications
- Fully qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent).
- Significant leadership experience, ideally within the education sector.
- Strong financial acumen, strategic insight and the ability to lead complex organisations.
- Effective communication skills and ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
- Integrity, resilience and commitment to high standards, equality and safeguarding.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory pre‑employment checks and references, including enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance.
To arrange an informal, confidential discussion regarding this role, please contact Jenna Everett at Satis Education on 07593583047 or email jenna@satiseducation.co.uk.
Application deadline: 9.00am Friday 15 May 2026.
Interviews: Wednesday 20 May 2026.
Chief Financial Officer| Bedfordshire Schools Trust (BEST) employer: The Team @ Satis Education
Contact Detail:
The Team @ Satis Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Financial Officer| Bedfordshire Schools Trust (BEST)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who might know someone at Bedfordshire Schools Trust. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could set you apart.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching BEST’s vision and strategic priorities. We want to see how your financial expertise aligns with their goals. Bring specific examples of how you've led financial initiatives that improved educational outcomes.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, highlight your experience in leading finance teams and working with stakeholders. We love to hear about how you've built strong relationships and driven change in complex organisations.
✨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 serious about joining the BEST team and contributing to their mission of delivering exceptional education.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Financial Officer| Bedfordshire Schools Trust (BEST)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Chief Financial Officer role. Highlight your leadership experience in finance, especially within the education sector, to show us you’re the right fit for BEST.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about education and how your financial expertise can help drive BEST’s vision forward. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your financial acumen and strategic insight. Numbers speak volumes, so don’t shy away from showcasing how you’ve added value in previous positions.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at BEST. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Team @ Satis Education
✨Know Your Numbers
As a 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 them to drive strategic decisions in previous roles. This shows you’re not just about the numbers, but also about how they impact educational outcomes.
✨Understand the Trust's Vision
Familiarise yourself with Bedfordshire Schools Trust’s mission and values. Be prepared to articulate how your financial strategies can support their vision for exceptional education. This will show that you’re aligned with their goals and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask you to solve hypothetical financial challenges or lead discussions on budgeting and forecasting. Think of examples from your past experience where you successfully navigated similar situations. This will highlight your problem-solving skills and strategic insight.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice how you would engage with various stakeholders, from the CEO to school leaders. Show that you can build strong relationships and communicate complex financial information clearly, which is crucial for leading a central finance team.