Chief Financial Officer| Bedfordshire Schools Trust (BEST) in London
Chief Financial Officer| Bedfordshire Schools Trust (BEST)

Chief Financial Officer| Bedfordshire Schools Trust (BEST) in London

London Full-Time 98040 - 117064 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
The Team @ Satis Education

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial strategy and support educational excellence across 11 schools.
  • Company: Join Bedfordshire Schools Trust, a high-performing multi-academy trust.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, permanent contract, and the chance to make a real impact.
  • Other info: Opportunity for career advancement and commitment to safeguarding children.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of education while ensuring financial integrity and growth.
  • 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.

Application deadline: 9.00am Friday 15 May 2026. Interviews: Wednesday 20 May 2026.

Chief Financial Officer| Bedfordshire Schools Trust (BEST) in London employer: The Team @ Satis Education

Bedfordshire Schools Trust (BEST) is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional growth of its staff while fostering a collaborative and supportive work culture. Located in Shefford, Bedfordshire, BEST offers competitive salaries and a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and impactful careers in education finance.
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) in London

✨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 at Bedfordshire Schools Trust or similar organisations.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews! Research BEST thoroughly, understand their vision, and think about how your financial expertise can help them achieve their goals. We want you to shine when discussing how you can lead their finance team.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led finance teams in the past, especially in the education sector. We need to see that you can inspire and guide others while maintaining high standards.

✨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 your commitment to joining the BEST team and being part of something special in education.

We think you need these skills to ace Chief Financial Officer| Bedfordshire Schools Trust (BEST) in London

Strategic Leadership
Financial Planning
Financial Reporting
Budgeting
Forecasting
Financial Governance
Internal Controls
Compliance
Stakeholder Engagement
Communication Skills
Leadership Experience
Financial Acumen
Integrity
Resilience
Commitment to Safeguarding

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Chief Financial Officer role. Highlight your leadership experience and financial acumen, especially in the education sector. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at BEST!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about education and how you can contribute to our vision. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through!

Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your strategic insight and ability to lead complex organisations. Numbers and results speak volumes, so don’t shy away from sharing them!

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. Plus, it’s super easy!

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.

✨Showcase Leadership Experience

Prepare examples of your leadership experience, especially within the education sector. Think about times when you’ve led teams through change or improved financial governance. This will help you connect with the interviewers who are looking for someone to lead their finance team effectively.

✨Communicate Clearly

Effective communication is crucial for this role. Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. You might be asked to present financial reports or strategies, so being able to articulate your thoughts clearly will set you apart from other candidates.

✨Align with Their Vision

Research Bedfordshire Schools Trust’s vision and strategic priorities. Be prepared to discuss how your financial strategies can support their goals. Showing that you understand and align with their mission will demonstrate your commitment to their cause and your potential fit within the organisation.

Chief Financial Officer| Bedfordshire Schools Trust (BEST) in London
The Team @ Satis Education
Location: London

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