At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and governance for a forward-thinking education Trust.
- Company: Orion Education, dedicated to transforming lives and improving outcomes for young people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, professional development, and a focus on wellbeing.
- Other info: Join an ambitious team committed to values of trust, kindness, and endeavour.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education and social mobility in your community.
- Qualifications: Professional accountancy qualification and senior finance leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 125000 - 125000 £ per year.
Orion Education is seeking an exceptional Chief Finance Officer to help shape the next stage of the Trust's development. This is a pivotal executive leadership role at a critical moment for a forward-looking, values-led organisation with eight schools across Bromley and Kent. Orion is driven by a clear mission: to improve outcomes, transform lives and enable social mobility. Its work is underpinned by the values of trust, kindness and endeavour, and by a belief that strong culture, academic rigour and excellent leadership can make a lasting difference for young people and their communities.
Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Trustees and wider Executive Leadership Team, the CFO will provide clear, disciplined and strategic financial leadership across the Trust. You will ensure that Orion has the financial strategy, systems, governance and decision-making capability required to support sustainable growth, operational resilience and improved outcomes for pupils, particularly those who are most disadvantaged.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Leading the Trust's long-term financial strategy, planning, budgeting and forecasting.
- Providing high-quality financial insight to the CEO, Board and Executive Leadership Team.
- Ensuring robust financial governance, compliance, risk management and assurance.
- Overseeing statutory reporting, audit, cashflow, financial controls and regulatory requirements.
- Implementing curriculum-led financial planning across the Trust.
- Supporting school and Trust leaders to make evidence-informed decisions about staffing, resources and investment.
- Driving value for money through procurement, contract management, systems improvement and standardisation.
- Building financial frameworks that support sustainable growth and potential future school integration.
- Developing finance colleagues and contributing to a strong, collaborative and accountable culture.
This is a role for a finance leader who can operate with both strategic ambition and practical grip. You will be able to translate complex financial information into clear advice, build confidence among non-finance leaders, and ensure that resources are aligned to educational priorities.
We are looking for someone who can bring:
- Professional accountancy qualification and significant senior finance leadership experience.
- A strong track record in financial strategy, planning, control and governance.
- Experience of operating at executive or board level in a complex organisation.
- The ability to manage significant budgets, risk and resources with confidence.
- Strong judgement, integrity and accountability.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence a wide range of stakeholders.
- A values-led approach, with the ability to build trust and develop others.
- Commitment to Orion's mission, values and ambition for young people.
Just as importantly, you will be a leader with cultural tenacity, accountability with purpose, imaginative intelligence and the capacity to connect with colleagues, pupils, communities and partners.
In return, Orion offers:
- A senior executive role with real strategic influence.
- The opportunity to join an ambitious Trust at an exciting stage of development.
- Competitive salary of up to £125,000 per annum.
- Pension provision and a strong commitment to professional development.
- A culture that places wellbeing, inclusion and belonging at its heart.
- The chance to make a lasting contribution to pupils, schools and communities.
Orion Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The Trust is fully committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Chief Financial Officer. Job in Chislehurst LilyLifestyle Jobs employer: United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
Orion Education is an exceptional employer, offering a pivotal role as Chief Financial Officer within a values-led organisation dedicated to transforming lives and improving educational outcomes. Located in Chislehurst, the Trust fosters a culture of wellbeing, inclusion, and professional development, providing competitive salaries and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on young people's futures. Join a forward-thinking team that prioritises trust, kindness, and endeavour, while supporting your growth in a collaborative environment.
Contact Details:
United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Financial Officer. Job in Chislehurst LilyLifestyle Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who might know someone at Orion Education. A personal introduction can make all the difference in getting your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding Orion's mission and values inside out. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals of improving outcomes and enabling social mobility. Show them you’re not just a finance whiz but also a values-driven leader!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your financial strategy experience and how it can benefit Orion. Keep it concise and impactful—think about how you can translate complex financial info into actionable insights for non-finance leaders.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Financial Officer. Job in Chislehurst LilyLifestyle Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the values and mission of Orion Education. Highlight your experience in financial strategy and governance, as this will show us that you understand what we're all about.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:In your application, don’t just list your qualifications; tell us about your leadership style and how you've influenced others in previous roles. We want to see how you can connect with colleagues and drive a collaborative culture.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language to explain complex financial concepts, as we need someone who can communicate effectively with non-finance leaders. Remember, clarity is key!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Orion Education.
How to prepare for a job interview at United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Chief Financial Officer, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the education sector and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive strategic decisions in previous roles.
✨Align with the Mission
Orion Education is all about improving outcomes and enabling social mobility. Make sure you can articulate how your values align with theirs and provide examples of how you've contributed to similar missions in the past.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about challenges you've faced in financial governance or risk management and prepare to discuss how you navigated those situations effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong leadership and the ability to influence non-finance stakeholders. Be prepared to share your approach to developing finance teams and fostering a collaborative culture, as well as how you’ve built trust with colleagues and communities.
