Chief Finance Officer for The Great Schools Trust

Due to unforeseen circumstances we need to recommence our recruitment campaign for our post of CFO. The Great Schools Trust is a dynamic and values-led multi-academy trust in the North West. Our five schools (and a further two in development) provide a rounded education of the calibre usually only found in the independent sector, with residential visits, flourishing sport and performing arts, the Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme, and even a Combined Cadet Force. Our schools are popular with parents and heavily oversubscribed. We are uncompromising in our pursuit of excellence, and recently hosted a hugely successful ResearchED event; and everything we do is underpinned by an unshakeable belief that a great education is the foundation for greater social mobility.

This is an excellent opportunity to build on the sustained achievements of our first decade, and to help us realise the significant educational and social potential of our Trust. Financially healthy, with sound reserves and robust systems, we are planning for rapid future growth with confidence. We will look to our new CFO to maintain this strong financial position, and to advise the Trust Board (and Finance & Resources Committee) on key financial aspects of our strategic plan. Working closely with our CEO and COSO, you will be an integral member of the Executive Team, and will make a significant contribution to the Trust’s future direction.

Candidates must be fully professionally qualified, and have extensive experience of working with budgets of >£20m. Strengths in leadership, communication and strategic planning are essential, and your track record of growth and impact (probably in the MAT sector) will be impressive. Experience of management responsibilities in addition to finance (e.g. Estates, ICT, Operations), and of operating across multiple phases and geographies, will all be a definite advantage.

You must demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of working within a regulated and public-funded context, and show that you understand how to balance commerciality and appropriate risk with the secure delivery of our nonnegotiable social and educational mission. Self-motivated and highly capable, with attention to detail and strong IT skills, you’ll flourish in a team that holds itself to the highest standards of accountability. And perhaps most importantly, you must share our absolute commitment to supporting our students on their journey to become successful learners and fulfilled young adults.

For more information, please contact Dominique Stead - d.stead@greatschoolstrust.com

Closing date: 5pm, Friday 14th October