CHIEF FINANCE OFFICER - eFinancialCareers : Job Details

Warrington, Cheshire

37 hours per week, permanent

The Challenge Academy Trust (TCAT) is a multi-academy trust made of up 6 primary schools, 7 secondary schools and a 16-19 sixth form college. With over 11,000 students, 1,300 employees and revenue in excess of £90 million, the Chief Finance Officer (CFO) will play a pivotal role in shaping the financial strategy and ensuring the financial health of our Trust.

Recognised by the Department for Education as a ‘strong’ trust, we are proud of the current financial and educational health of the trust.  All of our academies are rated ‘Good’ or better by Ofsted and we are a trust that is financially secure and fully compliant, with a record of clean audits, positive ESFA reviews and a healthy surplus linked to a strong investment strategy.

The CFO works closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Trustees, academy leaders and other members of the Trust senior leadership team to drive financial performance, support strategic decision-making, and ensure compliance with all financial regulations.

Ideally with a background in education, charities or the public sector, you will lead a central team consisting of a management accountant, financial controller the four cluster finance managers.  Together, the team is responsible for all aspects of financial management across the trust working closely with academy level finance colleagues. The CFO will also be a Director of our subsidiary outdoor education company, playing a leading role in the development of our offer to children and young people across the region.

We are a forward thinking, vibrant and rapidly growing trust and our people are key to our continued growth and success. This is an exciting time to join our trust!

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement the Trust’s financial strategy, ensuring alignment with our overall goals and objectives.
• Oversee all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and auditing.
• Provide strategic financial advice to the CEO, Board of Trustees, and member academy Heads/Principals.
• Ensure robust financial controls and risk management processes are in place.
• Lead and develop the finance team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.
• Manage relationships with external stakeholders, including auditors, regulators, and funding bodies.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations and legislation (including the Academy Trust Handbook and charitable law).

Qualifications and Experience:

• A professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW etc) is essential.
• Proven experience in a senior financial leadership role, preferably within the education sector or a similar environment.
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to translate complex financial information into actionable insights.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• People management experience with a record of developing staff to realise their full potential.
• A proactive and innovative approach, with a commitment to continuous improvement and excellence.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a forward-thinking and ambitious Trust with a strong commitment to educational and operational excellence.
• Opportunity to shape the financial future of a growing organisation.
• Collaborative and supportive working environment.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.

To arrange a discussion about this opportunity with TCAT please contact Melissa Alexander, TCAT Development Lead by telephone () or email ().

Recruitment Timetable: 

• The closing date for applications is noon on 29 January 2025.
• Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an assessment centre to be held w/c 10 February 2025.

TO APPLY PLEASE CLICK ON THE APPLY BUTTON

Terms and Benefits

1) Salary: Competitive

2) Eligible for membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.

3) Occupational sickness and parental leave pay schemes,

4) A minimum of 26 days annual leave (increasing to 31 days after 5 years eservice), in additional to bank holidays

5) Agile working opportunities (minimum 3 days per week on site, subject to work commitments). 

6) Access to TCAT+ our Reward, Recognition and Wellbeing platform, including access to retailer discounts and benefits, discounted healthcare cash plan, cycle to work scheme and online resources to support physical, emotional, professional, financial and social wellbeing.

7) Access to a comprehensive CPD framework though ‘Education Connect’, our professional development arm, and online resources from the ‘National College’.

The Challenge Academy Trust is committed to promoting the safeguarding and welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are made subject to an Enhanced DBS check. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer, and our employment policies, procedures and practices are regularly reviewed to ensure compliance with legislation.  We are committed to creating a workplace culture that is inclusive, positive, and fair with opportunity for all.