Chief Finance Officer

Central Co-operative Learning Trust

Chief Finance Officer

Salary: Competitive

Location: Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire

Closing date for applications: Tuesday 9th January 2024 at noon

Shortlisting: Wednesday 10th January 2024

Interviews: w/c Monday 15th January 2024

Central Co-operative Learning Trust is a well-respected Multi-Academy Trust (MAT), based in Staffordshire which serves a group of nine Primary Schools, which are at the heart of their communities. It seeks an experienced and qualified Chief Finance Officer who will ideally be based in Staffordshire, with the potential for flexible and/or hybrid working options.

The Trust is continuing to grow and it is an exciting time for all involved, with the ultimate aim to provide excellent education and improve outcomes for its pupils.

The successful candidate will provide leadership and management on all aspects of finance and will play a pivotal role in providing clear financial and commercial strategy and direction for the Trust, acting as the CFO in line with the Academy Trust Handbook. The post-holder will be fully aware of all funding and legislative changes that apply to the education sector and advise the Trust Board on strategic financial information to enable them to make informed decisions. They will be responsible for managing all budgeting and accounting activity, the line management of the finance function, ensuring all systems are updated and reporting is timely and in line with required annual returns. In addition, they will coordinate the work of the external auditor and prepare and submit audited, statutory and consolidated accounts.

The successful candidate will be a fully qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, CIMA, CIPFA) ideally with a minimum of ten years' PQE in both financial management and accounting at a senior level, together with demonstrable business acumen and commercial experience.

It is essential candidates possess extensive prior experience of producing budgets, management accounts, statutory accounts and year end audit.

Experience of working in a Multi-Academy Trust environment will be an advantage, with an understanding of all aspects of school finance, however suitably qualified candidates from other commercial and public sector backgrounds will be considered.

As a key member of the Trust's central team, the CFO will play an important part in setting and achieving the Trust's strategy. They will report to the Chief Executive Officer and Board of Trustees, and will work closely with the Chief Operating Officer, along with other members of the central team, to ensure effective Trust leadership that best serves the children and young people in its communities.

For further information, a confidential conversation and to arrange a visit, please contact our retained consultant Neil Massie at Academicis on 07818 875514 or via nmassie@academicis.co.uk.

Completed application forms to be returned to nmassie@academicis.co.uk by Tuesday 9th January 2024 at noon.