Chief Finance Officer/Trust Accountant - The Spire Trust

The Trust is seeking a Chief Finance Officer/Trust Accountant (CFO) to help maintain the financial health of the Trust and its link Academies.

The CFO will play both a technical and leadership role working closely with the Trust’s leadership team, our central team and Trustees. In collaboration with our school leaders and Business Managers, you will develop comprehensive financial plans, budgets, and forecasts that ensure the financial health of our Trust. You will take responsibility for the Trust’s detailed financial procedures, driving the Trust’s financial planning and operational decisions forward whilst enabling our schools and learners to benefit from having access to the resources they need to achieve their objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Inspire, lead, and drive the financial shape and direction of the Trust.
2. Oversee the financial management of the Trust, ensuring sustainability and growth.
3. Take overall responsibility for monitoring and reporting on the financial performance of the academies, developing comprehensive financial plans, budgets, and forecasts, ensuring that the financial regulations are always adhered to.
4. Adeptly use accounting and budgeting systems to monitor and report on financial data.
5. Provide responsive advice and high-quality support using excellent communication and team building skills.
6. Support senior colleagues with decision making and prepare financial information for senior leaders of the Trust, Trustees, and Governing bodies.

We are looking for someone who is:

1. A skilled and experienced finance professional who can cover the whole range of financial management tasks, demonstrating high levels of analytical and problem-solving skills.
2. Able to manipulate, interpret, and present complex data.
3. A highly motivated and hard-working person.
4. Able to show initiative and innovation.
5. A strong team player who can develop positive relationships with stakeholders and colleagues.
6. Proven ability to lead, inspire, and develop a finance team.
7. Committed to the values and ethos of the Trust.

We can offer you:

1. The opportunity to work in this innovative and vibrant Academy Trust.
2. Flexible and hybrid working opportunities.
3. Access to the generous Local Government Pension Scheme.
4. The full support of an experienced professional team of staff.
5. Well-established protocols and systems (including Sage 200 accounting software and IMP budgeting software).
6. Professional Development and training to support you in your work.
7. Access to relevant local and national networks.
8. Employee assistance scheme.
9. Cycle to work scheme.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who is AAT qualified/partly qualified, or someone more experienced, who is looking for a new challenge and would like to be part of an established and growing finance team. A knowledge/experience of the education sector would be an advantage. If this is you, then we encourage you to apply. If you would like to arrange an informal discussion about the role, please contact Stephen Cox, Executive Headteacher/CEO Designate directly at scox@spiretrust.co.uk.

The Trust and all its schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check.

Application Process:

Please feel free to apply online or via the website. Alternatively, an application form and further details can be obtained below or from:

Please forward your completed application form to Jan Perrey, Operations Manager, at jperrey@spiretrust.co.uk.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and is eligible for an enhanced DBS check including a Children's Barring List Check. If you are barred from working with children, you are breaking the law if you apply for this post.

This post is covered by Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) and therefore the ability to speak fluent and spoken English is an essential requirement for this role.

Completed application forms should be returned directly to the school by email or post. Please ensure application forms are signed if sending via email.

If you are successful in being shortlisted for an interview, you will be contacted via email within 28 working days of the closing date. Please ensure you check your junk/spam boxes as well as your inbox in case any correspondence has been delivered there.

Hours and Salary:

Hours: 37 hours per week, 5 days a week, Term Time Only plus 20 days, will consider part-time 4 days or above (please state preference when applying).

Salary: Scale PO6 (48-51) £58,284 - £61,605 pro rata.

Closing Date: Friday 17th January 2025.

Interviews: Monday 27th January 2025.

Further information on The Spire Church of England Learning Trust and its schools can be found on the website here.