CFO

• Opportunity to join a rapidly growing multi academy trust in Merseyside
• Be instrumental in shaping the trust's financial strategy & driving efficiency

About Our Client

The client is a recently established Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) that has onboarded five schools, in the Liverpool area. The trust is seeking a qualified accountant with experience in SEND funding and school finance to help lead the financial operations across its schools.

Job Description

• Leading the overall financial strategy for the trust, ensuring that financial decisions support the long-term sustainability of the organisation.
• Providing direct support to the CEO in their role as the trust's accounting officer.
• Overseeing budget preparation, expenditure monitoring, and financial reporting to the CEO and board.
• Collaborating closely with Headteachers to ensure schools' budgets are accurately forecasted and managed in line with expectations.
• Working with external stakeholders and regulators to maintain strong financial controls and compliance with funding changes, government regulations, and statutory guidance.
• Managing key financial processes, including audits, procurement, payroll, and capital projects, to ensure the effective allocation of resources.

The Successful Applicant

• A qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent) with proven experience in a similar financial leadership role, ideally within the education sector.
• Strong experience in managing financial functions across multiple organisations and departments.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to foster relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience working within the framework of financial regulations, including compliance with the Education Funding Agency (EFA) and Charity Commission requirements.
• A passion for improving financial processes and systems to maximise resources and support the development of the trust.

What's on Offer

• Salary circa £70,000-£80,000
• 1 day home working
• Brilliant benefits including 18% pension, 35 days holiday, private healthcare etc