Associate Chief Financial Officer
Posted 3 days ago by Great Schools Trust
Negotiable
Undetermined
Hybrid
Warrington, England, United Kingdom
Summary: The Associate Chief Financial Officer role at Great Schools Trust is a fixed-term position aimed at enhancing the financial resilience of the organization as it prepares for strategic growth. The successful candidate will provide financial leadership, oversee budgeting and compliance, and work closely with the Executive Team to align financial strategies with educational priorities. This role offers a unique opportunity for mentorship and influence at the Board level while supporting the Trust's mission to transform children's futures.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support and lead in areas of the Trust’s 3–5 year financial strategy and advise CEO and Board.
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting, reporting, treasury, and risk.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks and financial governance.
- Support COO in partnership with school leaders to align finance with educational priorities.
- Drive procurement efficiencies and support growth through due diligence and integration.
Key Skills:
- Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA/CIPFA).
- Senior finance leadership experience in complex, multi-entity settings.
- Strategic vision and operational rigour.
- Commitment to ethical stewardship.
- Experience in education, charity, or public sector is desirable but not essential.
Salary (Rate): undetermined
City: Warrington
Country: United Kingdom
Working Arrangements: hybrid
IR35 Status: undetermined
Seniority Level: undetermined
Industry: Other
Associate Chief Financial Officer (Fixed Term) Location - King's Leadership Academy Warrington, Hillock Lane, Cheshire, WA1 4PF Contract Type - Fixed Term/Hybrid Role – Warrington HQ Contract Term - Part-Time/Full-Time considered/ 3–6 month opportunity Salary - Highly competitive (band/day-rate to be agreed) Closing Date - 12:00 pm, 10th Nov 2025 Start Date - January 2026 or Earlier Positions Available - 1 Shape the next chapter of a growing trust. As Great Schools Trust continues to strengthen its financial resilience and prepare for the next phase of strategic development, we are seeking additional CFO capacity to help accelerate key priorities and modernisation initiatives. Join Great Schools Trust at a pivotal moment in our journey. From a single academy in 2012 to educating over 4,500 pupils across eight (soon nine) schools, we’re nationally recognised for excellence in character, leadership and social mobility. With strong finances, innovative initiatives like our CredimusAI platform, and top-tier outcomes for disadvantaged pupils, we’re seeking an Associate Chief Finance Officer to help accelerate our impact and prepare for the next phase of strategic growth. This interim role, with potential to extend, is a unique opportunity to combine financial leadership with a mission-driven approach to financial excellence. Additionally, you will benefit from 1-1 mentorship from an experienced CFO. This is a fantastic opportunity for a values-driven finance leader to work alongside our Executive Team, Chief Operations Officer and Finance Team, helping to shape a sustainable financial strategy that underpins our mission to transform children’s futures.
The Role Support and lead in areas of the Trust’s 3–5 year financial strategy and advise CEO and Board. Oversee budgeting, forecasting, reporting, treasury, and risk. Ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks and financial governance. Support our COO in the partnership with school leaders to align finance with educational priorities. Drive procurement efficiencies and support growth through due diligence and integration.
What We Offer Strategic influence at Board level, shaping Trust-wide priorities. Freedom to modernise and standardise finance systems. Hybrid working with flexible arrangements. 30 days annual leave + bank holidays, wellbeing support, and other benefits.
About You You’ll be a qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA/CIPFA) with senior finance leadership experience in complex, multi-entity settings. You bring strategic vision, operational rigour, and a commitment to ethical stewardship. Experience in education, charity, or public sector is desirable but not essential.
How to Apply Please see attached our detailed recruitment pack attached. To apply, please submit your application via MyNewTerm only - For an informal conversation or a welcomed visit to discuss the role, please contact h.fenlon@greatschoolstrust.com Great Schools Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced pre-employment checks.