St Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Multi‑Academy Trust
Chief Financial Officer
Join an extraordinary venture. As England’s largest Catholic academy trust, serving over 22,000 pupils across 64 schools, we are looking for an outstanding Chief Finance Officer to join our executive leadership team at a defining moment in our history.
About Us
Founded in September 2025, the Trust spans communities across the West Midlands—from Birmingham to Cheadle—and brings together 63-64 schools in one mission: forming Christ-centred pilgrims of hope, with kind hearts, questioning minds, a thirst for knowledge and a hunger for justice.
This large-scale merger (one of the largest school trust mergers the country has seen) positions us to deliver enhanced support, shared excellence and sustainable growth. Our ethos is rooted in Catholic values—yet we welcome applicants of all faiths and none who share our commitment to education, excellence and service.
What You’ll Do
As CFO you will carry the ultimate responsibility for our finance function, supporting the CEO (as Accounting Officer) and working closely with the Board of Directors, school leaders and central teams.
Key responsibilities include:
- Develop and implement strategic financial planning, scenario-modelling and long-term sustainability frameworks.
- Provide Board-level financial advisory, risk management, and oversight of reserves, investments and banking relationships.
- Ensure rigorous regulatory compliance—including the Academies Trust Handbook—and transparent financial reporting across all schools.
- Lead, develop and inspire the finance team, driving excellence, accountability and innovation in a distributed multi-site environment.
- Oversee capital projects, growth planning and procurement strategies that deliver value for money and support school improvement.
- Collaborate with the Chief Operations & People Officer on payroll and central services, and with the Chief Infrastructure & Operations Officer on procurement, estates and service delivery.
What We’re Looking For
- A CCAB-qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIPFA, CIMA) with extensive senior finance leadership experience in a complex, multi-site organisation.
- Proven expertise in financial governance, strategy, regulatory compliance and large-scale operations at senior level.
- A strategic and analytical thinker who translates financial data into actionable insight, balancing ambition with prudence.
- Inspiring leadership skills — you will build, develop and lead a high-performing finance function across many schools and stakeholders.
- Person of strong character and integrity, aligned with our values and committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Executive-level communication skills, comfortable presenting to and engaging with the Board, CEO and multiple stakeholders.
- Desirable: experience in education or public sector finance, familiarity with Multi-Academy Trust frameworks / academy acquisitions, and knowledge of Catholic education.
Why This Role Matters
- Significant scale & impact: Lead finance operations for 22,000+ pupils in 64 schools, managing resources that directly influence thousands of young lives across the West Midlands.
- Shape the future: With the Trust in its early phase, you’ll co-create sustainable systems, influence culture and leave a legacy for decades.
- Values-driven ethos: Join a leadership team grounded in service, faith, integrity and educational mission.
Package & benefits:
- Up to £110,000 basic salary (experience dependent)
- Participation in the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Generous annual leave
- Strong support around professional development
Safeguarding & Equal Opportunities
St Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Multi-Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and pre-employment clearance.
We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share our ambition and values.
Next Steps
If you are a visionary finance leader eager to build sustainable systems, committed to educational excellence and ready to make a meaningful difference, we’d like to hear from you.
This opportunity is being managed by Trinity House Group. Please submit your CV and should your application be of interest we will be in touch.
