Interim CFO - 6-9 months, Education, West Midlands
We’re seeking an exceptional Interim CFO to take full ownership of the finance function, corporate resources, IT strategy, capital governance, and Board‑level financial stewardship during a period of significant organisational growth and estates expansion.
This is a role for a true strategic leader—someone who can operate confidently at pace, influence at the highest levels, and bring clarity, rigour, and foresight to a complex environment.
The Opportunity
As Interim CFO, you will act as the principal financial adviser to the Board, CEO, and Executive Team, shaping the organisation’s financial future while ensuring robust operational performance.
You will lead:
- The full finance function, including payroll, treasury, debtor management, and statutory reporting
- Board‑level financial insight, strategy, and governance
- Engagement with banks, auditors, regulators, and legal partners
- Budgets, forecasts, statutory returns, and annual financial statements
- Risk management, audit, compliance, and financial regulations
- Organisation‑wide IT strategy and systems
- Procurement, contract oversight, value‑for‑money programmes, and cost‑reduction initiatives
- Asset management, insurance, pensions, and financial compliance
- Capital budgets, investment appraisals, business cases, and major capital projects
- Property‑related financial matters including acquisitions, disposals, and leases
- Development of the finance team, driving continuous improvement and organisational effectiveness
We’re looking for a leader who brings:
- Full accountancy qualification
- Proven experience heading finance within an Education setting (HE/FE/MATs)
- Confidence working with auditors, banks, and regulatory bodies
- A track record of delivering financial system improvements and transformation
- The ability to influence at Board level and drive cross‑organisational initiatives
- Experience managing large capital programmes and government‑funded projects
- Strength in capital governance, forecasting, business case development, and risk assessment
This is not an operational finance role—it’s a strategic, executive‑level position with significant organisational impact.
If you’re an accomplished CFO/FD with experience in an Education setting, please reach out.
