Employer Girls' Day School Trust (GDST) Location London, Greater London Contract Type Permanent Hours Full Time Contract Length Permanent Salary Competitive
Posted 30th March 2026 Start Date As Soon As Possible Expires 11th May 2026 09:00 AM Contract Type Permanent Start Date As Soon As Possible Job ID 1541404
Start Date As Soon As Possible
- Contract Type :Permanent
- Contract Length: Permanent
- Job ID: 1541404
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The Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) is seeking an outstanding Deputy Chief Financial Officer (Deputy CFO) to provide strategic and operational financial leadership across one of the UK’s leading education charities. With a gross income of over £350M, the GDST is one of the twenty largest charities in the UK and we are also recognised global leaders in girls’ education, combining 154 years of expertise and experience with a progressive and pace-setting vision for the future. Our 23 independent schools and two academies educate over 19,000 students across England and Wales and are united by a shared purpose: to help girls learn without limits, so that they can go on to lead lives without limits.
Working closely with the Chief Financial Officer, the Deputy CFO will lead financial accounting, reporting, tax, treasury, systems and controls across the GDST. They will ensure the integrity of the GDST’s financial position, the effectiveness of financial governance and the provision of high-quality insight to senior leaders and Trustees, enabling confident decision-making and long-term sustainability.
This is a senior leadership role within a complex, multi-entity organisation which will influence decision-making at the highest level and help shape the future of the GDST. The Deputy CFO will lead and develop high-performing finance teams, work in close partnership with school and Trust Office leaders, and drive continuous improvement in financial systems, processes and capability. Through effective leadership and collaboration, the postholder will balance strong financial control with a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach.
We are looking for a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with significant senior-level experience in a complex organisation. The preferred candidate will bring deep expertise in financial reporting, statutory accounts, audit, tax and treasury, alongside the credibility and judgement to operate at executive and trustee level. Experience in education or the charity sector is advantageous but not essential.
How To Apply
If you share our values, we would love to hear from you.
In order to apply, please complete the online application form and submit a covering letter which sets out your interest in the role and encapsulates the aspects of your experience relevant to the required criteria. Please include current salary details and the names and addresses of two referees. The closing date for applications is 9am on Wednesday 22 April 2026.
First-round interviews will take place at Trust Office on Thursday 30 April 2026.
Our Commitment
The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion and real change. We want every colleague to feel valued, respected and supported, and we actively welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities.
Attachments
Deputy CFO JD & PS (1)
Safeguarding Statement
The Girls’ Day School Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection checks appropriate to the post, including online searches and checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
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