Orion Education is seeking to appoint a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to provide clear, disciplined financial leadership across the Trust. This is a pivotal executive role at a critical stage of the Trust’s development. The CFO will work closely with the CEO and Board to ensure that financial strategy, systems and decision making enable:
• sustainable growth
• operational resilience
• improved outcomes for pupils, particularly the most disadvantaged
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The CFO will be a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, responsible for ensuring that the Trust operates with clarity, control and confidence in all aspects of financial planning and performance.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Financial Leadership
• Act as a trusted strategic advisor to the CEO and Board on all financial matters
• Lead the development and delivery of the Trust’s financial strategy and long-term planning
• Translate strategic priorities into robust financial models and resourcing plans
• Ensure financial decision-making is: clear, evidence-informed, aligned to Trust priorities
Financial Planning and Sustainability
• Lead the Trust’s annual and three-year financial planning cycle
• Ensure financial sustainability through: robust forecasting, scenario modelling, active cost management
• Oversee all aspects of: budgeting, financial monitoring, cashflow management
• Provide clear, timely and accurate financial information to: Executive Team, Board of Trustees
• Direct production of statutory accounts, financial returns and annual reporting in line with regulatory requirements Curriculum-Led Financial Planning (CLFP)
• Lead the implementation of curriculum-led financial planning across the Trust
• Ensure staffing structures are: o educationally driven o financially sustainable
• Work closely with school and Trust leaders to: align curriculum, staffing and resources, model affordability and impact
• Provide clear frameworks for leadership decision-making at school level Financial Performance and Accountability
• Establish a strong, consistent culture of financial accountability across the Trust
• Ensure leaders at all levels: understand budgets and cost drivers, are supported to manage financial performance effectively
• Develop clear, simple performance measures to monitor financial health
• Identify risks and underperformance early and respond with pace Governance, Risk and Compliance
• Lead on financial governance, ensuring compliance with: ESFA requirements, Academy Trust Handbook, charity and company regulations
• Oversee: internal and external audit processes, risk management framework, financial controls and assurance
• Maintain strong relationships with auditors, regulators and key stakeholders Commercial and Operational Efficiency
• Lead a Trust-wide approach to value for money and efficiency
• Oversee procurement, contracts and supplier relationships
• Ensure all contracts and services deliver best value
• Drive efficiency through: standardisation, centralisation, improved systems
Growth and Strategic Development
• Lead financial due diligence for: Trust growth, partnership opportunities, new schools joining the Trust
• Provide clear financial insight to support strategic decision-making Leadership and Team Development
• Lead and develop a high-performing central finance function
• Line manage the finance team and support their professional development
• Build strong alignment across: finance, HR, operations
• Contribute to the development of a strong, cohesive executive team
Stakeholder Engagement
• Present clearly and confidently to: Board of Trustees, Finance and Audit Committee
• Build positive, credible relationships with: school leaders, external partners
• Communicate complex financial information with clarity and impact
Person Specification
Qualifications
• Professionally qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent)
Experience
• Significant leadership experience in: a complex, multi-site organisation
• Proven track record in: financial strategy and planning, financial control and governance
• Experience of working at: executive or board level
• Experience of managing significant budgets and financial resources
Knowledge and Skills
• Strong understanding of: financial planning and forecasting, regulatory and compliance frameworks
• Ability to: analyse complex information, present clearly and influence decisions
• High levels of: IT literacy, financial modelling capability
Leadership and Personal Qualities
Cultural Tenacity:
Strive for excellence, obsessed with teaching and learning, visible and builds belonging in the school and the trust
Accountability with purpose:
Transparent with an owner mindset. Can’t walk past low standards. Explains the why
A team catalyst:
You develop people, make feedback a priority and build trust.
Clear communication:
You create clarity and simplicity: focus on implementation Imaginative Intelligence
Data driven::
Curious, sensing the moment and seeing around corners
The Capacity to connect:
You speak human, listen well, build connections that benefit children and lead with civic responsibility
Reporting and Governance
• Reports directly to: Chief Executive Officer
• Member of: Executive Leadership Team
• Attends: Trust Board, Finance and Audit Committee
• Responsible for: Finance function, Financial reporting and compliance, Strategic financial planning
