Peridot Partners is supporting The Leaf Academy Trust in their search for a new Chief Financial Officer.
Who we are
The Leaf Trust is a primary‑only multi‑academy trust operating across Bristol and South Gloucestershire. Our work includes a Teaching School Alliance Hub, an English Hub, a specialist SEND provision and an expanding nursery provision. We bring together unique primary schools growing together so that children and adults Belong, Grow and Succeed.
Our approach is based on collaboration, shared practice and aligned systems that support strong educational and operational outcomes.
Our strategic plan, ‘Getting it Right for ALL through Inclusion, Equity and Excellence’, sets out how we will strengthen financial sustainability, develop scalable systems, support school improvement and prepare for further growth.
Our business vision focuses on service, systems, resource management and organisational resilience. As we grow, we are building the organisational infrastructure required for a primary‑only trust of increasing scale.
About the role
As the Chief Financial Officer, you will be responsible for long‑term financial sustainability, multi‑year forecasting, scenario modelling and strategic financial planning aligned to our educational mission.
You will advise our CEO, executive leadership team and Trustees on financial performance, risk and strategic options, ensuring that financial planning supports our priorities for inclusion, equity and excellence.
The CFO will oversee financial governance, statutory compliance, budgeting, management accounts, audit, procurement, reserves strategy and risk management. The role requires maintaining proportionate and scalable systems of financial control and ensuring compliance with DfE requirements and the Academy Trust Handbook. The CFO will support Trustees and the Audit and Risk Committee through clear reporting and analysis.
You will lead our finance function, supporting the development of team members including the strategic leadership of our school business managers. You will also have responsibility for financial due diligence for schools joining our Trust as well as growth modelling, onboarding and integration planning.
The CFO will work as a core member of our executive leadership team, contributing to organisational development, system design and cross‑functional coordination. The role requires working across finance, HR, estates and governance to strengthen planning, improve service quality and support schools to focus on teaching and learning. You will help us build the organisational infrastructure required for a growing primary‑only trust and ensure that financial strategy and operational planning support our long‑term development.
Who we are looking for
We are seeking a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) with significant senior leadership experience in a complex organisation, alongside a recognised professional accountancy qualification. The successful candidate will bring strong expertise in financial strategy, forecasting, governance, compliance and risk management.
This is a key executive role, requiring the ability to operate at Board level, contribute to strategic decision-making and lead organisational planning across multiple sites and services. You will be confident in leading financial planning and multi-year forecasting, and able to analyse complex information to provide clear, actionable insights to senior leaders, Trustees and school leaders.
We are looking for someone who can build trust quickly, work collaboratively and lead through influence and sound judgement. You will be comfortable managing competing priorities, operating in complexity and supporting decision-making in a growing organisation.
The role requires a clear understanding of the link between financial sustainability and educational delivery. Experience in the education sector, public sector or a regulated environment is desirable, including:
- Academy Trusts, school business leadership or trust growth/onboarding
- The operational realities of primary education organisations
- Knowledge of the Academy Trust Handbook
You will lead the finance team, with a focus on building capability, strengthening systems and ensuring finance operates as a strategic partner to schools.
Above all, we are seeking a leader aligned with our mission and committed to improving outcomes for children, schools and communities across The Leaf Trust.
