Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Contract: Interim
Sector: Education
Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer
About the Opportunity
Please contact William Bridge at Academicis in the first instance to have a confidential discussion regarding the role: wbridge@academicis.co.uk | 07825 346535
We are seeking an experienced Interim Chief Financial Officer to provide our client with strategic financial leadership within a dynamic education environment. This is an excellent opportunity for an accomplished finance professional with previous experience in the education sector to support senior leaders through a period of organisational development and change.
Working closely with the executive leadership team, you will play a key role in ensuring the organisation remains financially sustainable, well-governed and equipped to deliver its long-term strategic objectives.
This role requires a balance of strategic vision and operational expertise, with the ability to build strong relationships across the organisation, including senior leaders, governors, trustees and external partners.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic financial leadership, supporting the Executive Team and Governing Body with high-quality financial advice and insight.
- Lead the preparation of annual budgets, financial forecasts and longer-term financial planning to support organisational objectives.
- Produce accurate and meaningful financial reporting to inform decision-making across the organisation.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant financial, taxation, charity and education sector regulations.
- Maintain a robust financial control framework, safeguarding assets and managing financial risk.
- Oversee cash flow, treasury and investment management to ensure financial resilience.
- Develop financial models and scenario planning to support future growth and sustainability.
- Drive continuous improvement across finance systems, processes and reporting, identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
- Lead, mentor and support the finance team, promoting a culture of collaboration, accountability and professional development.
- Oversee payroll and associated financial processes, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation.
- Manage relationships with external auditors, banking providers, insurers and professional advisers.
- Prepare and present financial information to governors, trustees, committees and senior leadership as required.
- Contribute to wider organisational projects and strategic initiatives that support educational excellence.
About You
You will be a fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent) with a proven track record of operating at a senior finance leadership level within the education sector.
You will bring:
- Significant experience working within schools, multi-academy trusts, independent schools, colleges or other education organisations.
- A strong understanding of the financial, regulatory and governance requirements specific to the education sector.
- Demonstrable experience of strategic financial planning, budgeting and financial reporting.
- Excellent leadership skills with experience developing and motivating finance teams.
- The ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to a wide range of stakeholders, including those without a financial background.
- Experience leading finance transformation, improving systems and implementing best practice.
- Strong commercial awareness, sound judgement and excellent analytical skills.
- The ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment while managing competing priorities.
What We're Looking For
This role would suit an experienced interim finance leader who can quickly establish credibility, provide strategic direction and strengthen financial management within an education setting.
You will have a collaborative leadership style, a commitment to high standards of governance and compliance, and a genuine appreciation of the financial challenges and opportunities facing the education sector.
If you have a successful track record of delivering strategic financial leadership within education and are looking for your next interim assignment, we would be delighted to hear from you.
