Associate Chief Financial Officer

Location - Great Schools Trust HQ, King's Leadership Academy Warrington, Cheshire, WA1 4PF
Contract Type - Fixed Term 3-6 Months/Work from Home (WFH) Hybrid
Contract Term - Part-Time or Full-Time
Salary - Highly competitive (band/day-rate to be agreed)
Closing Date - 12:00pm, 10th Nov 2025
Start Date - January 2026 or Earlier

Associate Chief Finance Officer (Fixed Term)

Shape the next chapter of a growing trust.

As Great Schools Trust continues to strengthen its financial resilience and prepare for the next phase of strategic development, we are seeking additional CFO capacity to help accelerate key priorities and modernisation initiatives.

Join Great Schools Trust at a pivotal moment in our journey. From a single academy in 2012 to educating over 4,500 pupils across eight (soon nine) schools, we’re nationally recognised for excellence in character, leadership and social mobility. With strong finances, innovative initiatives like our CredimusAI platform, and top-tier outcomes for disadvantaged pupils, we’re seeking an Associate Chief Finance Officer to help accelerate our impact and prepare for the next phase of strategic growth. This interim role, with potential to extend, is a unique opportunity to combine financial leadership with a mission-driven approach to financial excellence. Additionally, you will benefit from 1-1 mentorship from an experienced CFO.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a values-driven finance leader to work alongside our Executive Team, Chief Operations Officer and Finance Team, helping to shape a sustainable financial strategy that underpins our mission to transform children’s futures.

The Role

Support and lead in areas of the Trust’s 3–5 year financial strategy and advise CEO and Board.
Oversee budgeting, forecasting, reporting, treasury, and risk.
Ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks and financial governance.
Support our COO in the partnership with school leaders to align finance with educational priorities.
Drive procurement efficiencies and support growth through due diligence and integration.

What We Offer

Strategic influence at Board level, shaping Trust-wide priorities.
Freedom to modernise and standardise finance systems.
Hybrid working with flexible arrangements.
30 days annual leave + bank holidays, wellbeing support, and other benefits.

About You

You’ll be a qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA/CIPFA) with senior finance leadership experience in complex, multi-entity settings. You bring strategic vision, operational rigour, and a commitment to ethical stewardship. Experience in education, charity, or public sector is desirable but not essential.

How to Apply

Please see attached our detailed recruitment pack attached.

To apply, please submit your application via MyNewTerm

For an informal conversation or a welcomed visit to discuss the role, please contact h.fenlon@greatschoolstrust.com

Great Schools Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced pre-employment checks.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Fixed term contract, Freelance
Contract length: 6 months

Pay: £50,000.00-£90,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 22 – 37 per week

Benefits:

Bereavement leave
Canteen
Company pension
Cycle to work scheme
Enhanced maternity leave
Enhanced paternity leave
Free flu jabs
Free or subsidised travel
Free parking
Health & wellbeing programme
On-site gym
On-site parking
Sick pay
Work from home

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Cheshire WA1 4PF

Great Schools Trust Jobs

Associate Chief Financial Officer