Job Description

Post: [260514R1] Director of Finance & Chief Financial Officer

Location: Fully Remote

Salary: £90,000 to £114,225 per annum, depending on experience, skills and knowledge pending 3.3% pay award.

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time

Contract Hours: 37.5 Hours per week, Monday to Friday

For more information about the role, please view our Applicant Pack -Director of Finance Applicant Pack

Please note: We are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies or search firms for this vacancy.

About the Role

We are seeking an exceptional, strategic and values-driven leader to join Reach South Academy Trust as Director of Finance and Chief Financial Officer. This is a pivotal Executive Leadership Team role at a defining stage in the Trust's development, combining system-wide financial leadership with executive accountability for governance, assurance and organisational sustainability.

This is far more than a finance leadership position. As CFO, you will be a key architect of the Trust's future, working alongside the CEO, Trustees and Executive colleagues to shape strategy, drive sustainable growth and ensure that every decision supports our mission to improve outcomes for children and young people.

You will provide inspirational leadership across a complex and evolving organisation, translating long-term vision into a robust financial strategy that enables educational excellence, innovation and impact. You will oversee significant public resources with the highest standards of stewardship, ensuring that investment decisions deliver maximum value and contribute directly to improved opportunities for pupils across our schools.

As Executive Lead for Governance, you will champion a culture of integrity, transparency and accountability, ensuring that the Trust operates within a highly effective governance and assurance framework. You will provide strategic advice to Trustees and senior leaders, enabling informed decision-making and maintaining the confidence of regulators, stakeholders and the communities we serve.

The successful candidate will bring the credibility, judgement and leadership presence to operate confidently at Board level, influencing complex strategic decisions and leading through change. They will be an outstanding relationship-builder, capable of balancing operational excellence with long-term thinking and able to inspire confidence across a diverse range of stakeholders.

As part of the Trust's Executive Leadership Team, you will play a central role in shaping organisational strategy within a regional model that combines local responsiveness with strong central oversight. You will lead the development of scalable systems, strengthen organisational resilience, drive continuous improvement and ensure that financial and governance excellence underpin every aspect of our work.

With Reach South Academy Trust now serving more than 8,000 pupils across 21 schools and continuing to grow, this is a rare opportunity to influence system-wide change at scale. We are looking for a leader who shares our commitment to inclusion, social mobility and educational excellence, and who has the vision, ambition and capability to help shape the next chapter of our journey.

Strategic Leadership

Lead the development and delivery of a sustainable, forward-looking financial strategy aligned to the Trust's vision, strategic priorities and growth ambitions.
Contribute as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, shaping organisational strategy, policy and decision-making.
Provide authoritative financial, commercial and governance advice to the CEO, Board of Trustees and Executive Leadership Team.
Identify opportunities, risks and emerging trends to support informed strategic decision-making and long-term organisational sustainability.

Finance and Value for Money

Hold overall executive responsibility for the Trust's financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, treasury management and performance monitoring.
Ensure robust systems of financial control, compliance, assurance and risk management across the Trust.
Lead long-term financial and capital planning, ensuring resources are deployed effectively to maximise educational impact and value for money.
Drive continuous improvement, financial efficiency and organisational resilience through effective resource allocation and investment decisions.

Governance and Assurance

Act as Executive Lead for Governance, ensuring effective governance frameworks, statutory compliance and high-quality assurance arrangements.
Ensure the provision of timely, accurate and transparent reporting to the Board, Members, regulators and other key stakeholders.
Oversee risk management, internal scrutiny, audit activity and regulatory engagement, ensuring the Trust maintains the highest standards of accountability and probity.
Support the Board and its Committees to discharge their responsibilities through effective governance, assurance and decision-making processes.

Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement

Provide inspiring leadership to the Trust's finance and governance functions, building high-performing, values-driven teams.
Develop and maintain strong, trusted relationships with Members, Trustees, Executive colleagues, school leaders, regulators, auditors and external partners.
Act as a senior ambassador for the Trust, representing the organisation with credibility and influence across the education sector and wider system.
Lead through change and growth, ensuring systems, structures and resources evolve to support the Trust's strategic objectives.

About You

We are seeking an exceptional, values-driven executive leader with the strategic insight, professional credibility and leadership presence to shape the future of Reach South Academy Trust. As a highly influential member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will combine deep financial expertise with the ability to think systemically, navigate complexity and contribute to the long-term success of a growing organisation.

As a CCAB-qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent), you will bring significant experience operating at Executive, Director or C-suite level within a complex organisation. You will have a strong track record of developing and delivering financial strategy, leading organisational performance and ensuring resources are deployed effectively to achieve strategic objectives.

You will be an accomplished adviser to Boards and senior leaders, capable of translating complex financial, commercial and governance information into clear insight that supports confident decision-making. You will bring a sophisticated understanding of governance, risk management, assurance and regulatory compliance, together with the judgement and integrity required to operate successfully in a high-profile leadership role.

You will also be an exceptional people leader, with a proven ability to build, inspire and develop high-performing teams. Through your leadership, you will create a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement, enabling colleagues to perform at their best and deliver outstanding outcomes.

You will have a demonstrable track record of driving value for money, strengthening organisational resilience and supporting sustainable growth and transformation. An outstanding communicator and relationship builder, you will influence effectively at all levels, building credibility and trust with Members, Trustees, executive colleagues, school leaders, regulators and external partners.

Above all, you will be motivated by the opportunity to use your expertise and leadership to make a lasting difference to the lives of children and young people, ensuring that financial and governance excellence supports our mission to deliver exceptional educational outcomes for every pupil.

About the Trust

Reach South Academy Trust is a values-led and growing organisation, united by a clear moral purpose: to improve life chances and advance education for all children and young people.

We are a family of 21 academies across the South West, serving learners aged 3 to 19. Our diverse portfolio includes primary, secondary, all-through and technical provision, alongside a strong and integral network of special schools and alternative provision. Our diverse provision enables us to meet a wide range of needs, including specialist and alternative provision.

At the heart of Reach South is a belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. Guided by our REACH values (Raising the Educational Achievement of Children), we are committed to removing barriers to learning, whether they are social, cultural, physical or cognitive, and ensuring that all pupils are supported to develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to succeed in life.

Collaboration is central to our approach. We work in partnership across our schools, and beyond the Trust, to share expertise, build capacity and strengthen outcomes. Schools retain their individual identity while benefiting from the collective strength, accountability and shared ambition of the Trust.

As we continue to grow and evolve, we remain focused on delivering inclusive, high-quality education at scale. Reach South offers a compelling environment for senior leaders who are motivated by purpose — combining professional excellence with a deep commitment to social value, community impact and the success of every learner.

Next Steps

As Director of Finance and Chief Financial Officer, you will play a key role in shaping the future strategic direction of Reach South Academy Trust, working closely with the CEO, Board of Trustees and Executive Leadership Team.

If you would like an informal and confidential conversation about the role, we warmly encourage you to contact:

Olivia Frings
Director of People
Telephone: 07841 464505
Email: olivia.frings@reachsouth.org

Olivia will be pleased to discuss the opportunity and, where appropriate, arrange a conversation with Tom Leverage, CEO, to provide further insight into the role, the Trust and our ambitions for the future.

For general enquiries relating to the recruitment process, employee benefits or application arrangements, please contact:

Email: recruitment@reachsouth.org
Telephone: 07759 365064

How to Apply
You can submit your application via the advert page by clicking ‘Apply now’. You will receive updates from our Recruitment team throughout the process.

Application Deadline
Tuesday 25 August 2026 at midnight

Interviews

Day One: Wednesday 16 September 2026 - The Springfields Academy, Calne, Wiltshire
Day Two: Tuesday 22 September 2026 in London

Please note: references will be requested prior to interview for all shortlisted candidates.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Each post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

At Reach South, we are committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued, respected and able to thrive. We believe diversity strengthens our organisation, bringing perspectives that enhance collaboration and outcomes for our pupils.

Join us and you will be part of a Trust that invests in its people, champions equality, and values the contribution everyone brings.

Reach South Academy Trust Jobs

[260514R1] Director of Finance & Chief Financial Officer