Chief Financial Officer (CFO) – Executive Leadership Role

About the role

The Academies Trust in Wiltshire is seeking a senior leader to join its Executive Leadership Team as Chief Financial Officer. This strategic position combines responsibility for finance with overall business delivery across multiple functions.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across Finance, People Services, Estates & Facilities, ICT & Digital, and Operational Services.
• Lead financial strategy, budgeting, forecasting and long‑term planning.
• Ensure compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook and all statutory obligations.
• Deliver high‑quality financial reporting and insights to the Board and Executive Team.
• Lead workforce strategy, including recruitment, retention, reward and organisational development.
• Oversee estates, ICT and operational services to maximise efficiency, safety and value for money.
• Drive performance against key organisational KPIs and High‑Quality Trust Framework standards.
• Support Trust growth through due diligence, expansion and strategic development.
• Lead risk management and maintain robust internal controls and governance.

Required profile

• Significant senior executive leadership experience, preferably in education or the public sector.
• Recognised accountancy qualification (ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA, ICAEW) or equivalent.
• Proven experience in financial leadership, governance and organisational strategy.
• Strong capability to manage multi‑disciplinary senior teams.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence at Board level.
• Track record of driving improvement, managing risk and delivering results.
• Commitment to inclusion, equality and high‑quality service delivery.
• Experience within a Multi‑Academy Trust or understanding of the education sector is advantageous.

Required skills