Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO) - Multi-Academy Trust

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Interim Chief Financial Officer to support a Multi-Academy Trust based in the London area.

The successful candidate will provide strategic financial leadership across the Trust, ensuring strong financial governance, effective budget management and long-term financial sustainability.

This is an opportunity for an experienced education finance professional to work closely with the CEO, Executive Leadership Team and Trustees, providing financial oversight while supporting the continued development of the Trust's finance function.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Trust's financial strategy, budgeting, forecasting and medium-term financial planning.

• Provide strategic financial advice to the CEO, Trustees and senior leadership team.

• Oversee financial reporting, management accounts, cashflow forecasting and financial performance.

• Ensure compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook, DfE requirements and relevant financial regulations.

• Lead and support the finance team, maintaining effective financial controls and processes.

• Oversee statutory accounts, audit preparation and year-end financial reporting.

• Identify financial risks, opportunities for efficiencies and areas for improvement.

• Support financial planning around academy growth, integration or organisational change where required.

• Work closely with school leaders and budget holders to ensure effective financial management across the Trust.

The Ideal Candidate

• Previous experience as a CFO, Finance Director, Head of Finance or equivalent senior finance leader within a Multi-Academy Trust.

• Strong understanding of academy trust funding, financial governance and regulatory requirements.

• Experience of strategic budgeting, financial planning, reporting and audit.

• Proven ability to lead finance teams and engage with senior stakeholders and Trustees.

• Recognised accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA).

• Available at short notice or approaching the end of an existing assignment.