DRET logo 360x180Merje

Chief Financial Officer
Lincolnshire
Salary: c£100,000 plus benefits, including excellent contributory pension

The David Ross Education Trust is looking for a ‘commercially focused’ CFO to be accountable for the effective management and reporting of the Trust’s Financial Planning and Strategic Growth. This will suit individuals with experience in commercial, fast-paced industries where you will have the opportunity to drive change and make a real difference to the Education Sector.

With 12,000 young people to engage and inspire across 34 academies, the Trust has the expertise and experience to become one of the highest performing multi-academy trusts in the country.

Reporting to the CEO you will support the Executive Management Team, Heads of Service, Board of Trustees and Head Teachers, contributing to the development of the Trust’s strategy across all areas of the business, challenging assumptions and decision-making as appropriate and providing financial analysis and guidance on all activities, plans, targets and business drivers.

Key responsibilities will include:

  • Developing and overseeing the quality of management information, budgeting and forecasting processes.
  • Delivering an excellent service to the academies and customers of the Trust through effective financial management.
  • Leading and managing the Trust’s Finance team by establishing excellent ongoing working relationships.
  • Maintaining and developing relationships with external bodies including, the Education Skills Funding Agency, HMRC, Auditors and other multi academy trusts.

Being a qualified Accountant, ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA you will be a successful senior leader with a strong track record in delivering strategic and operational excellence. With the following relevant experience – ideally individuals with experience in commercial, fast-paced industries would be advantageous: 

  • Significant experience at a senior level within a large customer driven environment.
  • Significant experience in direct management and control of a multi-site operation.
  • Experience of negotiating and managing large contracts, defining and managing service level agreements.
  • Proven experience in direct management and supervision of a finance team.
  • Proven experience of budget preparation, setting and monitoring and financial forecasting.
  • Proven experience of preparing and presenting financial and management accounts, reports and data.
  • Experience of liaising with auditors, business advisers, board members, Trustees, government departments, HMRC, pension providers etc.

About the David Ross Education Trust

The mission of the David Ross Education Trust is to give every child attending one of the Trust’s schools a world-class education. This is achieved through the Trust’s unique culture, where delivering academic excellence and embracing the value of enrichment and citizenship are at the heart of the organisation.

David Ross Education Trust schools create rich and exciting learning environments that inspire students to become their confident, academic best through a broad and balanced curriculum.

In order to deliver this mission, the Trust requires world-class operational services to support our schools.

Any direct applications will be forwarded to the retained consultants.

The Trust is committed to equality, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful applicants.