South Pennine Academies is a cross-phase Trust of 11 primary and secondary academies, alongside a school-based Initial Teacher Training provider, Huddersfield Horizon SCITT.
Their vision is clear: to achieve an excellent education for everyone. This is brought to life through the values of Integrity, Ambition and Inclusion. Success is about more than academic outcomes; it is also about belonging, aspiration and opportunity for all.
Overview
South Pennine Academies is looking for a CFO who wants their impact to be felt across a multi-academy trust, not just reflected in its reports. This role offers the opportunity to shape how financial thinking supports decision-making, influences behaviour and contributes to better outcomes for pupils.
The Trust already benefits from strong financial discipline, robust audit and well-established controls. Maintaining that integrity is fundamental. Any evolution of the function must be built on those solid foundations.
Working closely with the Chief Executive and senior leadership team, the CFO will act as a trusted partner and sounding board. The role carries genuine influence, with responsibility for ensuring that financial insight is embedded into both strategic and day-to-day decision-making across the Trust. This includes engaging directly with headteachers and school leaders, building relationships that allow finance to be understood, valued and actively used.
The environment is collaborative, open and values led. Finance is expected to contribute constructively, offer balanced challenge and help colleagues navigate complexity with confidence.
There is scope to further develop the way financial information is produced and used, improving accessibility, timeliness and relevance. Systems and processes can continue to evolve, increasing use of automation, technology and AI to improve efficiency and reduce friction. Financial planning, forecasting and longer-term modelling will play an important role in supporting sustainability and informed investment decisions.
South Pennine Academies is looking to strengthen the role finance plays in shaping thinking around value, efficiency and the effective use of resources. This requires a CFO who is comfortable operating beyond the boundaries of the function, bringing insight into wider discussions and helping others engage with financial considerations in a practical and meaningful way.
Qualifications
The successful candidate will be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA) with experience of operating at a senior level within a complex organisation. Experience within education or the public sector is helpful. Equally important is the ability to work within a well-governed, publicly accountable environment, and to balance financial discipline with a forward-looking, solutions-focused approach.
Personality & Approach
This role will suit someone who enjoys working with people, who brings a pragmatic and thoughtful style, and who is motivated by the opportunity to contribute to an organisation with clear purpose. It will particularly appeal to those who see finance as a means of enabling progress, not simply controlling it.
Process, Safeguarding and Compliance
The appointment is subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check and the Academy’s Safer Recruitment policy and procedures.
South Pennine Academies is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All workers, volunteers and employees are expected to share this commitment. In line with statutory expectations, strong governance, financial oversight and safeguarding arrangements must be maintained at all times.
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