Job Overview
The Deputy Chief Finance Officer (DCFO) plays a pivotal role in supporting the Chief Finance & Operations Officer (CFOO) in the strategic and operational leadership of the Trust's financial functions. The DCFO is responsible for delivering a high‑quality, customer‑focused finance service across all schools within the Trust, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, Trust policies, and best practice standards.
The DCFO will oversee the day‑to‑day management of the finance team, ensuring robust financial controls, accurate reporting, and effective budget management. Acting as a key liaison between the finance team and the CFOO, the DCFO will drive continuous improvement, foster effective communication across central services, and support the Trust’s strategic objectives. The DCFO will deputise for the CFOO, if required, to ensure the trust fulfils its statutory responsibilities.
Key Responsibilities & Specifications
This section describes the role in more detail. Other policy documents provide additional information.
Team Leadership
Directly line manage Finance Managers, the Procurement Officer, and Senior Finance Officers.
Oversee the wider finance team, including Finance Assistants, Procurement Assistants, and Finance Apprentices (line managed by Finance Managers).
Financial Management & Compliance
Ensure all financial operations comply with the Trust’s Financial Regulations, Scheme of Delegation, and relevant legislation.
Lead on the preparation and delivery of monthly management accounts for all academies within the Trust.
Oversee procurement processes, ensuring value for money and adherence to public sector procurement standards.
Budgeting & Reporting
Collaborate with academy headteachers and central teams to ensure accurate, timely, and effective budget setting and monitoring, utilising IMP Planner and other central resources.
Ensure compliance with Trust policies such as completion of budget variation and staffing change requests.
Lead on the preparation of regular academy‑level financial reports, including monthly management reports and assisting with the annual Budget Forecast Return (BFR) for the DfE.
Support the CFOO in the preparation of Trust‑wide spending plans and budgets.
Financial Controls & Audit
Maintain and enhance robust financial control systems and processes.
Support year‑end financial procedures, liaising with external auditors to ensure compliance and integrity of financial statements.
Central Services & Collaboration
Serve as a member of the Central Services Management Team, working closely with colleagues in ICT, Premises & Compliance, Payroll, Contracts, and Safer Recruitment.
Attend regular service line manager meetings and, as required, senior executive leadership and finance committee meetings to report on financial matters.
Qualifications
Significant experience in a senior finance role, ideally within the education or public sector.
Ideally hold a relevant accountancy qualification (AAT Level 4, ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA) or be working towards such qualification.
Skills & Experience
Proven ability to lead and develop finance teams in a multi‑site environment.
Strong technical knowledge of financial management, budgeting, and reporting.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build relationships at all levels.
Experience of managing procurement and ensuring value for money.
High level of integrity, accuracy, and attention to detail.
About SHARE Multi Academy Trust
SHARE Multi Academy Trust comprises Royds Hall, Shelley College, Whitcliffe Mount School, Thornhill Community Academy, Todmorden High School, Woodside Green Primary, Heaton Avenue Primary, Luck Lane Primary, Millbridge Primary and Calderdale and Kirklees Teaching School Hub. A central team provides services including School Improvement, Finance, ICT, HR & Payroll, Premise & Compliance and Governance Services. The Trust is committed to delivering the best education, supporting 700 colleagues and eight schools. We offer a first‑class benefits package, competitive salaries, personal development opportunities, comprehensive induction, and a supportive environment.
We Are Proud To Offer
A supportive and ambitious environment where all students are encouraged to go beyond their potential.
A vibrant place to work that equips staff to deliver their best every day.
A commitment that staff are happy, engaged and well supported at work.
Excellent training and guidance relevant to individual job roles.
Great benefits, including outstanding CPD, supportive line management, and meaningful networking opportunities.
Supportive leadership, encouraging a healthy work‑life balance.
A high‑quality teaching and learning environment, alongside good facilities.
A culture where children are happy, settled and confident, accessing a broad and balanced curriculum.
Start date: As soon as possible.
Closing date: Midday on 23rd March 2026.
Interview date: 27th March 2026.
Please note that CVs will not be accepted. To apply, please complete an application form via the Apply button.
SHARE MAT is committed to the Equalities Act 2010, the welfare and safeguarding of children and young people, and the “Keeping Children Safe in Education” guidance. All staff and volunteers are regularly trained regarding our expectations in keeping our students safe. An enhanced DBS is required for every post and an online search will be undertaken for all shortlisted candidates.
For more information, please don't hesitate to contact Kelly Chapman, Administration Manager, on 01484 505229.
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