Interim Chief Finance Officer
Join to apply for the Interim Chief Finance Officer role at Anglian Learning
Annual Leave: Starting at 25 days plus Bank Holidays (increasing with continuous local government service)
Location: Based at Marleigh Primary Academy, with travel required across Trust sites
Disclosure Level: Enhanced DBS plus Barred List Checks
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Interim Chief Finance Officer (CFO) will provide strategic and operational financial leadership across the Trust. The post holder will ensure strong financial governance, sustainability, value for money, and compliance, supporting the Trust’s educational objectives and future growth.
Main Responsibilities
Lead the Trust’s financial strategy, including preparation of the annual budget and 3-year financial plan, working closely with leaders and trustees to deliver the Trust’s financial action plan
Provide financial leadership to the Trust’s strategic planning processes, ensuring the business model is scalable, sustainable, and maximises economies of scale to support frontline education
Influence all major business decisions to ensure short- and long-term financial implications, risks, and opportunities are fully considered and aligned with the Trust’s financial strategy
Act as principal financial adviser to the Chief Executive Officer and Trust Board
Maximise income generation and grant funding opportunities, including full review of procurement activity
Provide high‑level analysis of the Trust’s financial health and long‑term stability, taking lead responsibility for deficit reduction
Finance Operations
Ensure the Trust’s financial operating model (structures, systems, services, and processes) is efficient, effective, and delivers value for money
Lead the central finance team, including line management of the Trust’s Financial Controller
Ensure all statutory, regulatory, and financial returns are completed accurately and on time
Work closely with the Finance, Estates and Operations Committee and the Audit and Risk Committee to ensure the Trust complies with the Academy Trust Handbook and all relevant statutory requirements
Maintain an effective framework for budgetary control, including annual budgets, 5‑year financial forecasts, and monthly monitoring
Develop and maintain a robust financial policy framework to guide Trust decision‑making
Risk, Assets and Procurement
Ensure the Trust is appropriately insured, risks are regularly reviewed, and claims are managed effectively
Maintain accurate asset registers and ensure appropriate depreciation and disposal of assets
Maximise capital funding and ensure robust procedures are in place to monitor and control capital expenditure
Oversee contract placement, contractor appointment, and performance monitoring
Maintain oversight of the Trust’s banking and investment arrangements, acting as an authorised signatory where required
Lead the Trust’s procurement strategy to ensure value for money, regulatory compliance, transparency, sustainability, and social value
Ensure Anglian Leisure is financially managed effectively to maximise surplus income while delivering services to local communities
Report to the Trust Board as required and to the CEO through the Executive Leadership Team
Provide clear financial reporting, highlighting concerns, actions taken, and recommendations where improvement is required
Safeguarding and Compliance
Promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young people
Comply with all Trust policies and procedures, particularly those relating to safeguarding, child protection, health and safety, equality, confidentiality, and data protection
Work within broad managerial direction, making decisions that positively impact pupil outcomes across the Trust
Person Specification
Qualifications and Training
Professional accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent)
Evidence of continuous professional development
Degree
Experience
Significant experience leading strategic financial planning within a senior management role
Experience of strategic business or service planning and business development
Strong experience in financial, budgetary, and risk management
Experience of procuring services and monitoring contracts to ensure value for money and performance delivery
Proven staff leadership and management experience with evidence of performance improvement across teams
Successful delivery of complex projects from inception to completion
Excellent communication skills at all organisational levels
Experience interpreting government education policy and legislation
Treasury management experience
Asset and facilities management experience
Track record of successful fundraising
Experience within a multi‑academy trust or other multi‑site education organisation
Skills and Knowledge
Strong knowledge of company and charity law, particularly governance, accounting, and reporting requirements
In‑depth understanding of financial management processes and systems within a complex, people‑oriented organisation
Knowledge of HR procedures and relevant employment legislation
Awareness of current IT developments and their application within finance and organisational systems
Understanding of health and safety legislation
Knowledge of financial and regulatory requirements within publicly funded education
Personal Qualities
Ability to establish effective working relationships internally and externally
Resilience and ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
Ability to make and justify difficult decisions
High energy, motivation, and commitment to excellence
High levels of integrity, openness, and commitment to good governance
Strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
Ability to inspire and motivate through a clear and compelling vision
Commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Ability to travel efficiently between Trust sites
Employee Benefits
Generous Pension Scheme (LGPS or Teachers’ Pension Scheme depending on the role)
Cycle to Work Salary Sacrifice Scheme
Free membership to Anglian Learning Sports Centres
Employee Assistance Programme
Perkbox – access a range of discounts in‑store and online at nationwide shops.
Closing Date: 19th January 2026*
Interview date: Friday 30 January 2026
*We reserve the right to close this advert early if a high volume of suitable applications is received. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so early application is encouraged.
If you have any questions about the role, please contact Mark Colton from Pure Resourcing at mark.colton@prs.uk.com
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff to share this commitment and undergo appropriate checks. Therefore, all posts within the Trust are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. The Trust welcomes applications from all, irrespective of gender, marital status, disability, race, age or sexual orientation.
Seniority level
Not Applicable
Employment type
Contract
Job function
Education
Industries
Primary and Secondary Education and Accounting
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