Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Horizons Specialist Academy Trust is a specialist academy trust operating eight academies and one sixth form across Tees Valley, Durham and North Yorkshire, serving approximately 1,000 students with a wide range of special educational needs.
The Trust seeks an exceptional and strategic Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join the Executive Leadership Team. Based at Abbey Hill Academy, the CFO will play a pivotal role in shaping financial sustainability and supporting the Trust’s long‑term strategic direction during an exciting stage of growth.
Key Responsibilities
The CFO will:
* Lead all aspects of financial strategy, planning and operations, reporting to the Chief Executive and working closely with the Board of Trustees.
* Ensure robust financial governance, delivering value for money and enabling high‑quality decision‑making that supports improved outcomes for pupils.
* Lead the central finance function and contribute to the wider Trust strategy, working collaboratively with senior leaders across education and operations to align financial planning with organisational priorities.
Qualifications and Experience
* Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with significant senior leadership experience.
* Strong track record of strategic financial leadership within a complex organisation; education or public‑sector experience desirable but not essential.
* Experience advising Boards and senior stakeholders, translating financial information into clear strategic insight.
* Ability to ensure strong financial governance and compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
* Inspirational, collaborative leader capable of developing high‑performing teams and building effective relationships.
* Commercial acumen with a focus on efficiency, sustainability and continuous improvement.
Benefits
* Ambitious and forward‑thinking Chief Executive Officer and Board of Trustees.
* Collaborative and supportive Executive Leadership Team.
* Central team with expertise across Finance, HR, Estates, IT and Operations.
* Well‑established systems, processes and infrastructure.
* Extensive and varied professional learning opportunities.
* Support for physical and mental well‑being and family‑friendly working policies.
* Generous Local Government or Teachers’ Pension scheme.
* Recognition by Investors in People as a Gold organisation and Silver award for wellbeing.
Legal and Recruitment Notice
Any offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check, appropriate references and a six‑month probation period.
The Trust is committed to safer recruitment and promoting the welfare of children.
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