Post Reference: 2779 Job Title: Chief Financial Officer Grade: Leadership Officer L22 to L27 (£82,190 to £92,610) Hours: Full time Accountable to: Chief Executive Officer The White Rose Academies Trust is a Leeds-based multi-academy trust with a strong reputation for raising ambitions, engaging local communities, and driving rapid school improvement. At White Rose Academies Trust, we believe exceptional education begins with exceptional people. An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly-skilled Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and leader of people to join the White Rose Academies Trust Executive Team. The Trust is committed to providing a high-quality education for all its students. This senior leadership role presents the right candidate with the opportunity to directly impact the success of every student in each of our schools. This is an important moment in the evolution of the Trust as we move into a new era with a refreshed vision, great energy and ambition for the future. We are seeking an experienced and strategic financial lead to deliver on our compelling vision for the next era. The CFO will play a pivotal role in ensuring financial excellence and long-term sustainability of the Trust and will make a decisive contribution to the leadership of the Trust in support of Trustees and the Chief Executive Officer. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact in a thriving educational organisation with a strong community, collaborative ethos, and stable financial foundation. As CFO, you will: • Provide expert financial leadership and strategic advice. • Ensure sound financial management, systems, governance and compliance. • Oversee all aspects of financial management across the Trust. • Work alongside Trustees, the CEO and Principal’s to ensure informed decision-making. • Lead as a member of the Executive Team, making a key contribution to the Trust's overall vision and success. The ideal candidate will have: • Proven experience in financial leadership at a senior level, preferably in an education or public sector setting. • A recognised professional finance qualification (e.g. ACCA, CIMA, ACA, CPA) or in the final year. • Excellent communication and strategic planning skills. • The ability to work collaboratively across teams and provide high-quality financial insight and direction. At White Rose Academies Trust, we value our people and offer a comprehensive benefits package. This role offers excellent opportunities for professional growth within the Trust. We provide flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance and networking opportunities across the education sector. Alongside generous pension schemes, wellbeing initiatives, and family-friendly policies, our benefits include long service recognition, salary sacrifice schemes, and access to resources such as Headspace and an Employee Assistance Programme. Closing date: Monday 6th April, 2026 9am Interview date: Monday 20th April 2026 White Rose Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its students and expects all staff and volunteers to share the commitment. Appointments will be subject to Safer Recruitment Procedures and an enhanced DBS check. Please note this role will involve contact with children and you will be engaging in regulated activity. It is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. We promote diversity and want a workforce which reflects the population of Leeds. Applications are welcome from all, irrespective of sex, sexuality, race, religion, marital status, age or disability.