Hours of work: Full Time, Permanent (52 weeks per year), 37 hours per week (Monday to Friday) Salary: Shropshire NJC scale point 49—53 (£61,154—£65,602) Start date: As soon as possible but ideally no later than January 2026 Location: St. Mary’s Bluecoat CE Primary School, Bridgnorth, WV15 5EQ. The Trust is based at St. Mary’s Bluecoat CE Primary School, Bridgnorth however some remote/home working is possible as well as a requirement to travel to schools within the Trust or those considering joining us. We are seeking a dedicated and strategic financial leader to guide the Trust through its next phase of development. The CFO will play a pivotal role in ensuring financial excellence and long-term sustainability across our multi-academy trust. As CFO, you will: · Provide expert financial leadership and strategic advice · Ensure sound financial governance and compliance · Oversee all aspects of financial management across the Trust · Work closely with the CEO and small finance team to support informed decision-making · Be a key member of the executive leadership team, contributing 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 a public sector setting · A recognised professional finance qualification (e.g. ACCA, CIMA, ACA, CPA) · Excellent communication and strategic planning skills · The ability to work collaboratively across teams and provide high-quality financial insight and direction Please read the accompanying recruitment pack for further details of this role. How to Apply Applications should be submitted using the official Trust application form, available via the link 'company profile' on the right hand side of the advertisement page. In addition, you are invited to submit a letter of application structured around the key requirements of the role as set out in this application pack, providing relevant examples from your career to date which demonstrate why you are a suitable candidate for this role. Ideally this should be no longer than 2 sides of A4. Completed applications should be emailed to [email protected] Informal Discussion Prospective applicants are warmly encouraged to contact the CEO, Mrs Claire Gaskin, for an informal and confidential discussion about the role. To arrange a suitable time please email Mrs Erica Skidmore, PA to the CEO, using the email address [email protected] Closing Date Thursday 18th September 2025, by 12:00 noon. Interviews Interviews are anticipated to take place during the week commencing Monday, 27th September 2025, at St. Mary’s Bluecoat CE Primary School, Bridgnorth. Safeguarding: Shropshire Church of England Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its pupils and expects all those working at the Trust or within its schools to share this commitment. The Trust is required under law and guidance to check the criminal background of all employees. Decisions to appoint will be subject to consideration of an Enhanced Disclosure, including a Barred List check from the Disclosure and Barring Service. Because of the nature of the work for which you are applying, this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 and 2020). The successful applicant will be required to complete a confidential medical questionnaire. The Trust may carry out an online search on shortlisted candidates as part of our due diligence and in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. This may help identify any incidents or issues that have happened and are publicly available online, which we may wish to explore with you at interview. Academies Trust is committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination and developing community cohesion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community. About You About Us Not Specified