Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Salary: circa £80,000 (depending on experience and wider portfolio responsibilities)
Employment type: Permanent, Full-time
Start date: Required for September 26
About the Trust:
Horizons Specialist Academy Trust consists of eight academies and one sixth form across Tees Valley, Durham and North Yorkshire, serving approximately 1,000 students with a broad range of special educational needs.
Following the retirement of the current postholder, the Trust is seeking an exceptional and strategic Chief Financial Officer to join the Executive Leadership Team at Abbey Hill Academy. The role will play a pivotal part in shaping financial sustainability, supporting the Trust’s long‑term strategic direction and building on strong and stable financial foundations.
Reporting to the Chief Executive and working closely with the Board of Trustees, the CFO will lead all aspects of financial strategy, planning and operations. This includes ensuring robust financial governance, delivering value for money and enabling high‑quality decision‑making that supports improved outcomes for pupils. The CFO will also lead the central finance function and contribute to wider Trust strategy, working collaboratively with senior leaders across education and operations to align financial planning with organisational priorities.
Qualifications
* Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with significant senior leadership experience.
* Demonstrated 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.
* 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
* Supportive, collaborative Executive Leadership Team.
* Committed Central Team across Finance, HR, Estates, IT and Operations.
* Well‑established systems, processes and infrastructure.
* Extensive professional learning opportunities.
* Support for physical and mental wellbeing.
* Family‑friendly working policies.
* Generous Local Government or Teachers’ Pension scheme.
* Recognition as an Investors in People Gold organisation and a Silver award for wellbeing.
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