Orwell Multi Academy Trust Address: Ipswich, Suffolk IP2 8PY Salary: £76,042 - £92,487 per annum Hours: Full time Contract: Permanent. Required from 18 May 2026, immediate start available Reference: 0841 Orwell Multi Academy Trust is a thriving and ambitious trust of primary schools with a shared vision of ensuring every child has an exceptional education experience. We are committed to creating schools where learning is unstoppable and aspirations have no limit. We are now seeking to appoint an exceptional Chief Finance and Operations Officer to join our Executive Leadership Team and play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic future of the trust. This is a significant leadership opportunity for an experienced and principled finance professional to provide strategic oversight of all financial and operational functions across the trust. Working closely with the CEO, Trustees and Headteachers, you will ensure the trust’s financial sustainability, regulatory compliance and operational excellence, enabling our schools to focus on delivering the very best outcomes for children. As a senior leader within the trust, you will: lead the trust’s financial strategy and long-term sustainability planning oversee budgeting, forecasting, audit and statutory compliance provide expert financial advice to trustees and senior leaders lead procurement, contract management and value-for-money initiatives oversee estates strategy, health and safety, payroll, pensions and HR systems contribute to trust growth, financial due diligence and strategic development. This is a wonderful opportunity for a motivated and forward-thinking leader to make a lasting impact across multiple schools and communities. You will have: an AAT qualification to Level 4 (Diploma in Professional Accounting) or equivalent an ACCA/CIMA qualification (Level 7) or equivalent desirable, or willingness to study towards ACCA significant senior finance leadership experience strong experience of financial strategy, budgeting and forecasting experience of audit, compliance and risk management within a regulated environment the ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to trustees and senior leaders a collaborative leadership style and commitment to developing high-performing teams integrity, resilience and a strong commitment to improving outcomes for children. We will offer you: Orwell Multi Academy Trust offers the opportunity to work within a collaborative, supportive and values-led environment where children are at the heart of everything we do. As Chief Finance and Operations Officer within our Trust, we will offer you: a key strategic leadership role within the Executive Leadership Team the opportunity to influence and shape trust-wide strategy and growth a strong and supportive Board of Trustees professional autonomy and the ability to drive operational excellence membership of the Suffolk Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) commitment to ongoing professional development, including support towards ACCA where appropriate the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of children across Suffolk. To find out more Please read the CFOO Application Pack (pdf) How to apply Please complete the Application Form (word) and Application Form Equal Opportunities (pdf) Alternatively, for further information and an application pack, please email hr@omat.org.uk Please email your completed application to hr@omat.org.uk Closing date: 12 pm, 13 April 2026. Interview date: 20 April 2026. The Orwell Multi Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, therefore all applicants must be prepared to undergo a number of checks to confirm their suitability to work with children and young people. The trust welcomes applications from all sectors of the community. In accordance with the Department for Education’s “Keeping Children Safe in Education”, references will be sought on all short-listed candidates before interview.