Interim Chief Finance Officer

Join to apply for the Interim Chief Finance Officer role at Anglian Learning

Annual Leave: Starting at 25 days plus Bank Holidays (increasing with continuous local government service)

Location: Based at Marleigh Primary Academy, with travel required across Trust sites

Disclosure Level: Enhanced DBS plus Barred List Checks

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Interim Chief Finance Officer (CFO) will provide strategic and operational financial leadership across the Trust. The post holder will ensure strong financial governance, sustainability, value for money, and compliance, supporting the Trust’s educational objectives and future growth.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead the Trust’s financial strategy, including preparation of the annual budget and 3-year financial plan, working closely with leaders and trustees to deliver the Trust’s financial action plan
• Provide financial leadership to the Trust’s strategic planning processes, ensuring the business model is scalable, sustainable, and maximises economies of scale to support frontline education
• Influence all major business decisions to ensure short- and long-term financial implications, risks, and opportunities are fully considered and aligned with the Trust’s financial strategy
• Act as principal financial adviser to the Chief Executive Officer and Trust Board
• Maximise income generation and grant funding opportunities, including full review of procurement activity
• Provide high‑level analysis of the Trust’s financial health and long‑term stability, taking lead responsibility for deficit reduction

Finance Operations

• Ensure the Trust’s financial operating model (structures, systems, services, and processes) is efficient, effective, and delivers value for money
• Lead the central finance team, including line management of the Trust’s Financial Controller
• Ensure all statutory, regulatory, and financial returns are completed accurately and on time
• Work closely with the Finance, Estates and Operations Committee and the Audit and Risk Committee to ensure the Trust complies with the Academy Trust Handbook and all relevant statutory requirements
• Maintain an effective framework for budgetary control, including annual budgets, 5‑year financial forecasts, and monthly monitoring
• Develop and maintain a robust financial policy framework to guide Trust decision‑making

Risk, Assets and Procurement

• Ensure the Trust is appropriately insured, risks are regularly reviewed, and claims are managed effectively
• Maintain accurate asset registers and ensure appropriate depreciation and disposal of assets
• Maximise capital funding and ensure robust procedures are in place to monitor and control capital expenditure
• Oversee contract placement, contractor appointment, and performance monitoring
• Maintain oversight of the Trust’s banking and investment arrangements, acting as an authorised signatory where required
• Lead the Trust’s procurement strategy to ensure value for money, regulatory compliance, transparency, sustainability, and social value
• Ensure Anglian Leisure is financially managed effectively to maximise surplus income while delivering services to local communities
• Report to the Trust Board as required and to the CEO through the Executive Leadership Team
• Provide clear financial reporting, highlighting concerns, actions taken, and recommendations where improvement is required

Safeguarding and Compliance

• Promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young people
• Comply with all Trust policies and procedures, particularly those relating to safeguarding, child protection, health and safety, equality, confidentiality, and data protection
• Work within broad managerial direction, making decisions that positively impact pupil outcomes across the Trust

Person Specification

Qualifications and Training

• Professional accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent)
• Evidence of continuous professional development
• Degree

Experience

• Significant experience leading strategic financial planning within a senior management role
• Experience of strategic business or service planning and business development
• Strong experience in financial, budgetary, and risk management
• Experience of procuring services and monitoring contracts to ensure value for money and performance delivery
• Proven staff leadership and management experience with evidence of performance improvement across teams
• Successful delivery of complex projects from inception to completion
• Excellent communication skills at all organisational levels
• Experience interpreting government education policy and legislation
• Treasury management experience
• Asset and facilities management experience
• Track record of successful fundraising
• Experience within a multi‑academy trust or other multi‑site education organisation

Skills and Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of company and charity law, particularly governance, accounting, and reporting requirements
• In‑depth understanding of financial management processes and systems within a complex, people‑oriented organisation
• Knowledge of HR procedures and relevant employment legislation
• Awareness of current IT developments and their application within finance and organisational systems
• Understanding of health and safety legislation
• Knowledge of financial and regulatory requirements within publicly funded education

Personal Qualities

• Ability to establish effective working relationships internally and externally
• Resilience and ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Ability to make and justify difficult decisions
• High energy, motivation, and commitment to excellence
• High levels of integrity, openness, and commitment to good governance
• Strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
• Ability to inspire and motivate through a clear and compelling vision
• Commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
• Ability to travel efficiently between Trust sites

Employee Benefits

• Generous Pension Scheme (LGPS or Teachers’ Pension Scheme depending on the role)
• Cycle to Work Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• Free membership to Anglian Learning Sports Centres
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Perkbox – access a range of discounts in‑store and online at nationwide shops.

Closing Date: 19th January 2026*

Interview date: Friday 30 January 2026

*We reserve the right to close this advert early if a high volume of suitable applications is received. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so early application is encouraged.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Mark Colton from Pure Resourcing at mark.colton@prs.uk.com

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff to share this commitment and undergo appropriate checks. Therefore, all posts within the Trust are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. The Trust welcomes applications from all, irrespective of gender, marital status, disability, race, age or sexual orientation.

Seniority level

Not Applicable

Employment type

Contract

Job function

Education

Industries

Primary and Secondary Education and Accounting