Director of Finance and Chief Finance Officer

The Director of Finance and Chief Finance Officer is a key leadership support professional working across both Lordswood Boys' School and Central Academies Trust. The postholder will provide professional leadership for finance operations at school level while also contributing to the trust's wider financial stewardship, compliance and long-term sustainability. This is a deliberately balanced role. It is not simply a strategic CFO post removed from operational reality, nor is it solely a transactional finance management role. The successful candidate will take genuine ownership of school-based finance activity while working in close partnership with external finance partners on management accounts, balance sheets, payroll, pensions, VAT returns and wider statutory and regulatory returns. As the trust's named CFO, the postholder will also provide assurance, analysis and advice to senior leaders, governors and trustees. They will help ensure that financial information is accurate, timely and trusted, that internal controls are secure and proportionate, and that leaders are able to make well-informed decisions which support educational excellence, inclusion and responsible growth. Core purpose To provide strategic and operational leadership for finance across Lordswood Boys' School and Central Academies Trust. To act as the trust's named CFO, ensuring strong financial stewardship, compliance, sustainability and value for money. To lead school-level finance operations while working in close partnership with finance partners on management accounts, payroll, pensions, VAT and regulatory returns. To support executive leaders, governors and trustees with clear financial information, analysis and advice. WE OFFER A friendly and supportive environment Excellent and ongoing opportunities for professional development A role with genuine strategic influence at both school and trust level Westfield Health and employee wellbeing support Access to optical, dental, physiotherapy