Chief Finance Officer (CFO) | St Thomas Catholic Academies Trust
Luton | £90,000–£110,000
Lead financial strategy across a growing family of Catholic schools and help ensure long-term sustainability, strong governance and excellent outcomes for children and young people.
St Thomas Catholic Academies Trust (STCAT) is seeking a Chief Finance Officer (CFO) to join the executive leadership team and provide strategic financial leadership across our family of 17 Catholic schools serving communities in Luton, Central Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Slough.
Formed in 2020, STCAT is the southern multi-academy trust of the Diocese of Northampton. Our schools serve diverse communities across primary, secondary and all-through education, united by a shared mission to help every child flourish academically, spiritually and personally.
Reporting to the CEO and working closely with the executive leadership team and Trust Board, the CFO will play a central role in ensuring that financial planning, resource allocation and risk management support the Trust’s mission and long-term priorities.
This is a significant leadership opportunity at a time of continued growth and sector challenge. The successful candidate will help strengthen organisational capacity, support financial sustainability and ensure that schools remain well-resourced, compliant and equipped to deliver excellent education.
Please note we are seeking a CFO with a management accounting qualification and a background in education.
As CFO, you will:
• Lead the Trust’s financial strategy, planning, reporting and control
• Ensure effective financial management, compliance, risk management and resource allocation across the Trust
• Support long-term sustainability through robust financial planning and scenario modelling
• Provide high-quality financial advice and insight to the CEO, executive team and Trust Board
• Lead and develop the central finance function
• Work closely with school leaders, business managers and local advisory committees
• Strengthen financial systems, processes and organisational capacity across the Trust
• Support strategic decision-making through accurate analysis and clear financial information
We are interested in hearing from candidates who may currently be:
• A Chief Finance Officer within a multi-academy trust
• A Director of Finance or Deputy CFO within education
• A senior finance leader from the wider public sector or another complex multi-site organisation
The successful candidate will bring:
• A professional finance qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA)
• Significant experience leading financial strategy, reporting and control within a complex organisation
• Strong expertise in financial planning, compliance, risk management and resource allocation
• Experience of leading teams, developing systems and managing change
• The ability to interpret complex financial information and support strategic decision-making
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across a wide range of stakeholders
• A values-driven approach and commitment to supporting the Trust’s mission
Why join St Thomas Catholic Academies Trust?
• Join a family of 17 Catholic schools serving diverse communities across four regions
• Play a key strategic role within the executive leadership team
• Help shape the next phase of the Trust’s development
• Work within a collaborative organisation built on partnership, shared responsibility and collective improvement
• Contribute to an organisation committed to helping every child flourish academically, spiritually and personally
Whilst the successful candidate does not need to be Catholic, they must be committed to supporting the Catholic ethos and mission of the Trust.
For further information and details of how to apply, please apply via this advert.