Chief Finance and Operations Officer


Company:	Teaching Vacancies
Salary:	Not specified
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Prescot, L35 6NY
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	23 Oct 2026
Closing date:	9 Nov 2026

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Summary

What skills and experience we're looking for

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and inspirational education business professional to act as our Chief Finance and Operations Officer, with responsibility for the non-teaching business and financial operations of the Trust and for ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and statutory requirements.

We are looking to build on existing financial systems, driving best practice through a range of areas including strategic financial management, procurement, contract negotiations, and tendering. Taking overall responsibility for the financial leadership and management of the Trust to ensure financial sustainability as we endeavour to grow the Trust.

An experienced finance or accounting professional with outstanding leadership skills and a track record of success at senior level, you should bring an enterprising approach to business development, strategy and partnerships to help us achieve our strategic objectives, effectively leading the Trust’s finances and contribute to the strategic direction and future of our Trust. The CFOO will have a key role to play in the Leadership Team, contributing to Trust-level decision making and strategies for future growth and development.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate that they have:

• Financial expertise to help us navigate the current challenges being faced by the education sector.

• A passion for working in the education sector and commitment to our mission and vision.

• The ability to think strategically as well as have a good understanding of the wider context beyond education.

• The ability to inspire confidence and think creatively.

• A commitment to lead through others and empower teams.

• The ability to problem-solve with good organisation and prioritisation skills.

• A commitment to always place our children at the centre of decision making.

We believe in investing and supporting our staff to be the best that they can be, as well as giving people ownership of their responsibilities and the autonomy to be proactive. This is a role in which you will get the opportunity to thrive.

We welcome applications from people within and beyond the education sector. If you would like to find out more about

Stephenson Multi Academy Trust and the role, please contact Loraine Potter to arrange a visit.

If you feel this is the role for you, please see the full job description and employee specification in the Applicant Information pack and by visiting our website

PURPOSE

The Chief Finance and Operations Officer is responsible for the non-teaching business and financial operations of the Trust and for ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and statutory requirements.

They will lead and manage the Trust’s business functions including Finance, Admin, HR, IT and Estates & Compliance, and by supporting commercial decision-making will enable the Trust to work effectively towards the delivery of its vision, aims and agreed strategic direction.

What the school offers its staff

Our School’s mission is 'In Pursuit of Excellence’ in everything that we do and our core values; Learn, Think, Contribute, Care, embody our determination to ensure that all our students receive a first class education that enables them to take their place in society confidently.

We are a popular and high achieving school on the edge of Merseyside with a very strong reputation locally and significantly over subscribed.

Further details about the role

QUALIFICATIONS

Degree in a finance or business-related discipline

Professional Accountancy qualification, e.g., ICAEW, CIMA, ACCA or CIPFA

Level 6 Diploma in School Business Management

Level 7 in Academy Financial & Operational Leadership, or Certificate in the Financial Reporting of Academies (CertFRA)

EXPERIENCE

Significant resource management and strategic leadership experience

Proven track record of successful leadership and building effective teams

Significant experience of leading and managing budgets

Evidence of entrepreneurialism and innovation, with an ability to identify commercial opportunities to maximise income

Experience of working within an educational setting

Experience leading one or more business service discipline such as IT, Finance, HR, Estates and Administration

Successful experience of managing teams of staff

Experience of developing and managing external relationships with professional and regulatory bodies

Experience of working with Governors, Trustees, or similar

Experience in obtaining additional funding and bids

Detailed and up-to-date knowledge of accountancy and professional codes of practice

KNOWLEDGE

Advanced knowledge of statutory requirements and funding strategies

Substantial knowledge and experience of managing pro-procurement and contracts

Proven awareness and respect for the highly sensitive status of information and its confidentiality

Knowledge of HR policy, practice and legislation

Demonstrable commercial acumen

An understanding/experience of working with external auditors and agencies

Understanding of employer pension responsibilities

Up-to-date knowledge of Data Protection and Freedom of Information Acts

Awareness of school support staff support contractual terms and conditions of employment

Knowledge of the unique characteristics of Schools and Academies

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Proficient in the use of MS Office applications and Financial Information Systems

Excellent analytical skills and sound judgement

Ability to direct a multi-disciplinary team effectively and demonstrate excellent leadership skills

Ability to interpret complex financial information, advice, and statutes and to devise policy/practice autonomously considering these

Ability to manage own workload without direction, having the ability to prioritise to meet tight deadlines

Highly effective communications skills and ability to influence and negotiate effectively

Ability to present complex information to a varied audience

High ethical standards and strong moral purpose

Emotional resilience and maturity

Ability to persuade, motivate, negotiate and influence

Excellent written and presentation skills

Ability to work autonomously and flexibly

A personal commitment to lifelong learning and continuous professional development

Commitment to high standards, best value, and continuous improvement

Ability to be reflective and self-critical

Proactive and self-motivated

Experience of leadership of health and safety and facilities

Commitment to safeguarding

Rainhill High School and Sixth Form is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people as well as promoting equality of opportunity and community cohesion; where the diversity of different backgrounds and circumstances is appreciated and positively valued and expects all staff, volunteers and other workers to share in this commitment. This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosing & Barring Certificate and online searches as part of our Safer Recruitment & Selection Procedures.

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