CFOO Vacancy
Chief Financial and Operations Officer
As we continue to grow, we are looking for an exceptional finance leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as Chief Financial and Operations Officer.
This is an exciting senior leadership opportunity within our growing Multi-Academy Trust, at a time when strong financial leadership will be central to our continued success.
The Role
Reporting directly to the CEO, you will hold strategic and operational responsibility for all financial matters across the Trust.
You will lead multi-year financial planning, oversee statutory reporting and compliance and manage the external audit relationship. You will also work closely with headteachers and school business managers across the Trust, making financial leadership visible and accessible at every level.
Key areas of responsibility include:
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Strategic financial leadership and planning
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Statutory accounts and financial reporting
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Governance, compliance and regulatory assurance
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Budget-setting and resource allocation across 14 schools
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Finance team leadership and development
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Payroll, pensions (LGPS and TPS) and procurement
Who we are looking for
You will bring senior financial leadership experience from a complex, multi-site organisation ideally in the public sector, a charity, or an educational setting. You will have a strong track record in statutory compliance, budgeting, audit and board-level reporting.
A professional accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) is desirable, as is familiarity with the Academy Trust Handbook, ESFA requirements and the school funding system.
Just as important are your personal qualities: you are collaborative, solutions-focused, approachable, and able to challenge constructively at all levels.
Role details
Salary: £75,000 – £85,000 (Flexibility on this bracket will be considered for exceptional candidates.)
Pension: Local Government Pension Scheme
Location: Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex (A hybrid working arrangement, combining home and office based working, may be considered for this role.)
Contract: Full-time, permanent - part-time and/or term-time considered (minimum 3 days per week)
For full details about this role, please download the CFOO Job Brochure below.
How to apply
Prospective candidates are invited to make contact to discuss the role informally before applying.
To apply, please submit a covering letter addressing the essential criteria and a completed application form (available to download below) to: recruitment@hppc.co.uk
Closing date: Tuesday 30 June 2026
Interviews: Week commencing Monday 6 July 2026