CFO

Are you a CFO who wants to work in the education sector?

Do you want a role that is truly inspiring and purpose-driven?

Are you searching for an organisation with big ambitions and a meaningful mission?

Do you want to start each day knowing your work makes a real difference?

And work alongside a CEO who values your insight and strategic input?

If this sounds like you, keep reading

I'm supporting Ambition Community Trust (Manchester area) in their search for a Permanent CFO.

As CFO, you'll provide strategic leadership across finance, operations, and sustainability, ensuring the trust's long-term financial health and operational excellence.

Working closely with the CEO, school leaders, and Trustees, you'll lead on strategic planning, oversee resource allocation, and manage risk to support the trust's educational mission.

Ambition Community Trust believes that children learn best when they feel safe, supported, and valued.

Their Relational Inclusion approach puts emotional well-being at the core of education, creating nurturing school environments where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

With a vision to become a centre of excellence in relational education, they are redefining what's possible for young people.

As CFO, you'll be instrumental in securing the trust's financial and operational strength, helping to turn this vision into reality.

• Salary: Starting from £75,000 (negotiable).
• Permanent, full-year role (52 weeks).
• 37.5 hours per week, with flexibility.
• Hybrid working - manage your time across multiple sites.
• Schools based in Trafford, Manchester, and Tameside.
• School pension.
• Job security.

• Provide strategic financial and operational leadership, advising the CEO, Board, and school leaders.
• Oversee finance, HR, estates, and health & safety at a trust-wide level.
• Lead and develop the Business Support Team to enhance operational efficiency.
• Conduct financial due diligence for new schools joining the trust.
• Identify and mitigate financial and operational risks.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legal and regulatory requirements.
• Manage budget planning, financial reporting, procurement, and audit processes.
• Lead income generation strategies and oversee contract negotiations.
• Line manage the Operations Manager and HR lead.
• Implement a robust risk management framework, covering finance, estates, and safeguarding.
• Ensure GDPR, cybersecurity, and data protection compliance.
• Represent the trust in external networks and sector forums.

• A degree-level qualification.
• A professional finance or finance-related qualification (or willingness to gain one).
• Experience managing large financial resources with a strong grasp of compliance.
• Expertise in financial strategy, leadership, and operational management.
• Strong analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience leading teams and driving organisational improvements.
• Strong IT, numeracy, and communication skills.
• A driving licence and own transport.
• Willingness to undergo a DBS check.

Appoint-Ed is managing this recruitment exclusively for Ambition Community Trust-all direct and agency applications will be forwarded to us.

Send your CV via this ad or contact Kellie Gordon at Appoint-Ed to discuss the role further.