Director of Finance - Chester Diocesan Academies Trust

Director of Finance

Chester Diocesan Academies Trust

Salary: Competitive to attract the best

Hours: Full time, all year round

Location: Hybrid working model: mainly working from the trust’s office (The Heath Business Park in Runcorn) with some opportunity for home-working and occasional visits to schools within the trust

We are looking to appoint an experienced, committed Director of Finance to provide strategic leadership and management of the Trust’s finances, playing a significant role in the future growth of Chester Diocesan Academies Trust (CDAT).

CDAT is a successful and expanding multi-academy Trust currently made up of 17 very diverse primary schools from across the whole of the Diocese of Chester.

Formed in 2014 by the Chester Diocesan Board of Education (DBE), the Trust has a distinctive ethos that is clearly rooted in clear, Christian values and a desire to ensure that all children benefit from a high-quality, engaging education. Although the Trust was initially set up by the DBE, it is fully inclusive and is happy to welcome both church and community schools into the CDAT family.

Children are at the heart of CDAT. We want each individual to develop knowledge, skills, understanding and wisdom, achieving to the very best of their potential. It is our mission that every child at our schools experiences ‘life in all its fullness’ and has the very best opportunities for learning and personal growth. We are similarly ambitious for the staff across the trust, seeking to support them both personally and professionally.

We are seeking to appoint an exceptional individual to provide strategic leadership and financial management, and help lead us through our next stage of growth.

As part of the Trust’s Senior Executive Team, you will inspire, motivate and bring the highest level of integrity and attention to detail in all you do. Our ideal candidate will have excellent analytical skills and sound judgement, paired with a proven ability to manage a team effectively, displaying excellent leadership skills.

You will have a proven track record of successful financial leadership and building effective teams and significant experience of successfully leading and managing budgets, working and communicating effectively with other stakeholders. Essential to the role are strong listening, verbal and written communication skills, allowing you to present complex information in a succinct and user-friendly manner.

Resilient under pressure, you will be committed to high standards, best value and continuous improvement, along with the vision, values, aims and objectives of the Chester Diocesan Academies Trust.

The Director of Finance will:

• Undertake the role of Chief Finance Officer (CFO) for the Trust;
• Be a member of the Trust’s senior executive team, playing a significant role in developing and promoting the Trust’s strategic direction and future growth;
• Provide strategic leadership and management of the Trust’s finances, advising the CEO, Trust board and school leaders on all financial matters relating to the Trust;
• Be responsible and accountable for the delivery of financial support services throughout the Trust, including the management of the Trust’s finance system and internal controls;
• Be the primary point of contact for all aspects of funding and financial returns;
• Be responsible for the statutory accounts, financial returns and reports to the Trust board, ESFA, DfE and other statutory bodies in line with guidance and externally determined deadlines;
• Lead the promotion and delivery of sound financial management throughout the organisation, in line with the Academies Handbook;
• Provide the Trust board with regular updates pertaining to the responsibilities of the role;
• As CFO, to ensure sound and appropriate financial governance and risk management arrangements are in place, prepare and monitor budgets and ensure the delivery of annual accounts in accordance with the Academies Handbook, ESFA guidelines and all statutory requirements.
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To register your interest for the role of Director of Finance, please visit www.joincdat.co.uk

To arrange an informal, confidential discussion regarding this role, please contact Laura McGunigle at Satis Education on 07931384683 or laura@satiseducation.co.uk

• The closing date for applications: Wednesday 16th October 9am
• Shortlisting: Thursday 17th October
• Interviews: Friday 25th October

Please note: we are encouraging early application, the trust reserve the right to close applications for this post early

CDAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and we will check the suitability of staff to work with children. Applicants must be willing to undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and overseas police checks (where applicable). As part of the shortlisting process, online searches will be carried out on shortlisted candidates in accordance with the requirements of Keeping Children Safe in Education