Full job descriptionCaroline Chisholm School is partnering with Robertson Bell on a retained basis to appoint a Chief Finance Officer on a permanent basis. This is a pivotal leadership role within a high-performing and ambitious organisation, offering the opportunity to shape financial strategy, lead transformation, and support the school’s evolution
Caroline Chisholm School is a high-achieving, values-led all-through school with a strong reputation for academic excellence, staff engagement, and community impact. Already operating at a scale and complexity comparable to a multi-academy trust, the organisation is entering an exciting new phase of growth, with plans to expand into primary provision and formally develop as a MAT.
This is a unique opportunity to join a forward-thinking leadership team and play a central role in driving financial sustainability, operational transformation, and long-term strategic growth.
The role
*Partner with the Principal, Trustees and Senior Leadership Team to develop and deliver a long-term financial strategy, supporting the school’s growth ambitions.
*Lead financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and reporting across a complex and evolving organisation, ensuring strong financial control and sustainability.
*Take ownership of a significant transformation agenda, including digital system implementation (Bromcom), contract optimisation, and operational redesign.
*Support with the operational re-design of financial systems providing strategic oversight of major projects such as introduction of Bromcom for financial processes, ensuring robust due diligence, and stakeholder management.
*Act as a key advisor to Trustees, auditors and external stakeholders including the DfE and Local Authority.
*Drive value for money through effective procurement, contract negotiation and cost optimisation initiatives.
*Lead and develop the finance function, fostering a high-performing, collaborative and forward-thinking team culture.
*Support wider organisational leadership, overseeing linked operational areas including IT and educational visits.
*Identify opportunities for income generation, funding and financial innovation to support future growth.
The organisation
Caroline Chisholm School is a school with a strong ethos centred on kindness, curiosity and integrity. With a highly engaged workforce and a 96% positive staff survey rating, the school offers a collaborative and ambitious working environment.
The organisation has successfully navigated recent financial pressures, delivering significant savings while maintaining educational excellence. With a clear financial sustainability plan in place and strong governance support, the school is now well positioned for its next phase of growth.
Alongside this, a major digital and operational transformation programme is underway, modernising systems and infrastructure to support long-term efficiency and scalability.
Essential criteria
*Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent)
*Proven experience in a senior financial leadership role within a complex organisation
*Strong track record of leading financial strategy, planning and reporting
*Experience managing multi-million-pound budgets and driving financial sustainability
*Demonstrable experience leading transformation projects (systems, operations or organisational change)
*Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at Board and executive level
*Commercial mindset, with the ability to identify efficiencies and funding opportunities
*A collaborative and adaptable leadership style, aligned to a values-driven environment
Apply now
If you are a strategic and forward-thinking finance leader looking to make a tangible impact within a high-performing and ambitious organisation, we would love to hear from you. This role requires primarily on-site working during term time, with some flexibility available.
Applications close on the 24 May but will be reviewed on a rolling basis.