Chief Finance Officer - Academicis : Job Details

Chief Finance Officer

Tame River Educational TrustLocation: Greater ManchesterContract Type: Full Time, PermanentSalary: Competitive, commensurate with experienceStart Date:January 2026

Are you an experienced financial leader with a passion for education and community impact? Are you ready to make a real difference in the lives of young people in Greater Manchester?

Our small but ambitious Multi Academy Trust - comprising three secondary schools and serving communities in some of the most economically challenged areas of Greater Manchester - is seeking an exceptional Chief Finance Officer (CFO) to join our executive leadership team.

As CFO, you will be a strategic partner to the CEO and Board of Trustees, taking the lead on all financial strategy and operations across the Trust. You will be instrumental in ensuring robust financial governance, long-term sustainability, and effective use of resources - enabling us to deliver the highest standards of education and care for every student.

This is a pivotal role, combining strategic oversight with operational excellence, and requires someone who is both detail-focused and visionary. The CFO will also play a critical role in supporting school improvement and will work closely with Heads of School, external auditors, and key stakeholders.

• A full professional accountancy qualification: ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA

• A proven track record of financial leadership and success within a Multi Academy Trust (MAT) environment

• Resource management and strategic leadership experience with accountability for a complex resource space

• Proven track record of successful leadership and building effective teams

• Significant experience of leading and managing budgets, working with stakeholders to develop strong financial understanding across an organisation

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

• Experience of leading financial and procurement business services

• Experience of contract services and ensuring best value for money

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

• Advanced knowledge of statutory requirements and funding strategies

• Substantial knowledge and experience of managing procurement and contracts

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

• Demonstrable commercial acumen

• Understanding of, or experience working with, external auditors and agencies

• A chance to help shape the future of a growing Trust committed to educational excellence and community development

• Supportive leadership and governance structures

• A meaningful opportunity to have a lasting impact in a vibrant and challenging educational landscape

Application Deadline:Monday 15th September 2025

You can apply directly through this channel (Reed) and contact Neil Massie at Academicis for full details and a formal application form, which would then have to be completed separately.