Chief Finance Officer, PAGE Executive

About Our Client

John Whitgift Foundation has operated in Croydon since 1596, supporting young people through an outstanding independent education and caring for older people. The organisation works with people of all ages and backgrounds. A proud continuation of the founder’s legacy, it educates the young at Whitgift and Trinity Schools and provides support for elderly residents in its care facilities.

The Foundation’s endowment, derived from land and assets set aside by its founder, funds bursaries in our schools and operates almshouses in Croydon. This year alone, bursary provision exceeds £5 million. Over the next five years the Foundation will expand Trinity School by some 350 pupils and provide comprehensive education for all students.

• Take responsibility for financial management, overseeing budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting, ensuring timely production of high-quality annual accounts and building a resilient finance function.
• Inspire, lead and develop a high‑performing finance team, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Shape and deliver a forward‑looking financial strategy, acting as a trusted adviser to the CEO, governors and senior leadership, and influencing key organisational decisions.
• Enhance and strengthen financial systems, controls and processes, ensuring they remain robust, efficient and aligned with future needs.
• Play a key role in the Foundation’s investment strategy and oversee the commercial property portfolio, working with external investment managers to maximise long‑term returns and identify opportunities to enhance value and operational performance.

• Professionally qualified (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with a commitment to ongoing development.
• Seasoned senior leader, operating at executive level or working directly with executive teams.
• Excellent communicator and collaborator with the confidence and credibility to influence diverse stakeholders.
• Versed in investment and debt capital markets, capable of navigating complex funding landscapes.
• Strategic thinker with operational depth, maintaining a detail‑oriented focus to ensure successful execution.
• Opportunities to join a historic South London organisation, contribute to exciting capital projects and work within a community‑focused culture.

• Salary: £135,000 to £150,000
• DC pension scheme (up to 10% employer contribution)
• Life assurance (3× salary)
• Private medical insurance plan at a preferential group rate (employee funded)
• Generous school fee discount (50% off for up to 2 children after probation)
• Free parking

Elizabeth Campion