Head of Financial Planning & Reporting; Deputy CFO

Head of Financial Planning & Reporting (Deputy CFO) | Sale / Hybrid | £72,029 - £87,330 | Excellent Benefits

Shape the financial future of one of the North West's fastest-growing education organisations. We are delighted to be partnering with Emmaus Catholic Academy Trust in the search for a Head of Financial Planning & Reporting (Deputy CFO).

This is a rare opportunity to join a thriving and ambitious Multi‑Academy Trust at a pivotal point in its growth journey. Emmaus CAT currently supports over 12,000 pupils and 1,450 staff across 32 schools, with plans to grow to almost 25,000 pupils and 3,000 staff through continued expansion across Greater Manchester.

Reporting directly to the CFO, you'll be a key member of the senior finance leadership team, helping to shape long‑term financial strategy, drive business partnering excellence and support sustainable growth across a complex and evolving organisation.

This is far more than a traditional Head of Finance position. As Deputy CFO, you'll play a pivotal role in driving the Trust's continued success, leading financial planning, reporting and business partnering across one of the region's fastest‑growing academy trusts. With up to 10 schools joining each year, you'll help deliver the Trust's financial strategy, support expansion and enhance organisational performance, ensuring the Trust remains financially strong and well‑positioned for the future.

• Strategic influence with Board‑level exposure
• Leadership of a growing Finance Business Partnering function
• Responsibility for consolidated budgeting, forecasting and financial planning across a complex multi‑site organisation of 50+ schools
• Driving financial strategy, budgeting and integrated curriculum financial planning
• Involvement in growth, due diligence and school onboarding projects
• The opportunity to modernise finance systems, reporting and processes
• Close partnership with the CFO, Executive Team, Headteachers and Trustees
• A clear pathway for further executive finance leadership development
• Deputising for the CFO and contributing to Board and Committee reporting

Working at the heart of the organisation, you'll help ensure financial resilience, support investment in educational outcomes and contribute directly to the Trust's ambitious growth plans. As Deputy CFO, working closely with the CFO, Executive Team and Trustees, you'll play a central role in ensuring the Trust remains financially resilient while supporting investment in educational outcomes that make a real difference to communities.

We're looking for a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA) with:

• Significant senior‑level financial leadership experience
• Strong budgeting, forecasting and strategic planning expertise
• Experience leading and developing high‑performing teams
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• A passion for continuous improvement and delivering meaningful organisational impact

Multi‑academy trust, education or charity sector experience would be advantageous, but applications from candidates with transferable leadership experience from other complex and regulated organisations are welcomed.

• Salary (DOE) £72,029 - £87,330 (plus NJC national pay awards)
• Modern offices in Sale, with travel across Greater Manchester schools
• Flexible & hybrid working arrangements, balanced with regular on‑site collaboration and occasional evening Board/Governor meetings
• Local Government Pension Scheme (career average scheme)
• 26 days annual leave (rising to 31 dependent on service)
• 4 additional Christmas closure days
• Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support through Education Mutual
• Cycle to Work Scheme

• Emmaus CAT exists to provide exceptional education and opportunities for children and young people across Greater Manchester. Its vision is rooted in strong values, collaboration and innovation, underpinned by a commitment to continuous improvement and the responsible stewardship of resources.
• This is a strategic Deputy CFO position with genuine influence across a rapidly expanding organisation. You'll play a key role in shaping financial strategy, supporting growth and informing executive‑level decision‑making, while benefiting from excellent professional development opportunities within a values‑led organisation dedicated to improving outcomes for young people and communities.
• If you're an ambitious finance leader seeking a role where strategic thinking, financial leadership and social impact intersect, we'd love to hear from you.

* Please note that we are only able to consider applications from those who are eligible to work in the UK and therefore do not require sponsorship.