Chief Financial and Operating Officer

The Horsham Learning Alliance is a local multi-academy trust aiming to enhance educational outcomes through close collaboration and transformational learning. The Trust is at a pivotal stage in its journey and is now seeking a Chief Financial and Operating Officer to ensure the delivery of cohesive, efficient and effective professional services across the Trust.

• Working closely with the CEO on the strategic development of the Trust, ensuring the best possible deployment of resources.
• Developing digital and business transformations, supporting the CEO to manage major projects, including academy conversions, capital investments and infrastructure developments.
• Ensuring long-term financial sustainability and alignment with educational priorities, overseeing budget preparations, forecasting and funding requirements.
• Developing robust internal control systems and overseeing all large procurement and tendering processes.
• Driving operational efficiency and ensuring regular performance and KPI reviews are in place.
• Leading on effective risk management and regularly reviewing policies and financial controls to ensure compliance with evolving regulatory frameworks.
• Overseeing the preparation of statutory accounts and external audits.
• Managing the HR Director to ensure a consistent approach to recruitment.
• Taking overall responsibility for the data environment, including cyber risk management and compliance with data protection legislation.
• Working with the CEO and Director of Governance to prepare relevant papers for the Trust Board and its committees and attending meetings.

• Qualified accountant with a recognised professional accountancy qualification (e.g. CIPFA, CIMA, ACCA or ACA).
• Proven leadership and management skills with the ability to inspire and motivate multi-functional teams.
• Track record of finance and resource management and planning at a senior level in an organisation.
• Experience of budget management and monitoring, with strong interpretational skills and the ability to analyse and provide commentary on financial data.
• Knowledge of data management and system implementation.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to achieve value for money.
• Experience delivering and managing multiple projects, ensuring they meet financial targets.
• Competent and confident in using Microsoft Office.
• Exceptional communication, influencing and negotiation skills.
• Self-directing and able to use your own initiative to make decisions.
• Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to prioritise appropriately.
• Enhanced maternity and sickness pay schemes.
• Employee assistance programme offering access to a range of resources, including legal advice, counselling, and a 24-hour helpline for wellbeing support for members of staff and their families.
• Access to relaxation massages, free on-site health checks, Walking for Health and staff wellbeing events.
• Car park for staff use (subject to availability).
• Concessionary rates for adult education evening courses at the College of Richard Collyer.
• Free use of the College's sports facilities.
• Free eye tests.
• Salary sacrifice schemes.

Salary: £95,000 – £105,000 per year, dependent on experience.

Location: Horsham Learning Alliance Head Office, Horsham, with some travel to schools in the Trust and the possibility of flexibility to work from home.

Closing date: Noon on 14 September 2026.