Chief Financial Officer

St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Multi Academy Trust

Join an extraordinary venture.

One of the largest multi academy trusts in the UK we are looking for an outstanding Chief Finance Officer to join our executive leadership team at a defining moment in our history.

We are part way through a merger that will see them bringing together 67 academies by September 2027, the Trust spans communities from Oxfordshire and Warwickshire through to Worcestershire – with one mission: forming Christ‑centred pilgrims of hope, with kind hearts, questioning minds, a thirst for knowledge and a hunger for justice.

This large‑scale merger (one of the largest school trust mergers the country has seen) positions us to deliver enhanced support, shared excellence and sustainable growth. Our ethos is rooted in Catholic values – yet we welcome applicants of all faiths and none who share our commitment to education, excellence and service.

As CFO you will carry the ultimate responsibility for our finance function, supporting the CEO (as Accounting Officer) and working closely with the Board of Directors, school leaders and central teams. For the right candidate there is also opportunity to oversee other teams such as IT, Procurement and Estates.

Key responsibilities include:

• Develop and implement strategic financial planning, scenario‑modelling and long‑term sustainability frameworks.
• Provide Board‑level financial advisory, risk management, and oversight of reserves, investments and banking relationships.
• Ensure rigorous regulatory compliance – including the Academies Trust Handbook – and transparent financial reporting across all schools.
• Lead, develop and inspire the finance team, driving excellence, accountability and innovation in a distributed multi‑site environment.
• Oversee capital projects, growth planning and procurement strategies that deliver value for money and support school improvement.

• A CCAB‑qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIPFA, CIMA) with extensive senior finance leadership experience in a complex, multi‑site organisation.
• Proven expertise in financial governance, strategy, regulatory compliance and large‑scale operations at senior level.
• A strategic and analytical thinker who translates financial data into actionable insight, balancing ambition with prudence.
• Inspiring leadership skills – you will build, develop and lead a high‑performing finance function across many schools and stakeholders.
• Person of strong character and integrity, aligned with our values and committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Executive‑level communication skills, comfortable presenting to and engaging with the Board, CEO and multiple stakeholders.

• Significant scale & impact
  :
  Lead finance operations managing resources that directly influence thousands of young lives across the West Midlands.
• Shape the future
  :
  With the Trust in its early phase, you’ll co‑create sustainable systems, influence culture and leave a legacy for decades.
• Values‑driven ethos
  :
  Join a leadership team grounded in service, faith, integrity and educational mission.
• Participation in the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Generous annual leave
• Strong support around professional development

St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Multi‑Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and pre‑employment clearance.

We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share our ambition and values.

If you are a visionary finance leader eager to build sustainable systems, committed to educational excellence and ready to make a meaningful difference, we’d like to hear from you.