Chief Finance Officer (CFO)
Salary: Leadership Points 25 -29 (£93,422 – £103,029)
Contract: Permanent
Start date: September 2026

About Consilium Academies

Consilium Academies is a Multi-Academy Trust dedicated to Excellence and Equity with Integrity. With eight schools across Salford, South Yorkshire, and the North East, we are committed to delivering excellent education, supporting staff development, and creating opportunities for every student to thrive. Our collaborative culture is built on support, professional growth, and a shared commitment to continuous improvement.

The Role

The CFO will lead the financial strategy of the Trust at a critical point in the Trust’s development, ensuring that the Trust remains financially stable, and that financial resources are aligned to support the strategic objectives of the Trust.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Lead the Trust’s financial strategy and long-term financial planning.
• Embed Integrated Curriculum Financial Planning (ICFP) into staffing and curriculum decisions.
• Provide strategic financial advice to the CEO and Board.
• Lead financial planning for Trust growth, school transfers, and capital investment.

Financial Governance & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook and ESFA requirements.
• Lead annual audits and maintain strong internal financial controls.
• Oversee financial policies, ensuring transparency, integrity, and value for money.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Performance

• Lead Trust-wide budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Ensure accurate management accounts and financial modelling.
• Support school leaders in managing budgets effectively.

Investment, Income Generation & Procurement

• Develop and deliver a Trust investment strategy.
• Generate additional income and deliver savings through procurement.
• Oversee procurement frameworks and ensure compliant purchasing.

Leadership & Culture

• Lead and develop the finance team.
• Promote a culture of financial accountability across the Trust.
• Work collaboratively with Trust and school leaders to support strategic planning.

About You

We are looking for a strategic financial leader who:

• Is a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) or has equivalent experience.
• Has senior financial leadership experience in education, public sector, or multi-site organisations.
• Has strong knowledge of academy funding, governance, audit, and compliance.
• Has experience of Integrated Curriculum Financial Planning (ICFP).
• Can communicate complex financial information clearly to non-financial leaders.
• Has excellent financial planning, risk management, and strategic leadership skills.

Why Join Consilium Academies?

• Be part of a values-driven Trust committed to excellence, equity, and integrity.
• Work within a collaborative and supportive leadership team.
• Access high-quality professional development through our Centre for Professional Learning.
• Play a key role in shaping the future growth and success of the Trust and its schools.

If you are a strategic financial leader who shares our vision and values, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Applications and Information

For further information about the role please see attached recruitment pack including, job description and person specification.

If you have any questions about the role or would like to arrange a conversation with the CEO please contact the Director of HR, Craig Fawcett at craig.fawcett@consilium-at.com he will then make the necessary arrangements

Closing date for applications is 30th April 2026

Interviews will take place on 13th & 14th May 2026

Safeguarding

Please ensure that within your application you provide the names, addresses, and contact details for two referees, one of whom should be your current or most recent employer. 

Consilium Academies is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointments are made subject to an Enhanced DBS Check, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed for all applicants.

The Trust is an equal opportunity employer.  We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Under Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016, the Public Sector fluency duty requires state funded schools to ensure candidates for their customer facing roles have the necessary standard of spoken English.