One Excellence Multi Academy Trust is a forward thinking, aspirational, mixed Multi Academy Trust founded in July 2017.  The Trust consists of three Church of England schools and one Community school. The Trusts vision ‘to be ambitious, inclusive, collaborative family of schools, ensuring fullness of life and excellence in education, whilst celebrating individuality’ is rooted in theology but with equal respect for our community school.

 The Trust is unique.  Alongside four primary schools, there are Trust leads and management of an English Hub and Durham SCITT, as well as focusing on inclusivity across all four schools.  There is an SEMH Enhanced Provision at St Mark’s Church of England Primary School, a Communication and Interaction Enhanced Provision at Pentland Primary School and a Nurture Hub at Evenwood Church of England Primary School.

This is an exciting time of growth and development for our family of schools.   We are seeking an inspirational Chief Finance Officer who can support a clear growth strategy, visible strategic leadership and support achievement of high standards.  This rewarding role involves working directly with schools, our Board of Directors and our central team to ensure the best possible education for the children and the most effective use of resources. Strategic thinking, planning and a quest for continuous improvement are all essential parts of the role.

You will need:

• ·      Relevant degree or recognised professional qualification
• ·      Evidence of continued commitment to personal professional development
• ·      Experience of working as part of a senior management team and implementing service improvements
• ·      Experience of turning business strategy into successful outcomes
• ·      Successful track record of management experience within a large, complex organisation
• ·      Experience of financial management including income generation
• ·      Experience of leading and supporting through processes of continuous improvement
• ·      Experience of overseeing  estate management strategies
• ·      Knowledge and understanding of academy structures
• ·      An understanding of the key issues facing schools and academies
• ·      Experience of developing and implementing successful financial strategies
• ·      Ability to communicate at all levels both verbally and written
• ·      A high level of presentation skills
• ·      Ability to think strategically and to analyse complex situations, formulating and implementing plans of action
• ·      Numeracy and literacy skills to handle data and information critically, accurately and effectively
• ·      Have detailed knowledge and understanding of:

a.                                     1. Company Act accounts

b.                                     2. Management accounts

c.                                     3. Computerised accounting packages

d.                                    4. Funding arrangements for schools and academies

e.                                    5.  Internal control and risk management

f.                                     6. Commercial requirements

g.                                    7. Estates Management

• ·      Marketing planning and implementation skills developing appropriate strategies and achieving successful results
• ·      Public relations skills including the ability to speak at public forums
• ·      Capable of working with achieving income targets
• ·      Able to work with colleagues and contacts from a range of backgrounds
• ·      Highly developed organisational skills managing time well to meet competing priorities
• ·      Ability to prioritise workloads and manage the delegation of work effectively
• ·      Be able to maintain confidentiality
• ·      Equal Opportunities and recognising the nature of the diverse school community
• ·      Understanding of basic technology – computer, video, photocopier etc
• ·      Working knowledge of relevant policies/codes of practice/legislation

One Excellence Multi Academy Trust is committed to providing the highest possible quality of education, underpinned by our ethos and values. We protect the unique character of each school while helping each to build on their strengths and overcome challenges in new ways by working together.

One Excellence Multi Academy Trust believes in supporting and investing in its staff and has a structured health and well-being programme. The programme includes physiotherapy, nurse support service and drop-in clinic, counselling, mindfulness sessions, weight management, stress awareness, GP consultations and private medical operations if required.  We are also keen for staff to be able to reach their full potential and offer a range of professional development opportunities in all areas of education, nurturing and leadership.

Disclosure:  We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to enhanced clearance through the Disclosure and Barring Service. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer. We want to develop a more diverse workforce, and we positively welcome applications from all sections of the community. Applicants with disabilities will be invited for interview if the essential job criteria are met. Where our roles are customer facing and you are required to speak to members of the public, the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.  As a disability confident employer, we are committed to employing disabled people and people with health conditions making reasonable adjustments to support disabled applicants when required. 

For an informal chat regarding this post please contact Lindsey Vollans, CEO on (01642) 967045.