CFO

Manchester
4 days ago
Create job alert

Are you a School Finance Manager or MAT Management Accountant ready to step into your first C-suite role?

Or a CFO/CFOO of a smaller trust searching for a role that truly challenges and inspires you?

Do you want to be part of a MAT with big ambitions and a strong sense of purpose?

Would you love to start each day motivated by the impact of your work, knowing you're making a real difference?

With a forward-thinking CEO who values your expertise?

And a collaborative, driven team that takes pride in what they do?

If this sounds like you, I'd love to hear from you…

I'm partnering with Ambition Community Trust (Manchester area) to help them find a Permanent CFO.

As CFO, you'll provide strategic leadership across finance, operations, and sustainability, ensuring the trust's long-term financial health and operational excellence. Working closely with the CEO, school leaders, and Trustees, you'll shape strategic planning, oversee resource allocation, and manage risk to support the trust's educational mission.

Ambition Community Trust believes that children learn best when they feel safe, supported, and valued. Their approach to Relational Inclusion puts emotional well-being at the heart of education, creating nurturing school communities where every child has the opportunity to thrive. With an ambitious vision to become a centre of excellence in relational education, they are redefining what's possible for young people.

As CFO, you'll be key in securing the trust's financial and operational strength, helping to turn this vision into reality.

Key Details:

Salary: Starting from £75,000 (negotiable).
Permanent, full-year position (52 weeks).
35 hours per week with flexibility.
Hybrid working - manage your time across multiple sites.
Schools based in Trafford, Manchester, and Tameside.CFO Responsibilities:

Provide financial and operational leadership, advising the CEO, Board, and school leaders.
Oversee finance, HR, estates, and health & safety at a strategic level.
Lead and develop the Business Support Team to enhance trust-wide services.
Conduct financial due diligence for new schools joining the trust.
Identify and mitigate financial and operational risks.
Ensure compliance with all relevant legal and regulatory requirements.
Manage budget planning, financial reporting, procurement, and audit processes.
Lead income generation strategies and oversee contract negotiations.
Line manage the Operations Manager and HR lead.
Implement a robust risk management framework, covering finance, estates, and safeguarding.
Ensure GDPR, cybersecurity, and data protection compliance.
Represent the trust in external networks and forums.The CFO Must Have/Be:

A degree-level qualification.
A professional finance or finance-related qualification (or willingness to gain one).
Experience managing large financial resources with a strong grasp of compliance.
Expertise in financial strategy, leadership, and operational management.
Strong analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
Experience leading teams and driving organisational improvements.
Strong IT, numeracy, and communication skills.
A driving licence and own transport.
Willingness to undergo a DBS check.Interested? Let's Talk!

Appoint-Ed is managing this recruitment exclusively for Ambition Community Trust-all direct and agency applications will be forwarded to us.

Send your CV via this ad or contact Kellie Gordon at Appoint-Ed to discuss the role further

Related Jobs

View all jobs

CFO

CFO

CFOO

CFO (Cyber Security)

Chief Information Security Officer

Financial Controller

Get the latest insights and jobs direct. Sign up for our newsletter.

By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Global vs. Local: Comparing the UK Cybersecurity Job Market to International Landscapes

Understanding opportunities, salaries, and work culture in cybersecurity across the UK, the US, Europe, and Asia Cybersecurity has rapidly ascended from a back-office concern to a strategic priority for every industry. As data breaches, ransomware, and nation-state attacks increase in frequency and sophistication, organisations worldwide are racing to fortify their digital defences. This ongoing surge in cyber threats fuels an unprecedented demand for skilled security professionals—ranging from penetration testers and threat intelligence analysts to cloud security architects and CISOs. In this article, we’ll explore how the UK cybersecurity job market compares to major international hubs in the United States, Europe, and Asia. We’ll discuss job opportunities, salary bands, work culture, and provide guidance for those who might be contemplating remote or overseas positions. By understanding the nuances of each region’s cybersecurity ecosystem, you can make a more informed decision about where and how to advance your career in this high-impact, fast-evolving sector. Whether you’re a seasoned expert with years of experience or a career-changer eager to break into cybersecurity, this overview will help you navigate the global landscape. By the end, you’ll have a clearer perspective on each region’s advantages and challenges—along with practical insights for seizing the best opportunities in a field that has become mission-critical for every modern organisation.

Cybersecurity Leadership for Managers: Strategies to Motivate, Mentor, and Set Realistic Goals in Threat-Driven Environments

In an era of rapidly increasing data breaches, ransomware attacks, and corporate espionage, the importance of robust cybersecurity cannot be overstated. Protecting digital assets has become as essential as safeguarding physical resources, and organisations worldwide rely heavily on specialised teams to defend against sophisticated cyber threats. However, even the most advanced tools and techniques are only as effective as the leadership guiding their use. Cybersecurity leadership requires a dynamic blend of technical know-how, strategic thinking, and people-management skills to maintain readiness against ever-evolving threats. This article is designed for professionals aiming to lead cybersecurity teams or transition into managerial roles where understanding how to motivate, mentor, and set realistic goals is paramount. With insights into building high-performing teams, fostering collaboration, and embracing continuous learning, you’ll be equipped to protect your organisation from a broad spectrum of cyber risks.

10 Must-Read Cyber Security Books for UK Professionals: Boost Your Career and Stay Ahead of Threats

With rapid advancements in digital infrastructure, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT), cyber threats continue to evolve at lightning speed. For organisations across the UK—and globally—robust cyber security is no longer optional: It’s a strategic imperative. From healthcare and finance to government agencies and tech start-ups, every sector needs skilled professionals to safeguard critical data and protect users. If you’re looking to break into or advance within the cyber security industry, staying updated on the latest techniques, threat landscapes, and defence strategies is paramount. One of the best ways to build and sharpen your expertise is by reading authoritative, high-quality books that combine foundational knowledge with cutting-edge insights. In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of ten books that cater to various skill levels, spanning ethical hacking and threat intelligence to secure software development and cryptography. By diving into these resources, you’ll fortify your understanding of cyber security fundamentals, explore hands-on techniques for defending systems, and gain the strategic perspective needed to excel in roles throughout the UK’s thriving cyber security landscape.