Director of Finance and Chief Finance Officer

The Director of Finance and Chief Finance Officer is a key leadership support professional working across both Lordswood Boys' School and Central Academies Trust. The postholder will provide professional leadership for finance operations at school level while also contributing to the trust's wider financial stewardship, compliance and long-term sustainability. This is a deliberately balanced role. It is not simply a strategic CFO post removed from operational reality, nor is it solely a transactional finance management role. The successful candidate will take genuine ownership of school-based finance activity while working in close partnership with external finance partners on management accounts, balance sheets, payroll, pensions, VAT returns and wider statutory and regulatory returns. As the trust's named CFO, the postholder will also provide assurance, analysis and advice to senior leaders, governors and trustees. They will help ensure that financial information is accurate, timely and trusted, that internal controls are secure and proportionate, and that leaders are able to make well-informed decisions which support educational excellence, inclusion and responsible growth. Core purpose

• To provide strategic and operational leadership for finance across Lordswood Boys' School and Central Academies Trust.
• To act as the trust's named CFO, ensuring strong financial stewardship, compliance, sustainability and value for money.
• To lead school-level finance operations while working in close partnership with finance partners on management accounts, payroll, pensions, VAT and regulatory returns.
• To support executive leaders, governors and trustees with clear financial information, analysis and advice.
WE OFFER
• A friendly and supportive environment
• Excellent and ongoing opportunities for professional development
• A role with genuine strategic influence at both school and trust level
• Westfield Health and employee wellbeing support
• Access to optical, dental, physiotherapy and 24/7 doctor line benefits
• The chance to contribute to a flourishing and ambitious school community and ambitious Multi Academy Trust
WHY JOIN US? Lordswood Boys' School is a highly successful and ambitious 11-16 school community with a secure sense of identity and purpose. The school has grown significantly over the last three years and continues to build on a strong, sustained trajectory of improvement. Central Academies Trust is equally ambitious. Rooted in Every Student Matters, Quality Learning and Effective Partnerships, the trust is developing the capacity needed to support sustainable growth, disciplined systems and long-term impact. This role offers the chance to do meaningful work in an organisation that understands the connection between strong operational practice and strong moral purpose. The successful candidate will be trusted, supported and listened to. They will work closely with leaders who care deeply about getting things right for children, families and colleagues. If you are excited by the opportunity to help shape successful school finance practice, provide assured trust leadership and play a visible role in the next chapter of our journey, we would be delighted to hear from you. Lee Williams Executive Officer Email: l.williams@centralacademiestrust.co.uk Application route: Application form Closing date: 11 May 2026 Interview date: Week commencing 1 June 2026 Lordswood Boys' School and Central Academies Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and warmly welcome applications from candidates who share our commitment to inclusion, integrity and service.


• A friendly and supportive environment
• Excellent and ongoing opportunities for professional development
• A role with genuine strategic influence at both school and trust level
• Westfield Health and employee wellbeing support
• Access to optical, dental, physiotherapy and 24/7 doctor line benefits
• The chance to contribute to a flourishing and ambitious school community and ambitious Multi Academy Trust
WHY JOIN US? Lordswood Boys' School is a highly successful and ambitious 11-16 school community with a secure sense of identity and purpose. The school has grown significantly over the last three years and continues to build on a strong, sustained trajectory of improvement. Central Academies Trust is equally ambitious. Rooted in Every Student Matters, Quality Learning and Effective Partnerships, the trust is developing the capacity needed to support sustainable growth, disciplined systems and long-term impact. This role offers the chance to do meaningful work in an organisation that understands the connection between strong operational practice and strong moral purpose. The successful candidate will be trusted, supported and listened to. They will work closely with leaders who care deeply about getting things right for children, families and colleagues. If you are excited by the opportunity to help shape successful school finance practice, provide assured trust leadership and play a visible role in the next chapter of our journey, we would be delighted to hear from you.