Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

🔒 Confidential Employer
Posted 8 May 2026
LOCATION
Stockton-on-Tees
TYPE
Full-time
LEVEL
Director
SALARY
£80,000 / year
CATEGORY
Finance & Accounting
This employer holds a UK Home Office sponsor license — sponsorship for this specific role is at the employer’s discretion

SKILLS

Qualified Accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) Strategic Financial Leadership Financial Governance Compliance Board Advisory Commercial Acumen Team Leadership Public Sector Finance

FULL DESCRIPTION

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) - Abbey Hill Academy

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is seeking an exceptional and strategic CFO to join the Executive Leadership Team. Based at Abbey Hill Academy, Stockton-on-Tees. Permanent, Full-time. Salary circa £80,000.

About the Trust

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] consists of eight academies and one sixth form across Tees Valley, Durham and North Yorkshire, serving approximately 1,000 students with a broad range of special educational needs. Following the retirement of the current postholder, the Trust is seeking to appoint a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join the Executive Leadership Team. The CFO will play a pivotal role in shaping financial sustainability and supporting the Trust’s long-term strategic direction. Reporting to the Chief Executive and working closely with the Board of Trustees, the CFO will lead all aspects of financial strategy, planning and operations.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead all aspects of financial strategy, planning and operations
  • Ensure robust financial governance and value for money
  • Enable high-quality decision-making that supports improved outcomes for pupils
  • Lead the central finance function and contribute to wider Trust strategy
  • Work collaboratively with senior leaders across education and operations

Requirements

  • Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with significant senior leadership experience
  • Strong track record of strategic financial leadership within a complex organisation (education or public sector experience desirable)
  • Experience advising Boards and senior stakeholders
  • Ensure strong financial governance and compliance
  • Inspirational, collaborative leader with ability to develop high-performing teams
  • Strong commercial acumen with focus on efficiency and sustainability

What We Offer

  • Ambitious and forward-thinking CEO and Board of Trustees
  • Highly collaborative Executive Leadership Team
  • Committed Central Team across Finance, HR, Estates, IT and Operations
  • Well-established systems and infrastructure
  • Extensive professional learning opportunities
  • Support for physical and mental well-being
  • Family-friendly working policies
  • Generous Local Government or Teachers’ Pension scheme
  • Investors in People Gold and Silver award for wellbeing

How to Apply

Please download the non-teaching application form from the [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] website: www.horizonstrust.org.uk. Completed forms should be emailed to [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]. For questions or to arrange a visit, email [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] or call [contact hidden]. Closing date: 12 noon, 20th May 2026. Shortlisting: 21st May 2026. Interviews: 4th and 5th June 2026. [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is committed to safer recruitment. Any offer subject to enhanced DBS check, references, and 6-month probation.

Sign up free — access 45,000+ UK sponsor-licensed jobs