Job Title: Chief Financial Officer
Location: National role with regular travel to the Birmingham and Kettering office
E‑ACT is at a pivotal and exciting moment in its journey. As one of England’s most ambitious and forward‑looking multi‑academy trusts, we now serve over 26,000 pupils across 37 academies, and we are entering a new phase of growth, innovation and national influence. Our work is guided by our Thrive Strategy, built on the conviction that every child in an E‑ACT academy should have the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their starting point or background.
Following a period of significant organisational transformation and strengthened financial performance, our outgoing CFO, will be transitioning into the role of Deputy CEO. They leave behind a well‑run, well‑resourced and sector‑leading financial operation, giving our new CFO an exceptional platform from which to drive even greater impact.
We are now seeking an outstanding Chief Financial Officer who will be a true strategic partner to the CEO and Board. This is not a traditional back‑office finance post. The CFO will play a central role in shaping E‑ACT’s long‑term financial strategy, supporting our responsible growth ambitions, enabling digital and AI‑led innovation, and ensuring that every financial decision ultimately improves the life chances of the children and communities we serve.
This is a unique opportunity to join a high‑performing, values‑led trust with real momentum, one that thinks big, does the right thing, shows team spirit and is deeply committed to social mobility and educational excellence.
Key responsibilities:
- Provide strategic financial leadership
- Ensure robust financial governance
- Lead financial planning and performance
- Drive value for money and commercial effectiveness
- Champion digital transformation
- Lead and develop the finance and procurement functions
Pay range: Competitive Salary
Qualifications and Skills:
- Professional accountancy qualification
- Deep financial expertise
- Strong commercial and analytical skills
- Digital and systems fluency
- Leadership and relationship-building
- Purpose-driven mindset
What are we about?
Join a trust that is going places!
At E-ACT, we believe every child deserves opportunity. Our ‘Opening Minds, Opening Doors’ strategy breaks down barriers and builds pathways to success; driven by purposeful leadership, collaboration, and innovation. We champion diversity, encourage a people-first culture, and ensure every voice is heard.
We are proud to lead system-wide change both locally and national - providing sector-wide support while transforming futures. Our achievements are recognised through winning MAT of the Year 2023 at the MAT Excellence Awards and National School Awards, and also the TES Trust Leadership Award 2024. E-ACT is recognised for shaping bold educational outcomes. Most recently, two of our Birmingham academies were selected by the Department for Education as RISE Regional Hubs, in recognition of their outstanding work on inclusion and behaviour, a testament to the impact of our people-first culture and relentless drive for excellence.
With 38 academies and over 25,000 pupils, our dedicated staff make excellence possible. We prioritise wellbeing, tackle workload, and continuously raise the bar. We don’t just educate, we inspire ambition and empower every child to thrive.
Want to be a part of something extraordinary? Find out more at www.e-act.org.uk
Benefits:
Financial and Lifestyle
We offer a strong financial package including access to defined benefit pension schemes (LGPS or TPS), life cover at three times pensionable pay, and 31 days of annual leave for year-round employees. Staff can also benefit from the Cycle to Work scheme, promoting healthy and sustainable commuting.
Professional Growth and Development
We invest heavily in staff development through tailored INSET days and high-quality CPD opportunities for both teaching and support staff. Teaching staff benefit from automatic TLR progression, a structured 9-point pay scale (M1 to UPS3), and full TLR payments for part-time colleagues fulfilling full responsibilities.
Culture and Wellbeing
Our people-first culture values every colleague. We support wellbeing through the Wisdom app and a free Employee Assistance Programme offering counselling and financial advice. Collaboration is at the heart of our Trust, encouraging shared learning and collective success.
Please look at our 'Work for Us' page and Recruitment Pack for more information.
How to apply:
Please read the supporting documentation carefully before completing your application.
E-ACT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults, and all appointments are subject to enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks and satisfactory references.
E-ACT is also committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination and developing community cohesion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
