CFO
Position title
Interim Head of Finance – Multi-Academy Trust (Maternity Cover)
Description

Location: North East London (primarily on site across the Trust's schools)
Contract: Fixed-term, maternity cover, from late November 2026 to April 2027
Salary: £54,000–£58,000 FTE, depending on experience, with some flexibility for an exceptional candidate

Role

A growing primary multi-academy trust in North East London is looking for an experienced Interim Head of Finance to lead its finance function while the permanent post holder is on maternity leave.

This is a senior leadership appointment. It is not routine temporary cover. The Trust needs a confident, hands-on finance leader with substantial academy trust experience, who can work independently and get up to speed quickly. From day one you will take full responsibility for the finance function, ensure continuity of financial management and compliance, and work closely with the senior leadership team and trustees.

The Trust has clear plans to grow. A key part of this role is supporting the financial onboarding of new schools joining the Trust. Experience of academy conversions and of working within a growing MAT will be highly valued.

Responsibilities
  • Lead the Trust's finance function day to day, including budgeting, forecasting, management accounts, cash flow and financial controls.
  • Ensure full compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook, the funding agreement and DfE financial reporting requirements.
  • Prepare and present clear, timely financial reports to the senior leadership team, trustees, the finance committee and the audit and risk committee.
  • Manage DfE returns and statutory submissions due during the cover period, including the budget forecast return and any other returns that fall due.
  • Support the financial onboarding of schools joining the Trust. This covers due diligence, conversion finance, setting up budgets, systems and bank accounts, and integrating new schools into the Trust's financial processes.
  • Oversee payroll, purchasing, procurement and income processes, ensuring robust internal controls and value for money.
  • Liaise with external and internal auditors and support audit work during the period.
  • Monitor GAG pooling, reserves, central services and top-slice arrangements, and give practical financial advice to headteachers and school business staff.
  • Manage and support any finance colleagues, keeping the function running smoothly and handing it back in good order when the permanent post holder returns.
Qualifications
  • CCAB-qualified (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA), or a strong part-qualified or qualified-by-experience professional with a track record at a similar level. A school business management qualification (e.g. CSBM or DSBM) together with significant senior finance experience would also be considered.
  • Significant experience in academy trust or education finance at Head of Finance, Finance Director or CFO level, or equivalent.
  • Detailed working knowledge of the Academy Trust Handbook, the academies accounts direction and the DfE funding and reporting framework.
  • Experience of academy conversions or the financial onboarding of new schools into a MAT is highly desirable.
  • Confident producing board-level reporting and presenting to trustees and committees.
  • Able to work independently, get up to speed quickly and earn credibility with senior leaders and school staff.
  • Available to start from late November 2026 for the full cover period to April 2027.
  • An enhanced DBS check will be required.
Job Benefits
  • A senior leadership role in a high-performing, ambitious trust with clear growth plans.
  • The chance to shape the financial integration of new schools during a period of expansion.
  • A competitive salary of £54,000–£58,000 FTE, with some flexibility for exceptional candidates.
  • An extensive staff wellbeing package, including physiotherapy, health screening, an online GP service, counselling and stress management support.
  • A supportive, values-led culture with strong leadership and a focus on professional development.
  • A defined fixed-term contract that suits experienced interim finance professionals, recently retired school business leaders or those between permanent roles.
Contacts

FD Capital are a leading recruiter of Senior Finance Professionals for Academy Trusts.

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Employment Type
Temporary
Beginning of employment
1st November 2026
Duration of employment
Fixed Perm to Apr 27
Industry
Education
Job Location
London, South East, United Kingdom
Working Hours
9-5
Base Salary
£54,000-£58,000 Per year
Date posted
October 1, 2026
Valid through
October 31, 2026
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Position: Interim Head of Finance – Multi-Academy Trust (Maternity Cover)

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