Chief Finance Officer at Coastal Learning Partnership

Chief Finance Officer

Salary:               SCP 59–66 £75,641-£85,994 per annum, pro rata
Contract:          We welcome applications from those wanting to work between 0.6 FTE to full time
Reporting to:    Chief Executive Officer
Location:          Based at the Trust Central Offices with travel across CLP school sites and optional working at home

Coastal Learning Partnership is seeking an exceptional and strategically minded Chief Finance Officer (CFO) to join our Central Senior Leadership Team.

This is an exciting opportunity for a qualified finance professional to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our Trust. Working closely with the CEO, Board of Trustees and senior leaders, you will provide strategic financial leadership, ensuring the Trust remains ambitious, creative and able to deploy resources to deliver the best possible educational opportunity for our pupils.

As CFO, you will provide strategic leadership of all aspects of finance including financial planning, audit, income generation and procurement oversight. Through this key role in the Trust’s central leadership team, you will contribute to all aspects of our strategic development and growth.

About the role

The successful candidate will:

• Provide strategic leadership for finance across the Trust.
• Lead the annual budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes.
• Deliver high-quality management accounts and statutory financial reporting.
• Ensure compliance with relevant financial regulations, including the Academy Trust Handbook.
• Drive value for money through effective procurement.
• Advise the CEO and Trustees on financial strategy, growth opportunities and risk management.
• Support organisational growth, change programmes and income-generation initiatives.

About you

We are looking for an inspirational leader with:

• A full professional accountancy qualification and membership of a recognised professional body.
• Extensive post-qualification experience in a senior finance role.
• A strong track record of producing management and statutory accounts.
• Experience of successfully leading and developing finance teams.
• Excellent strategic planning, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills, with the credibility to advise and challenge at Board and executive level.
• A commitment to continuous improvement, innovation and organisational excellence.

Experience within the education sector, academy trusts or charities would be advantageous but is not essential.

Informal enquiries are warmly encouraged until 4pm on 22^nd July and from 1^st to 11^th September, for more information or to discuss the role please contact Paul Howieson, CEO via his PA, Helen Moors at [email protected] or call 01202 806155.

Closing date for applications: Midnight, Sunday 13^th September 2026 

 Why join Coastal Learning Partnership?

This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of a thriving and ambitious Trust committed to delivering the very best outcomes for children and young people. You will work alongside a dedicated executive team and trustees who value innovation, collaboration and excellence.

Recognising the value that experiences professionals can bring through flexible working arrangements, we welcome applicants on a part-time or full-time basis (from 3-5 days per week). The appointee will enjoy flexibility of working pattern, with a high level of diary control, as well as the opportunity to work from home.

Join us and help continue the long-term financial resilience and success of Coastal Learning Partnership.