Hutcheon Mearns are partnering with an ambitious organisation in the education sector. who is seeking to appoint an experienced Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join its Senior Leadership Team. This pivotal role will provide the strategic financial leadership that underpins long-term sustainability, enables innovation, and supports the delivery of outstanding outcomes for learners and the wider community.
Working closely with the Principal and Board, the CFO will play a critical role in shaping financial strategy, ensuring robust governance, and leading the teams that deliver essential financial and business services.
Key responsibilities include:
- Setting clear financial strategy and direction to enable effective planning, control, and decision-making at Board and executive level
- Delivering accurate, timely management accounts, reports, and forecasts to inform financial planning across the organisation
- Maintaining robust financial systems and ensuring compliance with accounting, legal, and tax requirements, supported by strong internal controls
- Leading the planning and management of major revenue and capital investment projects, ensuring risks and opportunities are fully understood
- Driving efficiencies across professional services and seeking opportunities for commercialisation and income generation
- Providing leadership to teams across finance, payroll, procurement, risk management, and business continuity
- Acting as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to organisational strategy and supporting the wider management team
About you:
We are looking for a dynamic and people-focused leader who brings:
- Significant senior-level financial management experience within the education, public, or third sectors
- A relevant professional accounting qualification and current membership of a recognised accounting body
- Significant experience managing complex financial accounts and statutory returns for government/funding bodies
- Expertise in developing budgets, financial strategies, and business plans, with strong awareness of external influences at local, regional, and national levels
- A proven track record in transformation projects, cultural change, and driving efficiencies with tangible results
- Strong experience in building high-performing teams, fostering a culture of empowerment, innovation, and continuous improvement
- Deep experience of compliance, internal controls, and working with auditors and regulators
- Highly developed financial management, reporting, and long-term resource allocation skills
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all levels
- Commercial awareness, with the ability to horizon scan and identify opportunities for growth and sustainability
- The resilience and adaptability to deliver at pace in a challenging financial landscape
This is an exciting opportunity for a collaborative, strategic thinker with energy, vision, and a “can do” attitude to play a central role in shaping the future of the organisation.