Job Description

Make every pound count for pupils.
We're looking for a part-time Chief Finance Officer to join our Executive Leadership Team and act as the Board's professional lead for finance. You'll shape strategy, strengthen assurance, and unlock resources for classrooms across a growing trust.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Director of Finance, Director of Operations and Headteachers. The CFO will demonstrate a commitment to keeping all children and young people safe.
Job Details
Salary: 33,566 pro-rata to hours worked plus 5 days during school holidays
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: 20 Hours per week term time only
Location: Worthing
Interviews: To be advised
What You Need to Succeed
Why this role

• Executive seat, real influence -- a strategic voice with Trustees, CEO and school leaders.
• Hybrid by design -- predictable anchor days on site each month for collaboration and governance; home-working the rest.
• Impact you can see -- modernise systems, improve reporting, and direct savings to teaching and learning.
• Support to succeed -- you'll lead a capable team (Director of Finance, SBMs and Finance Assistants) with clear remit and backing.

What you'll do

• Set and deliver the Trust's financial strategy, aligning budgets and multi-year plans to priorities and growth.
• Own financial control, forecasting, and cash/treasury, ensuring robust compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook.
• Provide clear, decision-ready management information for ELT, Finance/Resources and Audit & Risk Committees.
• Lead and develop the central finance team; champion value for money, procurement and continuous improvement.
• Partner with leaders on capital, projects and due diligence for new schools.

What you'll bring

• Qualified accountant (CCAB/CIPFA/ACA/ACCA) with senior leadership experience in a complex, multi-site or public/charity setting (MAT experience welcome).
• Track record across budgeting, forecasting, management accounts, audit & risk and ESFA/DfE compliance.
• Confident adviser to Boards and executives; inclusive leader who builds strong teams and relationships.
• Values-led, calm, and unwavering on safeguarding and high standards

Further Information
Durrington High School Multi Academy Trust and West Sussex County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to an appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service check along with other relevant employment checks, including satisfactory references.
How to Apply
To apply for this role please download the job description and application form below. Complete the application form and ensure that you outline your motivations for applying and explaining the skills and experience you can bring to the role (please refer to the key skills in the job description). Once complete please complete the online application form
Should you have any questions regarding the role, or the application please feel free to email us or contact us on recruitment@dmat.education.
NOTE TO CANDIDATES - Please do not select the 'Apply online' button as the School processes your applications directly rather than through this site.?
The reference number for this role is SCHO01269.
Available documents

Skills Required