Chief Finance Officer

Orion Education is seeking an exceptional Chief Finance Officer to help shape the next stage of the Trust’s development. This is a pivotal executive leadership role at a critical moment for a forward-looking, values-led organisation with eight schools across Bromley and Kent.

Orion is driven by a clear mission: to improve outcomes, transform lives and enable social mobility. Its work is underpinned by the values of trust, kindness and endeavour, and by a belief that strong culture, academic rigour and excellent leadership can make a lasting difference for young people and their communities.

Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Trustees and wider Executive Leadership Team, the CFO will provide clear, disciplined and strategic financial leadership across the Trust. You will ensure that Orion has the financial strategy, systems, governance and decision-making capability required to support sustainable growth, operational resilience and improved outcomes for pupils, particularly those who are most disadvantaged.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading the Trust’s long-term financial strategy, planning, budgeting and forecasting.
• Providing high-quality financial insight to the CEO, Board and Executive Leadership Team.
• Ensuring robust financial governance, compliance, risk management and assurance.
• Overseeing statutory reporting, audit, cashflow, financial controls and regulatory requirements.
• Implementing curriculum-led financial planning across the Trust.
• Supporting school and Trust leaders to make evidence-informed decisions about staffing, resources and investment.
• Driving value for money through procurement, contract management, systems improvement and standardisation.
• Building financial frameworks that support sustainable growth and potential future school integration.
• Developing finance colleagues and contributing to a strong, collaborative and accountable culture.

This is a role for a finance leader who can operate with both strategic ambition and practical grip. You will be able to translate complex financial information into clear advice, build confidence among non-finance leaders, and ensure that resources are aligned to educational priorities.

We are looking for someone who can bring:

• Professional accountancy qualification and significant senior finance leadership experience.
• A strong track record in financial strategy, planning, control and governance.
• Experience of operating at executive or board level in a complex organisation.
• The ability to manage significant budgets, risk and resources with confidence.
• Strong judgement, integrity and accountability.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence a wide range of stakeholders.
• A values-led approach, with the ability to build trust and develop others.
• Commitment to Orion’s mission, values and ambition for young people.

Just as importantly, you will be a leader with cultural tenacity, accountability with purpose, imaginative intelligence and the capacity to connect with colleagues, pupils, communities and partners.

In return, Orion offers:

• A senior executive role with real strategic influence.
• The opportunity to join an ambitious Trust at an exciting stage of development.
• Competitive salary of up to £125,000 per annum.
• Pension provision and a strong commitment to professional development.
• A culture that places wellbeing, inclusion and belonging at its heart.
• The chance to make a lasting contribution to pupils, schools and communities.

Orion Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The Trust is fully committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.

For a confidential conversation, please contact Phil Southern at Ivy Rock Partners.