Job Description
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Salary: HEARTS Leadership scale. Salary is negotiable depending on skills and experience
Closing Date: Midday, Mon 11th May, 2026
Start Date: September 2026
Interview Date: Monday, 18th May 2026
HEARTS Academy Trustare seeking to appoint aChief Financial Officer (CFO),a pivotal position ensuring the smooth and strategic leadership of our Finance Department.
The CFO is a vital strategic appointment, playing a key role in supporting HEARTS Academy Trust to sustain and expand the excellent opportunities and learning experiences we provide for our pupils. As with all roles across the Trust, this position is firmly rooted in our commitment to pupils' well-being, safety, and education.
We are seeking anintelligent, resilient, and highly skilled leaderwith the ability to communicate effectively, honestly, and responsibly with all stakeholders. The successful candidate will:
- Uphold and embody our HEARTS values in every aspect of their work
- Remain calm and resilient under pressure
- Demonstrate a commitment to the highest standards of financial leadership
- Contribute to aspirational school improvement and the delivery of positive life chances for our pupils
This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact at the strategic level while working within a values-driven organisation dedicated to excellence in education.
Please view the recruitment pack, including job description and person specification for full details.
Please note interviews will be held on Monday, 18th May 2026
HEARTS Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to the receipt of a satisfactory application form,satisfactory references that meet the requirements as set out in KCSIE, satisfactory online search and an Enhanced DBS check, to include a children's barred list check, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed for all applicants.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (2013 and 2020). This means that certain convictions and cautions are considered 'protected' and do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Guidance about whether a conviction or caution should be disclosed can be found on the Ministry of Justice website:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-guidance-on-the-rehabilitation-of-offenders-act-1974
To view the Trust policies relating to recruitment, data protection and child protectionplease visit the Trust website:https://heartsacademytrust.co.uk/
If you would like any support or assistance at any stage of your application process, please contactrecruitment@heartsacademy.uk/ 01268 572672. We will be happy to discuss this with you.
Information about the School
HEARTS is a small innovative Academy Trust of six primary schools and an alternative provision for pupils with SEMH challenges. All provisions are based in the south of Essex. Our values are central to all that we do. We work tirelessly to ensure that happiness, equity, achievement, resilience, truth and spirituality are embedded into the curriculum. Our pupils are well-rounded individuals who are ready to face the challenges offered to them. These values are at the heart of all we do and fundamental to our working relationships as well as our pupils' learning. We have high expectations of our employees and offer support and continued development opportunities for all. We expect our employees to live the HEARTS values in their work and relationships with other employees and the community.
The Trustees are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, online searches, medical check, prohibited from teaching check and references. References are taken up prior to interview. A copy of the Trusts Child Protection Policy is available on our website:- https://www.heartsacademytrust.co.uk/trust-information/policies
We can offer you:
an excellent CPD entitlement with purposeful training, including Trust-wide twilights throughout the year
a two-week October half-term
supportive colleagues who want to provide the best possible opportunities for their pupils
a highly effective learning environment
a responsive and involved leadership team
the HEARTS four-day face-to-face teaching week model whereby all teachers in the trust receive 20% non-contact time. This goes above and beyond the national entitlement of 10% PPA.
a school with a highly positive culture that supports all staff; mental health, workload and wellbeing are at the forefront of our vision and values
access to our school counsellor and network of Mental Health and Wellbeing champions
For further information about HEARTS, including policies and procedures, please refer to our website: www.heartsacademytrust.co.uk