Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Triumph Learning Trust

Salary: Competitive salary to attract the right candidate (Leadership Scale 9-15 £63,070-£73,105 FTE, by agreement)
Contract: Permanent, Full Time (37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year)
Start Date: 1st October 2026 (or by arrangement)

Location: Trust-wide. You will be based across Triumph Learning Trust schools and other Trust locations as required/Hybrid. The Trust may establish a central office in the future, at which point your principal place of work may change following appropriate consultation.

Triumph Learning Trust is seeking an exceptional Chief Financial Officer to join our Executive Leadership Team at an exciting stage in our development.

Formed through the merger of two successful trusts and now comprising five schools across Rugby and Coventry, we are committed to collaboration, innovation and aspiration, ensuring every child flourishes and succeeds. As we continue to grow, we are looking for an inspirational finance leader to help shape the next chapter of our journey.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and working closely with the Board of Trustees, you will provide strategic financial leadership across the Trust, ensuring financial sustainability, robust governance and value for money. You will lead the Trust's finance function, support Headteachers with strategic financial planning and play a key role in future growth, school improvement and academy transfers.

This is an exciting opportunity for a qualified finance professional who combines strategic vision with operational excellence. Whether you have experience within the education sector or another complex organisation, you will bring exceptional leadership, commercial awareness and the ability to influence and build strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.

The successful candidate will:

• Hold a recognised professional accountancy qualification (CCAB, CIMA, CIPFA, ACCA or ACA).
• Have substantial experience of leading and developing finance teams.
• Demonstrate expertise in strategic financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and statutory financial reporting.
• Be an outstanding communicator, capable of presenting complex financial information to senior leaders, Trustees and governors.
• Be committed to supporting educational excellence through effective financial leadership.

Knowledge of academy trust financial regulations, the Academy Trust Handbook and ESFA requirements would be advantageous but is not essential.

At Triumph Learning Trust, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a collaborative and supportive working environment where professional development is encouraged and innovation is valued.

Our benefits include:

• Generous Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Enhanced family-friendly policies.
• Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support.
• Cycle to Work and salary sacrifice schemes.
• Continuous professional development and leadership opportunities.
• Flexible and supportive working arrangements where appropriate.

If you are an ambitious and values-driven finance leader looking to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and young people, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Further Information

If you would like to find out more about the role or have any questions regarding the application process, please contact the Interim CEO - Nick Summers at nsummers@triumphlearning.org who will be happy to assist with any enquiries.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Applicant Information Pack before applying.

To gain a deeper understanding of our Trust, our culture and the impact of our work, please visit the Triumph Learning Trust website, where you can find information about our schools, governance, strategic plans, accounts and the opportunities available across the Trust.

Closing Date: 4th September 2026

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Triumph Learning Trust is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with dignity, fairness and respect, and where individual differences are valued. Recruitment decisions are made solely on merit, and we strive to ensure equal opportunities for all throughout the recruitment and employment process.

Safeguarding Statement

Triumph Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check, references and an online search in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.