Overview

Helix Academies Trust is seeking the Chief Financial Officer of Helix Academies Trust and the School Business Manager for Marple Hall School. Location: Marple Hall School. Hours: 37 Hours per week/Full Year. Contract Type: Permanent. Salary: £64,000-£74,000, plus an additional payment of £8000 whilst undertaking the additional Business Manager responsibilities.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.

Responsibilities

As Chief Financial Officer, you will be responsible for managing the financial affairs of the Trust, ensuring that resources are used effectively and efficiently to support our schools and promote the success of all pupils. You will work closely with the Chief Executive contributing to the shared vision and values and helping to shape the future of the Trust. You will lead, develop and maintain sound operations of financial and business practice across the Trust; and in doing so ensure that all requirements of the Academies Handbook are effectively fulfilled. You will be an effective communicator with the ability to build relationships with stakeholders at all levels, both within and outside the Trust. You will have proven knowledge of budget management and accounting systems, exceptional organisational, communication and IT skills, the ability to work as part of a team and be diplomatic, self-reliant, self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision.

You will also be the School Business Manager for Marple Hall School in the short term, with plans for the two roles to become separate as the Trust grows. The role requires the ability to drive financial strategy within an educational setting and to support the Trust’s community-focused vision.

Qualifications and Skills

• Proven track record of financial management in the Education sector.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and mitigate risks and develop robust financial plans.
• Strong ability to lead, develop and maintain sound financial and business practices across the Trust.
• Excellent communication skills to engage with stakeholders at all levels.
• Budget management and accounting systems knowledge.
• Strong organisational, IT and teamwork skills; diplomatic, self-reliant and self-motivated with the ability to work with minimal supervision.

What We Offer

A collaborative, supportive environment with opportunities for professional development and career progression. We welcome applicants who are passionate about education and want to contribute to the success of the Trust.

Application Process

To apply, submit your application form outlining your relevant skills and experience. If you require more information, contact Gaynor Carpenter at gaynor.carpenter@marplehall.stockport.sch.uk. The Trust reserves the right to interview prior to the closing date. Closing date: Midday 29th January 2026. Start date: 29th June 2026.

Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and safety of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to complete a Disclosure and Barring check. This post is covered by Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) and fluency in spoken English is an essential requirement.

Marple Hall School is part of the Helix Academies Trust, and the successful candidate will be employed by the Helix Academies Trust. The job description and recruitment information can be found on the Trust’s recruitment page.