Interim CFO (Academy Trust)

RM Recruit is delighted to be working in partnership with a prominent Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) to recruit an experienced Interim Chief Financial Officer for a period of circa 6 months. Due to a temporary gap in leadership, the Trust requires an accomplished financial leader to steer the central finance function through a critical operational window up until December 2026. This role is based near Rotherham, though the Trust offers a degree of flexibility and is highly accommodating of remote working for the right candidate. Reporting directly to the CEO and supported by a capable Finance team, you will lead an established central team. Main duties include: Immediately lead and deliver the upcoming Budget Forecast Return (BFR) and prepare the Trust for the critical August Year-End Audit. Balance Sheet Oversight: Conduct necessary remediation on the balance sheet, focusing heavily on capitalisation, fixed assets, and balancing accounts that require unpicking due to the recent leadership transition. Systems Implementation & Testing : Oversee the transition and integration of the Trust’s financial systems. The Trust currently uses Access Finance and IMP Planner, and is actively testing and migrating to IMP Purchasing as of 1st September. Centralisation & Reporting : Review, refine, and modernise the monthly Management Accounts (MA) process to better reflect recent rapid structural changes across the MAT. As the ideal candidate, you will be an accomplished CFO or Senior Finance Director with proven experience within the Academy / Education sector. You will have a robust understanding of MAT accounting principles, statutory financial returns, and complex balance sheet management. Furthermore, you will possess strong systems literacy, ideally with exposure to IMP Finance / Planner / Purchasing and Access Finance software. You will be qualified (ACA/CIMA/ACMA/CIPFA) however candidates who are qualified by experience / part qualified will be considered should they evidence strong experience in the sector. An immediate availability to interview and start, with the ability to hit the ground running within a few weeks. If you are looking for a new challenge in a forward thinking Academy Trust, we encourage you to apply. RM Recruit is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and will treat all applicants equally irrespective of sex, sexual orientation, marital/civil partnership status, age, disability, race, religion, pregnancy, ethnic or national origin.