Chief Finance Officer

• The John Whitgift Foundation is looking for a new Chief Finance Officer.
• The role will be based in Croydon, South London 3 days a week.

About Our Client

John Whitgift Foundation has operated in Croydon since 1596. From supporting young people through an outstanding independent education to caring for older people, our organisation works with people of all ages and backgrounds.

John Whitgift Foundation is proud to continue our founder's legacy of caring for the local community. educating the young (at Whitgift and Trinity Schools) and caring for the elderly in their later years. Over 2500 young people attend our excellent schools. Our care facilities provide a range of support for approximately one hundred elderly residents.

Our endowment comes from the land and assets set aside by our Founder and enables us to fund bursaries in our schools and operate almshouses in the centre of Croydon. This year alone our bursary provision is well over £5m. In the next five years we will be delivering a significant expansion of Trinity school by some 350 pupils, as well as providing education for boys and girls throughout the school.

Job Description

· Take responsibility for the Foundation's financial management, overseeing budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting. Ensuring timely production of high‑quality annual accounts whilst building a resilient and sustainable finance function.

· Inspire, lead and develop a high‑performing finance team, creating a culture of excellence, accountability and continuous improvement.

· Shape and deliver a forward‑looking financial strategy, acting as a trusted adviser to the CEO, governors and senior leadership, and influencing key organisational decisions.

· Enhance and strengthen financial systems, controls and processes, ensuring they remain robust, efficient and aligned with future organisational needs.

· Play a key role in the Foundation's investment strategy and the oversight of the commercial property portfolio, working with external investment managers to maximise long‑term returns whilst identifying opportunities to enhance value and operational performance.

The Successful Applicant

· Professionally qualified (ACA, ACCA or CIMA or equivalent) with a commitment to ongoing development.

· Seasoned senior leader, operating at executive level or working directly with executive teams.

· Excellent communicator and collaborator with the confidence and credibility to influence diverse stakeholders.

· Versed in investment and debt capital markets, with the ability to navigate complex funding landscapes.

· Strategic thinker with operational depth never losing sight of the detail that makes execution successful.This is a unique opportunity to join one of South London's most historic organisations, where community is at the heart and there are some exciting capital projects a foot. Please do make contact to find out more.

What's on Offer

• Salary £135,000 to £150,000
• DC pension scheme (up to 10% employer contribution)
• Life assurance (3× salary)
• Opportunity to join a private medical insurance plan at a preferential group rate (employee funded)
• Generous school fee discount (50% off school fees for up to 2 children on completion of probation period)
• Free parking

Contact

Elizabeth Campion

Quote job ref

JN-012026-6933022