Chief Financial and Operations Officer (Ditchling (St Margaret's) Church of England Primary School)
Job Description
Hours of work: 37
Working pattern: Full-time
Closing date: Tuesday 30 June 2026
For more information and to apply for the above post, please contact:
Ditchling (St Margaret's) Church of England Primary School
Lewes Road
Ditchling
Hassocks
East Sussex
BN6 8TU
Phone: 01273836562
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.hurst.education/
Please note, we do not accept CVs.
This post is covered by the Childcare Disqualification Regulations 2018.
The school will need to ensure that they are not knowingly employing a person who is disqualified under the 2018 Regulations in connection with relevant childcare provision. Accordingly, the successful candidate will be required to demonstrate to the school, by completing a self-declaration form as part of the pre-employment checks process, that they have not been disqualified under the 2018 Regulations.
If the preferred candidate is found to be disqualified under the 2018 Regulations, the offer of employment will be subject to the application by the preferred candidate to Ofsted for a waiver and the receipt of a waiver from Ofsted.
Job overview
About the Trust
Hurst Education Trust (HET) is a growing Multi-Academy Trust, comprising 14 primary schools across West Sussex. It was set up by Hurstpierpoint College in collaboration with the Diocese of Chichester.
Our mission is to provide exceptional education that enables every child to thrive. We work collaboratively across our schools, sharing expertise and resources to deliver outstanding outcomes for pupils and communities.
Schools who are part of the Hurst Education Trust receive a high quality education support package focused on the “Good to Outstanding” journey and access to Hurst College’s facilities, including sports and academic provision together with specialist facilities including the theatre, farm and chapel. Importantly, schools retain their individuality, including their name, uniform and curriculum.
As we continue to grow, we are looking for an exceptional finance leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as Chief Financial and Operations Officer.
This is an exciting senior leadership opportunity within a growing Multi-Academy Trust, at a time when strong financial leadership will be central to our continued success.
The Role
Reporting directly to the CEO, you will hold strategic and operational responsibility for all financial matters across the Trust.
You will lead multi-year financial planning, oversee statutory reporting and compliance and manage the external audit relationship. You will also work closely with headteachers and school business managers across the Trust, making financial leadership visible and accessible at every level.
Key areas of responsibility include:
• Strategic financial leadership and planning
• Statutory accounts and financial reporting
• Governance, compliance and regulatory assurance
• Budget-setting and resource allocation across 14 schools
• Finance team leadership and development
• Payroll, pensions (LGPS and TPS) and procurement
Who we are looking for
You will bring senior financial leadership experience from a complex, multi-site organisation ideally in the public sector, a charity, or an educational setting. You will have a strong track record in statutory compliance, budgeting, audit and board-level reporting.
A professional accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) is desirable, as is familiarity with the Academy Trust Handbook, ESFA requirements and the school funding system.
Just as important are your personal qualities: you are collaborative, solutions-focused, approachable, and able to challenge constructively at all levels.
Role details
Salary: £75,000 – £85,000 (Flexibility on this bracket will be considered for exceptional candidates.)
Pension: Local Government Pension Scheme
Location: Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex (A hybrid working arrangement, combining home and office based working, may be considered for this role.)
Contract: Full-time, permanent - part-time and/or term-time considered (minimum 3 days per week)
How to apply
Prospective candidates are invited to make contact to discuss the role informally before applying. To apply, please submit a covering letter addressing the essential criteria and a completed application form to:
Closing date: Tuesday 30 June 2026
Interviews: Week commencing Monday 6 July 2026