Robertson Bell Ltd

Robertson Bell are partnering with a large and nationally recognised charitable organisation to recruit an experienced Finance Transformation Director to lead a major finance modernisation programme. Following a comprehensive review of the finance function, the organisation is embarking on a significant 2-year transformation programme designed to move finance from a highly transactional environment to a more strategic, insight-led, and mission-focused function. Operating within a highly complex organisation with revenues exceeding several hundred million pounds, this is a high-profile leadership opportunity to shape and deliver a complex programme spanning process improvement, systems simplification, reporting enhancement, automation, and cultural change. The Opportunity Reporting into the Executive leadership team, you will lead a large-scale transformation programme across several interconnected workstreams, helping to modernise finance operations and improve organisational effectiveness. Key areas of focus will include: Leading a multi-stream finance transformation programme across process, systems, reporting, and operating model improvements Driving the shift from manual, transactional finance activities towards strategic analysis and insight Simplifying complex finance structures, processes, and reporting frameworks Improving automation and reporting capabilities to support better decision-making Managing a blended delivery team of internal staff, consultants, and interim resource Building strong stakeholder engagement and driving organisational buy-in across the transformation journey Supporting wider cultural change to align finance more closely with organisational mission and outcomes The Successful Candidate The successful candidate will bring a strong blend of senior finance leadership experience alongside demonstrable transformation and programme delivery expertise. You will ideally have: A proven track record leading large-scale finance transformation programmes within the charity or wider not-for-profit sector Experience operating at CFO, Finance Director, or equivalent senior leadership level within organisations of comparable scale and complexity Experience working within large, multi-entity or operationally complex environments Strong programme management and organisational change capability Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to build trust and credibility quickly A collaborative and emotionally intelligent leadership style The ability to operate effectively within complex and evolving environments This role offers the opportunity to lead a highly visible 2-year transformation programme with genuine long-term organisational impact. The role operates on a hybrid basis, with approximately two days per week in the office, although flexibility can be considered for the right individual. Candidates seeking day-rate opportunities are also encouraged to apply, as alternative engagement options can be discussed.

Caroline Chisholm School is partnering with Robertson Bell on a retained basis to appoint a Chief Finance Officer on a permanent basis. This is a pivotal leadership role within a high-performing and ambitious organisation, offering the opportunity to shape financial strategy, lead transformation, and support the school s evolution Caroline Chisholm School is a high-achieving, values-led all-through school with a strong reputation for academic excellence, staff engagement, and community impact. Already operating at a scale and complexity comparable to a multi-academy trust, the organisation is entering an exciting new phase of growth, with plans to expand into primary provision and formally develop as a MAT. This is a unique opportunity to join a forward-thinking leadership team and play a central role in driving financial sustainability, operational transformation, and long-term strategic growth. The role Partner with the Principal, Trustees and Senior Leadership Team to develop and deliver a long-term financial strategy, supporting the school s growth ambitions. Lead financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and reporting across a complex and evolving organisation, ensuring strong financial control and sustainability. Take ownership of a significant transformation agenda, including digital system implementation (Bromcom), contract optimisation, and operational redesign. Support with the operational re-design of financial systems providing strategic oversight of major projects such as introduction of Bromcom for financial processes, ensuring robust due diligence, and stakeholder management. Act as a key advisor to Trustees, auditors and external stakeholders including the DfE and Local Authority. Drive value for money through effective procurement, contract negotiation and cost optimisation initiatives. Lead and develop the finance function, fostering a high-performing, collaborative and forward-thinking team culture. Support wider organisational leadership, overseeing linked operational areas including IT and educational visits. Identify opportunities for income generation, funding and financial innovation to support future growth. The organisation Caroline Chisholm School is a school with a strong ethos centred on kindness, curiosity and integrity. With a highly engaged workforce and a 96% positive staff survey rating, the school offers a collaborative and ambitious working environment. The organisation has successfully navigated recent financial pressures, delivering significant savings while maintaining educational excellence. With a clear financial sustainability plan in place and strong governance support, the school is now well positioned for its next phase of growth. Alongside this, a major digital and operational transformation programme is underway, modernising systems and infrastructure to support long-term efficiency and scalability. Essential criteria Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent) Proven experience in a senior financial leadership role within a complex organisation Strong track record of leading financial strategy, planning and reporting Experience managing multi-million-pound budgets and driving financial sustainability Demonstrable experience leading transformation projects (systems, operations or organisational change) Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at Board and executive level Commercial mindset, with the ability to identify efficiencies and funding opportunities A collaborative and adaptable leadership style, aligned to a values-driven environment Apply now If you are a strategic and forward-thinking finance leader looking to make a tangible impact within a high-performing and ambitious organisation, we would love to hear from you. This role requires primarily on-site working during term time, with some flexibility available. Applications close on the 24 th May but will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Something like this as we see the COO role (already recruited for) being responsible for PFI handback process and procurement of same.