Stone Soup Academy is an alternative provision free school based in the heart of Nottingham, serving young people who have struggled to engage in mainstream education. Our vision is bold: we don’t see barriers, we see opportunities. From our use of technology and innovative design of learning spaces, to a culture rooted in enquiry, evaluation and continuous improvement, we are committed to providing the support and environment that enables each individual student to unlock potential and achieve beyond what they thought possible.

As we continue to build and expand our impact, we are looking for a talented finance professional to join our leadership team.

As CFO, you will be a key member of the senior leadership team, working alongside our Executive Principal and Board of Governors. You will drive financial strategy, reporting, risk management, and ensure the academy’s resources are deployed effectively to support our mission. Among your responsibilities:

• Develop and oversee the financial strategy of the academy, aligning budgets, forecasts and financial plans with our mission of creating unimagined futures.

• Lead the finance team, ensuring robust financial controls, compliance with ESFA and DfE regulations, and high-quality management information.

• Provide financial insight to support strategic decision-making by the Executive Principal and the board.

• Ensure that funding, enterprise and income-generation opportunities are maximised, supporting our enterprise activities and practical learning initiatives.

• Support the continuous improvement culture: evaluate financial performance, recommend improvements, and embed innovation in financial practices.

• Have significant senior leadership experience in financial management within the education sector or a similarly complex organisation.

• Be comfortable working at a strategic level, translating mission into financial strategy.

• Bring strong analytical skills, excellent communication and the ability to build trusted relationships across the academy community.

• Demonstrate rigour in governance, risk management and compliance.

• Share our commitment to the potential of every young person and be excited to contribute to an environment where innovation, creativity and opportunity flourish.

For an informal discussion or to arrange a visit, please contact our recruitment partner:

📧 cjohns@academicis.co.uk

📞 07733 628155

Full details, including the candidate pack can be found in the supporting documents section or can be requested directly from Cressida Johns (above). For the candidate pack – see job description.

Start date: April 2026

Closing date: 1st December 2025

Shortlisting: 3rd December 2025

Interview: 9th December 2025

Full details, including the candidate pack and application form, are available at: thttps://www.academicis.co.uk