Executive Search for a Finance Officer in a London Educational Trust

Understanding the Sector

Our client operates in the education sector, managing multiple academies under a trust model.

They were looking to engage with an Education Executive Search Firm to help find the right leaders to face the challenges of strong financial management, ensuring compliance with regulations and supporting educational goals. Challenges included managing sector-specific funding, adhering to government reporting rules, and maintaining transparent financial practices.

Understanding the Role

The role required support for financial operations, compliance, and reporting. Key responsibilities included:

• Budgeting, forecasting, and reporting under strict guidelines.
• Managing education-specific funding streams (e.g., grants, pupil premiums).
• Supporting audits and identifying financial risks.
• Leading process improvements and mentoring junior finance teams.
  Public or education finance experience, strong communications skills, and attention to detail were critical requirements for this type of executive search.

Starting Our Search

We targeted candidates in education, non-profit, and other regulated financial sectors. The ideal candidate needed:

• Financial operations experience relevant to the sector.
• Familiarity with tools like PS Financials or Sage.
• Capability to enhance compliance and deliver efficiencies.
  We also explored candidates from commercial sectors with transferable skills and adaptability to regulated environments, which is crucial in an education executive search.

Finalising Our Shortlist

Candidates were screened for:

1. Technical Expertise: Knowledge of compliance, reporting, and funding models.
2. Communication: Ability to clearly present financial data to non-specialists.
3. Process Optimisation: Examples of improving workflows and controls.
4. Leadership: Strong team-building and mentoring experience.
   The shortlisted candidates aligned with the role’s technical demands and the organisation’s culture.

How We Found the Perfect Candidate

The selected candidate had a strong background in finance within the education sector. Key attributes included:

• Sector Knowledge: Expertise in private education funding models.
• Leadership Skills: Proven ability to mentor and develop teams.
• Operational Efficiency: Experience implementing financial improvements.
• Cultural Fit: Their collaborative style matched the client’s values.

They quickly delivered results, streamlining reporting and improving decision-making at the leadership level, thanks to our focused education executive search.

Conclusion

We successfully placed a skilled Deputy Finance Operations Officer who delivered value from day one. Our tailored executive search ensures your organisation finds the right leaders.

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