Location
Bristol (National Office) with hybrid working options available.

Hours
37 hours per week

Salary
£95,000 per annum

About the Role
Forestry England is a passionate team dedicated to growing the nation’s forests for everyone. We are seeking an experienced and values-led Chief Financial Officer who combines strong financial and business expertise with a collaborative leadership style. As a qualified accountant with a proven track record at senior leadership level, you will develop successful teams and influence organisational strategy. You will bring commercial insight, strategic judgement and the ability to lead through change. Most importantly, you will share our ambition to create lasting value for people, nature and future generations. Join us to help adapt landscapes for tomorrow while delivering impactful outcomes today, including creating amazing places and experiences, providing vital homes for wildlife, improving air quality, and producing sustainable timber.

Benefits
Alongside your salary, Forestry England contributes an average of 28.97% towards your pension through the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme. You will receive 25 days holiday per year, increasing by one day per year of service up to 30 days (pro-rated for part-time employees), plus additional days off such as bank holidays. Our STaR employee benefits scheme offers discounts on everyday shopping, hotel stays, clothing, mobile phones, electrical items, insurance, holidays, gym memberships, household bills and wellbeing apps. Free parking is available at Forestry England sites, along with free entry to National Arboretums at Westonbirt and Bedgebury. We are committed to lifelong learning and career development, supporting continual professional development, individual learning plans and sponsored membership of professional bodies.

Application Process
Applications must be submitted through the official application system; CVs or personal statements sent outside this system will not be considered. The process may include assessments on experience, strength-based questions, and a technical success profile, which could involve a presentation, practical or written task. Key interview dates include online interviews with Morgan Law on Monday 2nd and Tuesday 3rd November, a virtual informal discussion with the Chief Executive during the week commencing 16th November, and final interviews in Bristol on Monday 23rd November. Successful candidates will undergo criminal record and government baseline personnel security standard checks. Reasonable adjustments are available upon request.

Experience
Proven experience as a qualified accountant operating at senior leadership level. Demonstrated ability to develop successful teams and influence organisational strategy. Experience leading through change with strong commercial insight and strategic judgement.

About you
A values-led executive with a collaborative leadership style who shares a passion for creating lasting value for people, nature and future generations. Strong communicator with the ability to work effectively within a diverse and passionate team. Commitment to Forestry England’s mission and values.

Qualifications
Qualified accountant status is essential. Additional professional qualifications or memberships relevant to finance and leadership are advantageous.