CFO Connect | CFO Mentoring Programme
Become a CFO in the Know
Never make critical decisions alone
CFOs in the education face challenges most finance professionals never encounter. Multi-academy trust complexities, academy conversion pressures, funding uncertainty, and constantly changing governance requirements.
The biggest challenge?
You're often the only person at your level making these critical decisions.
CFO Connect changes that. Our community of CFO mentors is designed for the education sector. It gives you direct access to experienced former education CFOs who understand your world because they've lived it.
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How does CFO Connect work?
Personal Expert Partnership
For a CFO, no two days are the same. Your CFO Connect membership gives you direct access to experienced former education CFOs who provide exactly what you need - nothing more, nothing less. Whether you're a small single academy or a large MAT, you'll work one-to-one with experts who understand your specific context.
Strategic CFO Support
Work directly with our team of experienced former education CFOs, drawing on decades of education sector expertise to guide your thinking and provide strategic insights specific to your role and challenges.
On-Demand Support
Access expert advice when you need it most. Whether it's a second opinion before a trustee meeting or a sanity check on a major decision, your expert support is available, so we can support you when you need it.
What are the Benefits of CFO Mentoring?
While consultancy services focus on doing the work for you, expert mentorship builds your capability to make better decisions independently. Through your CFO Connect membership, you get:
- Personal professional relationships built on understanding your specific challenges
- Enhanced strategic thinking and decision-making confidence through guided development
- Education-specific expertise from former CFOs who've navigated similar contexts
- Ongoing support available when you need it, not just project-based assistance
- Confidential guidance where you can explore options without commercial or reputational risks
All discussions within CFO Connect are strictly confidential and judgment-free. Share sensitive challenges, discuss complex decisions, and seek expert guidance without worrying about external pressures. There's no such thing as a difficult question. Our support team will always endeavour to answer them based on their experience.
Expert CFO Mentors on Hand
Your expert support team is ready when you are. Whether you prefer regular check-ins to stay on track or want expert guidance available when urgent challenges arise, we work with your preferences and availability.
Who benefits from CFO Connect?
New or inexperienced CFOs
Recently appointed and need guidance on strategic decision-making within the education sector? Whether you’re new to the role or new to the education sector, build your confidence through mentorship with experienced professionals who understand the learning curve.
Solo CFOs
The only senior finance professional in your trust? Connect with industry experts with years of CFO experience who understand the isolation and pressures of being the only financial decision-maker within your school or trust. We can be your sounding board to explore your options and help you find the best solution.CFOs managing change
Navigating a MAT merger, academy conversion, or org change? Get advice and bounce ideas off industry experts who have their finger on the pulse of education finance and understand the complexities of similar transitions.
SBMs transitioning to CFOs
Experienced SBM stepping into CFO responsibilities? Develop strategic thinking and leadership skills with support from established CFOs.
Why Choose SAAF?
SAAF has been supporting education sector finance professionals for many years through our consultancy services. We understand the unique challenges you face because we work with them every day.
What does our team bring to the table?
- Decades of combined CFO experience across all types of educational organisations
- Deep understanding of education sector regulations, funding, and governance
- Proven track record of supporting CFOs through transitions and challenges
- Professional networks spanning the entire education finance community
- Commitment to developing finance leadership capability, not just solving problems
CFO Connect represents the natural evolution of our consultancy expertise into peer mentorship and professional development.
Ready to join the network?
Stop making critical financial decisions in isolation. Get direct access to experienced former CFOs who understand your unique challenges and can support your success.
Join today