Chief Financial Officer

Sarah Gleeson, Chief Financial Officer

After graduating from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne with a degree in Economics and Accounting in 1989, I began my career in the accountancy profession in Reading, qualifying as a Chartered Accountant with Price Waterhouse Coopers in 1992. In 2019, I became a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants.

Following qualification, I moved to the South Coast and gained experience across a diverse range of industries, Estee Lauder Cosmetics and City Technology, a manufacturer of gas detection sensors. During my time at City Technology, I worked closely with the Finance Director on the company's successful flotation on the London Stock Exchange.

After taking a short career break for personal reasons, I joined Westgate Leisure Centre (part of Chichester District Council) as their Finance Manager. In 2013 I joined Bishop Luffa School as the Senior Finance Officer when the school became an academy. My role has since developed significantly, and I became the Trust Accountant for the multi-academy trust, having worked closely with the previous CFO on its development following Rumboldswhyke School joining the Trust in 2020.

Outside of my professional role, I attend St Peter’s and St Mary’s Church in Fishbourne, where I serve as Treasurer. I also have a strong personal connection with Bishop Luffa, as two of my children attended the school from year 7 through to the end of the Sixth form, with my youngest leaving in 2020.