This is a great opportunity for an effective finance manager to play an integral role in the smooth operation of the finance function at a London secondary school.

Ark

Ark is an international charity, transforming lives through education. We exist to make sure that every child, regardless of background, has access to a great education and real choices in life.

Our highly-successful network of 38 schools educates over 20,000 students across Birmingham, Hastings, London and Portsmouth. They are achieving some of the best results in the country despite being largely in areas of historic academic underachievement. Our innovative Ventures are transforming the lives of young people by addressing some of the most intractable issues in education, both in the UK and internationally.

The Role

This is a school based position located at Ark Evelyn Grace Academy in Brixton, South London.

As Finance Manager, you will be an integral part of the team responsible for ensuring high standards of financial integrity within the academy. You will manage the monthly financial processes required of the academy, ensuring compliance with the requirements of the Academies Financial Handbook.

Reporting to: Regional (Deputy) Finance Director

Start date: ASAP

Location:  Ark Evelyn Grace Academy

Contract: Permanent, full-time

Salary: £38,000 - £45,000 per annum + 11% employer contribution to pension

Closing date for applications: 27 February 2019

For a full job description and to apply with a CV and cover letter, visit our recruitment portal.

Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in our academies. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Job Description

Reporting to: Regional (Deputy) Finance Director

Start date: Asap

Location: Ark Evelyn Grace Academy, Brixton

Contract: Permanent    
Salary: £38,000 to £45,000 (depending on experience and qualification)

The Role                                                                                                                                               

As Finance Manager, you will be an integral part of the team responsible for ensuring high standards of financial integrity within the academy. You will manage the monthly financial processes required of the academy, ensuring compliance with the requirements of the Academies Financial Handbook, lead the financial planning and partner with the Principal and other senior staff to ensure effective strategic decision making.

Over time, this role will work closely with other schools within the region, helping to identify best practice and implement new standardised processes and procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure timely production and issue of financial reports, cash flow forecasts and returns as required
• Prepare the monthly management accounts
• Prepare the monthly financial reports, analysis and updates for the Local Governing Body
• Prepare the annual budget and reforecasts for approval by the LGB
• Take responsibility for the academy’s accounting procedures, ensuring all policies and procedures are adhered to within the academy
• Maintain finance filing systems, ensuring that records are suitable for audit purposes
• Take responsibility for and line management of the school’s finance support staff, including arranging appropriate training and development, conducting induction, probation and performance management reviews
• Work with the Regional (Deputy) Finance Director to ensure goods and services are processed in compliance with current and relevant procurement legislation
• Partner with the Principal and other senior staff to ensure effective financial management, adherence to budget and strategic decision making
• Identify and pursue income generating activities
• Drive forward change and initiatives which promote regularity, propriety, value for money and best standards

Other

• Carry out other reasonable tasks as directed by the Regional (Deputy) Finance Director

---

Person Specification

Qualification Criteria

• Right to work in the UK
• Experienced part-qualified accountant or fully qualified accountant (ACCA or CIMA)

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Experience of running effective administrative and financial systems, ideally within a school environment
• High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office, PSF and HCSS desirable
• Experience using financial databases and confidence and interest in learning new technologies
• Line management experience, desirable
• Experience in managing and negotiating contracts, tenders and agreements, desirable

Personal Characteristics

• Genuine passion for and a belief in the potential of every student
• Deep commitment to Ark’s mission of providing an excellent education to all every student, regardless of background
• Strong organisational and time-management skills and the ability to delegate appropriately
• Ability to skilfully manage and maintain effective working relationships with parents, governors, community members and other stakeholders
• Works productively in a high pressure environment
• Helpful, approachable and positive nature
• High standards and a keen eye for detail
• Keen to learn and further develop own skills
• Exercises sound judgment, especially relating to confidentiality and discretion

Other

• Commitment to equality of opportunity and the safeguarding and welfare of all students
• Willingness to undertake training
• This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check

Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in our academies.  In order to meet this responsibility, we follow a rigorous selection process. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.