Finance Officer

Start Date: As soon as possible after closing date

Closing date: 31st January

Interviews: TBC

Salary: Ark Support Band 7 Inner London £25,864-£31,672

As part of our commitment to students, we are seeking to recruit a Finance Officer You will help to support the school through the provision of an effective and efficient finance service.

The successful candidate will provide comprehensive support in delivering the finance functions of Ark Acton Academy. The Finance Officer will support the day-to-day financial processing and management of the academy and aid in the production of financial reports.  They will work closely with the academy’s Finance and Resources Director (FRD) and Regional Finance Director (RFD) and take on a number of financial and organisational activities within the academy.

Ark is one of the UK's most successful school groups with a network of 38 schools in 4 locations across the country, it is an international charity transforming lives through education. As part of the network, our staff can expect:

• Access to a range of discounts through the Ark Rewards Scheme which includes reduced gym memberships, discounts at major retailers and travel loans

• Twice as many training days as standard

• Support from a network of 38 schools across the UK

Reports to:          Finance and Resources Director

The role

The successful candidate will provide comprehensive support in delivering the finance functions of Ark Acton. The Finance Officer will support the day-to-day financial processing and management of the academy and aid in the production of financial reports.  They will work closely with the academy’s Finance and Resources Director (FRD) and Regional Finance Director (RFD) and take on a number of financial and organisational activities within the academy.

The purpose

·         To be responsible for accurate recording and maintenance of the Academy’s finance database.

·         Deliver all elements required in the financial and analytical information to support the FRD

·         Support the FRD in the production of financial reports to the highest standard, to enable the Academy to make sound financial, strategic and commercial decisions.  Particular attention must be paid to embedding best practice procedures and processes throughout the Finance department.

·         Responsible for ensuring information and records are kept to the highest standards. 

Key responsibilities

Financial Accounting and Reporting

·         Maintain all data relating to the Academy’s accounts in accordance with the financial regulations.

·         Maintain the general ledger accounts on the accounting system in order to ensure that accurate financial management information is provided to the Academy.

·         Perform monthly bank reconciliations.

·         Check all invoices against the appropriate financial authority and budgets to ensure that are accurate and within the designated amounts. To process purchase orders, receive delivered goods and process invoices

·         Ensure all invoices and payments are coded accurately and that all relevant paperwork are completed.

·         Able to monitor all periodic payments regularly to stop any overpayment and be able to prepare periodic performance reports.

·         Process all transactions relating to cash and bank accounts ensuring high level of accuracy and confidentiality. Ensure the safekeeping and banking of all monies, both school and private funds. 

·         Raise orders and prepare payment runs, ensuring compliance with the levels of delegation approved by the necessary Senior Management.

·         Issue invoices to parents and other parties for the collections of lettings or other debts.

·          

Auditing

·         Support FRD with external auditors.

·         Provide accounting information and schedules in connection with the production of the monthly and annual financial statements for the Academy.

Other Duties

·         To provide financial support to teaching colleagues to ensure management information is understood and queries are efficiently and effectively managed.

·         Participate in Finance projects, with a particular focus on improving value for money.

·         Provide training to operational colleagues to ensure their understanding and compliance with finance process.

·         The control of petty cash, ensuring receipts are obtained for all purchases and proper records are maintained

·         To maintain filing systems, ensuring that records are suitable for audit

·         To assist the FRD with the production of financial reports for internal and Ark use.

·         To provide the lead on the management and reporting of Parent Pay ensuring controls and accuracy of data.

·         To reconcile pupil accounts and check for any outstanding commitments.

·         Undertake other various responsibilities as directed by the Principal, FRD or RFD

Academy Ethos and Culture

·         Support the Principal in fostering a strong sense of academy community and ethos, acting as a positive role model to staff and students

·         To drive forward change and initiatives which promote regularity, propriety, value for money and best standards

This job description sets out the main duties of the post at the time of drafting. It cannot be read as an exhaustive list. These responsibilities will be discussed annually as part of the postholder’s annual performance review and are subject to change. H