At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and maintain the AA's financial health.
- Company: Join the Architectural Association, a pioneering architectural school with a rich history.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a forward-looking team dedicated to innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape the future of architectural education while working in a vibrant community.
- Qualifications: CCAB qualified accountant with strong financial and interpersonal skills.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
The Architectural Association (AA) School of Architecture seeks an exceptional individual as its next Head of Finance.
The Head of Finance will play a critical role in maintaining the School’s financial health and in enabling its future strategy and success.
The AA is an independent architectural school and an international cultural institution that serves as a forum for ideas.
The Architectural Association (AA) was established as a student-centred collective in 1847.
It aimed to challenge the established ways in which architecture was taught, argued and theorised at the time, and urged its members to reconsider the commonplace social and cultural responsibilities of the profession at large – aspirations that remain at the heart of the school today.
Renowned for its boundary-defying approach to architectural education, today, the School is comprised of over 800 students, 250 faculty, 120 administrative staff, over 9000 members.
It has a turnover of roughly £25 million per annum.
The AA is a forward-looking, international and collegiate community.
The priorities for the next Head of Finance are varied.
Working closely with the School Director, the Head of Finance will adopt a strategic and long-term approach to financial planning.
This approach will enable the AA to remain agile and to strengthen its endowment.
They must build relationships across the AA’s community and spend time understanding the unique culture of the Association.
They will work across the School to make financial information understandable and support budget holders.
The Head of Finance will be a member of the School’s Senior Management Team and will report to the School Director.
They have leadership responsibility for all the School’s financial services.
Ideal candidates will bring both excellent financial acumen and strong interpersonal skills.
They will be flexible in their approach, and adept at navigating complex and collegiate environments.
Strong candidates will have excellent communication skills and be capable of conveying complex financial information to different stakeholders.
They will be an experienced team leader, committed to developing and empowering members of their team.
This person must be a CCAB qualified accountant.
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Head of Finance employer: ARCHITECTURAL ASSOCIATION SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE
The Architectural Association (AA) School of Architecture is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and collaborative work culture that values innovation and creativity. As the Head of Finance, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the financial future of a prestigious institution, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development within a supportive community of over 1,000 members. Located in the heart of London, the AA provides a unique environment where your contributions directly impact architectural education and practice, making it a truly rewarding place to work.
Contact Details:
ARCHITECTURAL ASSOCIATION SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance
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