Area Finance Manager
Ark Schools About the role
This is an exciting opportunity to join Ark Schools’ Regional Finance team, supporting Ark’s academies in West London.
As a Regional Finance Manager, you will be an integral part of the team responsible for ensuring the high-quality financial service within the academies. You will report to and work closely with the Regional Senior Finance Manager and will also work with the relevant Principals and Operations Leads in the school(s) you support.
You will manage the monthly financial processes, ensuring compliance, accuracy and timeliness, leading financial planning and partnering with the Principal and other senior staff to ensure effective strategic decision making.
This role is currently located in West London Cluster, North London Region which covers the following schools: Ark Burlington Danes in White City, King Solomon Academy in Paddington and Ark Acton and Ark Soane in Acton as well as the Trust Head Office EdCity. The substantive post will focus primarily on King Solomon Academy in Paddington and support the Regional Senior Finance Manager in other schools within West London Cluster.
The finance function is also progressively moving towards a matrix way of working which may require you to work on a process across all schools in the region.
- Partner with the Principals and other senior staff to ensure effective financial management, adherence to budget and strategic decision making.
- Take responsibility for supporting a high-performance team culture and building a continual improvement/learning mindset. Supporting the management of the finance staff, including arranging appropriate training and development.
- Ensure timely production and issue of financial reports, cash flow forecasts, and returns as required, including ad hoc review and projects.
- Prepare the management accounts and related analysis, posting of month-end journals, ensuring bank and control account reconciliations are carried out monthly in line with the Ark month-end pack.
Requirements:
- Experienced part-qualified accountant or fully qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA or ACA).
- Experience of running effective administrative and financial systems, ideally within a school environment.
- High level of proficiency with Microsoft Excel and the wider MS Office suite.
- High level of proficiency with Sage Intact (accounting system), Concur (invoicing system) and IMP (budgeting system).
- Experience using financial databases and confidence and interest in learning new technologies.
- Understanding of relevant legislation, policies and procedures and the ability to apply this understanding to real situations.
- Ability to manage and maintain effective working relationships with parents, governors, community members and other stakeholders.
Benefits:
- 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising with each year of service up to 30 days after 3 years’ service. This entitlement is pro rata for part-time employees.
- Full office closure between Christmas and New Year.
- Opportunity to be part of the TPT (The Pension Trust) scheme, our workplace pension scheme where we make an 11% contribution.
- Access to high-quality professional learning throughout your career, offering both face-to-face sessions and a bespoke online learning platform.
- Access to Ark Rewards scheme offering savings from over 3,000 major retailers, interest-free loans available for season tickets or a bike, gym discounts offering up to 40% off your local gym and free eye tests.
Ark is an education charity that exists to make sure that all children, regardless of their background, have access to a great education and real choices in life. Our network of 39 schools reaches traditionally underserved communities in Birmingham, Hastings, London and Portsmouth. We educate 30,000 pupils and have nearly 3,000 teaching staff across our network.
Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check.
Your tasks
Manage financial processes and support strategic decision-making in schools.
Your profile
Part-qualified or fully qualified accountant with experience in financial systems.
What's also included
Enjoy 27 days annual leave, pension contributions, and professional development opportunities.
Tech stack & ways of working
Area Finance Manager employer: Ark Schools
ARK SCHOOLS is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its staff, offering competitive salaries above the main pay scale and extensive training opportunities. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and a vibrant work culture, employees are encouraged to inspire students through engaging lessons in a supportive environment. This role not only allows for personal fulfilment but also contributes to a meaningful educational experience for students.
Your perspectives
Make a real impact on education while developing your finance skills in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice
Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Ark Schools. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!
In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role
When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Ark Schools.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience
If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect
Before hitting that 'apply' button on Ark Schools's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ark Schools
Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Ark Schools.
Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Ark Schools will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Ark Schools employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
