Regional Finance Officer

As the Regional Finance Officer you will be an integral part of the school, responsible for ensuring high standards of financial integrity. You will manage the daily and monthly financial processes in the school, ensuring compliance with the requirements of the Academies Financial Handbook. The Regional Finance Officer will report into Finance Manager. This role is in South London with travel across our Ark schools in the network on a permanent working full time.

Key Responsibilities:

• Working closely with the Finance Manager and Operations Director to ensure the continuing financial stability of the school.
• Placing orders, receiving goods and maintaining a professional relationship with suppliers.
• Ensuring accurate and timely processing of purchase invoices and other documents using Sage Intacct accounting software, reconciling supplier statements, and preparing payment runs for authorisation.
• Assisting the Finance Manager with the preparation of month end and year end accounts including Bank, Petty Cash and Credit Card reconciliations and completion of month end reporting pack.
• Support the Finance Manager in driving forward change and initiatives which promote regularity, propriety, value for money and best standards.
• Support other schools in the South London region where necessary.

Key Requirements:

• Right to work in the UK.
• English and Maths GCSE grade A-C, or equivalent.
• Part Qualified AAT or equivalent finance qualification.
• Experience of running effective administrative and financial systems, ideally within a school environment.
• High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Sage Intacct desirable.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills and the ability to delegate appropriately.
• Ability to skillfully manage and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and other stakeholders.
• 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.

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. This entitlement excludes bank holidays.
• Full office closure between Christmas and New Year.
• As an Ark employee, you will have the opportunity to be part of the TPT (The Pension Trust) scheme, our workplace pension scheme where we make an 11% contribution; you are not required to contribute towards this scheme unless you choose to.
• 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.

About Us:

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.

Diversity and inclusion:

We aim to build a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone – staff and students – can do their best work and achieve their full potential. We want to reflect and represent diverse perspectives across our organisation because we know that doing so will make us stronger and more effective.

Safeguarding statement:

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.