At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance team and manage all financial operations for a growing nursery organisation.
- Company: Join Ark Start, a dynamic and expanding nursery group in London.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting growth journey while making a real impact on children's lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance management and a passion for organisational growth.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Ark Start is looking to recruit a Financial Controller to manage the centralised finance function for Ark Start. We currently have seven nurseries in London, expanding significantly in both London and West Yorkshire next year and are becoming a separate legal entity (wholly owned by the Ark charity) for September 2027.
As the Financial Controller, you will be responsible for ensuring an efficient and effective finance function for Ark Start including management of the finance team, all operational and month end processes and management/statutory reporting. A large part of the role will involve reviewing/setting up processes and systems, and developing the team, to prepare for expansion. We are looking for a passionate, hard-working and extremely organised individual who is excited by growth and change and wants to be part of this dynamic new venture.
This role would suit a finance professional who wants responsibility across all finance areas for this growing start-up but with a focus on statutory reporting, treasury management, controls and compliance.
Benefits- Our flexible working model offers the best of both worlds, balancing in‑person collaboration, either in our state‑of‑the‑art West London office or through visits to our nurseries, with the flexibility of remote working.
- In addition to flexible working arrangements, employees can request to work fully remotely for up to 10 working days a year, whether this be in the UK or abroad.
- Our flexitime policy allows you to work your hours around our core hours of 10.00 - 16.00, helping you prioritise your work-life balance and personal commitments.
- 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.
Our dedicated team work together to ensure that every child has a joyful, engaging, and secure nursery experience and leaves us ready to start school happily and confidently. We are driven by our values in everything we do: Aim High, Be Brave, Be Kind and Keep Learning. Ark Start is at an exciting time in its evolution. We currently have seven nurseries in London and aim to expand our reach over the coming years. As we expand, we are looking for a Financial Controller to join our team. We are looking for someone with a genuine passion for the Ark Start mission and an organised, hands-on approach to financial management.
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. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred.
Please note we will be reviewing applications on an on-going basis and this role may close earlier than advertised depending on the level of response. We strongly encourage you to submit your application at your earliest convenience.
If you would like to hear more about this role or about Ark Start, please contact.
Financial Controller (Ark Start) in London employer: ARK START
ARK START is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing work environment at its new South Acton site. With a strong focus on professional development and a generous pension scheme, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children. The collaborative culture fosters teamwork and innovation, making it a rewarding place to work for those passionate about early years care and learning.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller (Ark Start) in London
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
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Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like ARK START. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
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Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from ARK START.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like ARK START. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller (Ark Start) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in ARK START and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show ARK START how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at ARK START
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with ARK START.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with ARK START's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
