At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage financial processes and ensure compliance across our Ark schools.
- Company: Join Ark, an education charity dedicated to transforming lives through quality education.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel across South London and excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your finance skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, plus experience in financial systems preferred.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 34000 £ per year.
Location: South London with travel across our Ark schools in the network
Contract: Permanent
Pattern: Full Time (standard hours 9am - 5.30pm)
Salary: £27,000 to £34,000 (depending on experience)
About The Role:
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.
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
- 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
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. Depending on your role you may also be entitled to LGPS which is a defined benefit scheme where you contribute a percentage based on how much you earn (as do we) in exchange for a guaranteed amount in your pension pot every year.
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.
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 to submit your application at your earliest convenience.
For any questions, please contact recruitment@arkonline.org.
Finance Officer employer: ARK
Ark is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and employee well-being. With 27 days of annual leave, access to a generous pension scheme, and opportunities for continuous learning, employees are empowered to grow within their roles while making a meaningful impact in education across South London. The collaborative environment at EdCity fosters innovation and connection, making it an ideal place for those passionate about transforming the lives of children through education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Officer
✨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. 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.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Officer
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.
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'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
✨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.
✨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 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 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.
