At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage financial reporting and controls to support a growing educational organisation.
- Company: Join Harris Federation, a leader in transforming education for disadvantaged youth.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, professional development, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and excellent career progression opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people through impactful financial management.
- Qualifications: Experience in accounting, UK GAAP knowledge, and proficiency in financial software required.
The following information provides an overview of the skills, qualities, and qualifications needed for this role.
Join Harris Federation, one of the UK's leading education trusts, and play a key role in delivering high quality financial reporting and control across a growing organisation. We are looking for an experienced, detail-focused finance professional with strong analytical and reporting skills. In return, you’ll benefit from a collaborative environment, excellent professional development, and the opportunity to contribute to an organisation dedicated to improving outcomes for young people. If you are ready to take the next step in your finance career, we would welcome your application.
MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
Reporting to the Head of Financial Accounting, you will take ownership of producing accurate management and statutory accounts, supporting audits, and ensuring compliance with UK GAAP and charity sector requirements. This is a varied and impactful role, where you will lead on month-end processes, balance sheet reconciliations, VAT returns, and cash management, while also driving continuous improvement in financial systems and controls. Working closely with stakeholders, you’ll provide clear financial insight to support decision-making across the Federation.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- An understanding of UK GAAP
- Experience with financial systems and ERP software (e.g. SAP, Oracle, Sage) along with proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including advanced functions
- Ideally 2-3 years of post-graduation experience in an accounting role, preferably within a commercial environment
- ACA, ACCA, or CIMA (or equivalent) either in progress or recently obtained
- A degree in Accounting, Finance or a related discipline, with a strong academic record
If you would like to discuss the opportunity further, or if you have any questions, please contact us via email to arrange a conversation. Before applying please ensure you download the job pack from our careers website, this will help with completing your application. Please note that we only accept applications submitted online before the closing date.
OUR VISION & VALUES
Our vision, from the start, has been to provide the structure and services needed for our schools to amount to more than the sum of their parts, and to free-up our teachers and leaders to focus on one thing and one thing only: the outstanding education of all their pupils. Our young people and communities are at the heart of everything we do. Our core mission has always been to close the educational gap between young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers. Our ambition is one where every child in London, no matter their background, has equal access to high quality education, giving them the same opportunities and potential to succeed.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Safeguarding Notice: The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.
Equal Opportunities: The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
Harris has a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level. You will also have access to a variety of benefits, support programmes and initiatives including:
- Excellent opportunities for continuous professional development and career progression
- Annual performance and loyalty bonus
- Pension scheme (Teachers' Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme) with generous employer contribution
- 26 days' annual leave (inclusive of our Christmas Eve closure day) plus bank holidays, rising to 27 days after 2 years' service, or equivalent for staff on term time contracts
- Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan including cover for routine and specialist healthcare
- Employee Assistance Programme for free and confidential advice
- Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme
- Wide range of shopping, leisure, and travel discounts
- 20% off at Tapi Carpets, exclusive to Harris employees
- Interest-free ICT and season ticket loans
- For most non-teaching staff based at our Head Office in East Croydon, we also offer lifestyle friendly working arrangements including flexible start and end times, and hybrid working with two days from home and three days on site.
Financial Accountant employer: Harris Federation
At Harris Federation, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture. Our commitment to professional development ensures that our staff have access to extensive training and career progression opportunities, while our generous benefits package, including a pension scheme and wellbeing initiatives, supports a healthy work-life balance. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of young people in London and Essex, where your contributions will be valued and respected.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who work in education or non-profits. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Harris Federation's values and mission. Show us how your skills align with our commitment to social mobility and educational excellence. We love candidates who are passionate about making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your financial reporting skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss your experience with UK GAAP and financial systems. We want to see that you can handle the nitty-gritty of financial accounting with confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you can easily import your CV or LinkedIn profile, making the process a breeze.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Pack:Before diving into your application, make sure to download and read the job pack. It’s packed with details about what we’re looking for and can help you tailor your application to stand out.
Show Your Skills:When writing your application, highlight your experience with UK GAAP and financial systems. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value diversity and want to know who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your passion for finance and how it connects to our mission at Harris Federation.
Apply Online:Remember, we only accept applications submitted through our website. Use the option to import your CV or LinkedIn profile to save time, but make sure to double-check everything before hitting submit!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harris Federation
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Accountant, it's crucial to be well-versed in UK GAAP and financial reporting standards. Brush up on these regulations before your interview, and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in previous roles. This shows you’re not just familiar with the theory but can also implement it practically.
✨Showcase Your Software Skills
Familiarity with financial systems like SAP, Oracle, or Sage is key for this role. Make sure to highlight your experience with these tools during the interview. If you have advanced Excel skills, prepare to give examples of how you've used functions to analyse data or streamline processes.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think of specific situations where you had to manage month-end processes or handle audits. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly and effectively.
✨Align with Their Values
The Harris Federation values excellence, collaboration, support, and innovation. Research these values and think about how your personal and professional experiences align with them. Be prepared to share examples that demonstrate your commitment to these principles during the interview.
