About Us
We are a pioneering education charity, and one of the leading multi-academy trusts in the country. We have a track record of taking on some of the most challenging schools in London, turning them into places where every young person can access a high-quality education and have opportunities to succeed.
Educating 1 in 41 young people in London, we now have 52 primary and secondary academies transforming the life chances and opportunities of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The Harris Federation has a track record of accomplishment in achieving success through rapid school improvement and has built an unrivalled reputation for running outstanding academies in London.
Our central team comprises a dedicated, driven group of departments working centrally to provide support across the Federation and all of our academies. Across a multitude of key departments, we maintain expertise all integral to supporting central and academies in areas such as Finance, HR, Data, Estates Management, Talent and many more.
Main Areas of Responsibility
Direct Report to: Head of Finance Business Partnering
Additional Report to: Assistant Directors
• Manage and lead a team of Finance Business Partners throughout the employment lifecycle, including annual
performance management.
• Responsibility for financial performance for academies within a primary and secondary quadrant.
• Review monthly management accounts, including monthly forecast, commentary, cash flow statements and
balance sheet for quadrant
• Review balance sheet reconciliations, ensure they are all up to date.
• Support Assistant Directors in their financial responsibilities to the quadrant including monthly reporting duties
• Provide business support to quadrant principals as and when required, including the contractual arrangements for
key external providers, such as cleaning, coach tenders, leisure facilities, etc.
• Support FBPs in ensuring all income is accounted for, all expenditure is authorised, assets are safeguarded, and
liabilities discharged in a timely manner
• Prepare and present financial reports of all quadrant schools at termly BPSG meetings.
• Support, advise and train all principals, academy staff, FBPs and Governors as needed
• Ensure that all reporting deadlines are met throughout the year, including external audit and teachers’ pensions.
• Support quadrant academies during internal audit and well as covering for absences within quadrant
• Work closely with HRBP to review any HR related issues that may have a financial impact.
• Work with internal audit team to ensure effective controls are in place. Also work with Risk and Compliance
manager to prepare annual Risk Register and BCP
• Ensure consistent reports are achieved across all the academies and best practices is adhered to
• Work with HoFBP to look at improving reporting and processes
• Any other adhoc work that is necessary for the performance of your role
• Ensure that Principals new to the Federation have a detailed and effective induction programme by working with
the relevant Quadrant finance Lead.
• Commitment to the achievement of the Federation’s and Academies’ overall vision for success at all
levels.
• To adhere to the Federation and Academies’ corporate standards, policies, systems and procedures in
relation to students, health and safety, personnel, dress, financial management and ICT, including
knowledge of the safeguarding practice and procedures and confidentiality issues.
• To set a personal example that contributes to the positive ethos of the Federation and Academy.
• To behave at all times in accordance with the Federation and Academies’ values.
• To agree annual performance targets with the Line Manager, with a view to supporting your own
continuous professional development.
• To take responsibility for your own learning and development.
• To represent the Federation and/or Academy at relevant events.
• To promote the Federation and Academies favourably in the community.
• To undertake any other duties that may reasonably be required by the Senior Finance Business Partner
or Principals.
Qualifications & Experience
Qualified Accountant
• Good problem-solving skills
• Strong team building and line management skills
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written
• Excellent interpersonal skills and gravitas to liaise with senior staff in the Academies.
• Be able to prioritise yours and teamwork in order achieve the tight reporting deadlines
• Has excellent all-round accounting skills
• Accustomed to working to tight reporting deadlines
• Will have to demonstrate a "can do" attitude
• Demonstrate good analytical skills and a positive approach to problem solving
• Have high level of excel and good exposure to different Accounting Systems
• Be able to work flexibly in rapidly changing business
• To understand the organisational strategy, performance and drivers and translate this into an operational finance
plan to add value, drive continuous improvement and ensure a consistent approach.
Next Steps
If you have any questions about this opportunity, please send us an email, or call to arrange a conversation.
Before applying, please download the Job Pack for full details on the job responsibilities and person specification. This will be helpful for you when completing your application, and throughout the recruitment process.
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we may interview and offer to a candidate before the closing date. Please note that we only accept applications submitted before the closing date via our careers website.
Professional Development & Benefits
Our people are at the heart of our success. We have developed 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.
In addition to the opportunities for career development and progression, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions, a Wellbeing Cash Plan including access to a virtual GP, electric car scheme, 26 days' annual leave (plus bank holidays) for staff who work across the full year, and many other benefits.
We offer lifestyle friendly working arrangements including flexible start and end times, and hybrid working with 2 days from home and 3 days either with the team at our office in East Croydon or visiting one of our academies.
Learn more about our benefits on our website.
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, 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. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.
Quadrant Lead Finance Business Partner employer: HARRIS FEDERATION
Harris Academy Rainham is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment where staff are valued and encouraged to grow. With a strong focus on professional development, our team benefits from tailored training programmes, meaningful workload management, and opportunities for career progression within the Academy and the wider Harris Federation. Located in Havering, we are committed to educational excellence and inclusivity, making it a rewarding place to contribute to the lives of our students and community.
