At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us in delivering top-notch financial reporting and control for our growing education trust.
- Company: Be part of Harris Federation, a leader in transforming education for disadvantaged youth.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and a strong focus on staff wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while advancing your finance career.
- Qualifications: Experience in accounting, UK GAAP knowledge, and proficiency in financial systems required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 € per year.
WORKING WITH US
The founder and sponsor of the Harris Federation, Lord Harris of Peckham, opened our first school in 1990. We have, over the past thirty years, implemented ideas and initiatives that have transformed the opportunities of pupils from working class and disadvantaged backgrounds. Harris academies are widely recognised as a force for social mobility. We are immensely proud of the role that our alumni are now beginning to play in the world and of what we believe our current generation of pupils will go on to achieve. We now have over 50 schools educating more than 40,000 young people across London and Essex, and employ over 5,000 staff across our academies and head office. With the majority of our academies located in areas of high socioeconomic disadvantage, a high-quality education is key to the futures of the pupils we serve. As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff. Our work will impact many generations to come, and our staff come from all backgrounds and walks of life, coming together to inspire young minds. We promote an inclusive culture that embraces the valuable and enriching contribution that all of our community make. We continue to be proactive in uplifting and supporting all voices at Harris.
ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY
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
For a full job description and person specification, please download the Job Pack.
APPLYING FOR THIS POSITION
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. When applying, you will have the option to import your CV or use a LinkedIn profile which will auto populate the online application. A reminder to check your junk mail for our email communications and add us to your safe senders list to ensure all future email communication is received.
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. We know there are many challenges facing our young people and the communities we serve, and that's why we need determined people like you to help us tackle those inequalities. Whilst each of our academies has their own unique cultures and values; as a whole Federation, we have four core values which are central to successfully achieving our vision: Excellence, Collaboration, Support, and Innovation. We are proud of our values because they guide us in how we work allowing us to achieve the best possible outcomes for our young people, communities, and colleagues.
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. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.
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 in London employer: The Harris Federation
At Harris Federation, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture. As a Financial Accountant, you will benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, a supportive environment, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people in our diverse communities. With competitive benefits such as generous annual leave, a strong pension scheme, and flexible working arrangements at our East Croydon head office, we are committed to your growth and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Accountant in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the finance sector, especially those who work at Harris Federation. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help your application stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on UK GAAP and financial systems. We want to see your expertise shine, so practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. It shows you can communicate effectively with stakeholders!
✨Tip Number 3
Show us your passion for social mobility! Research Harris Federation’s impact and be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to our mission. We love candidates who align with our values and vision.
✨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 in London
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 any financial systems you've used. We want to see how your skills align with what we need, so don’t hold back!
Be Yourself:We value authenticity! Let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for finance and how it connects to our mission of improving educational outcomes for young people.
Apply Online:Make sure to apply through our website. You can easily import your CV or use your LinkedIn profile to fill in the application. Just remember to check your junk mail for our responses!
How to prepare for a job interview at The 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 and analytical skills. Think of specific situations where you had to reconcile accounts or manage cash flow effectively. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
The Harris Federation values collaboration, so be prepared to discuss how you've worked with different stakeholders in the past. Share examples of how you’ve provided financial insights to support decision-making, demonstrating your ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively.
