Regional Finance Manager, ARK SCHOOLS

Regional Finance Manager

Reports to: Regional Senior Finance Manager

Location: West London within Ark’s North London Finance region

Contract: Permanent

Pattern: Full Time (37.5 hours per week)

Salary: £42,000 to £50,000 (depending on experience and qualifications)

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with Principals and senior staff to ensure effective financial management, adherence to budget and strategic decision‑making.
• Support a high‑performance team culture and continuous improvement mindset, including training and development for finance staff.
• Drive change and initiatives that promote regularity, propriety, value for money and best practice across the region.
• Ensure timely production and issue of financial reports, cash‑flow forecasts and returns, including ad‑hoc review and projects.
• Prepare management accounts and related analysis; post month‑end journals and ensure monthly bank and control account reconciliations align with Ark’s month‑end pack.
• Prepare the annual budget and reforecasts for approval by Ark.

Key Requirements

• Right to work in the UK.
• Experienced part‑qualified accountant or fully qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA or ACA).
• High level of numeracy, demonstrated through relevant qualifications or experience.
• Experience running effective administrative and financial systems, ideally within a school environment.
• High level of proficiency with Microsoft Excel and the wider MS Office suite.
• High level of proficiency with Sage Intact (accounting system), Concur (invoicing system) and IMP (budgeting system).
• Experience using financial databases and confidence and interest in learning new technologies.
• Line management experience (desirable).
• Experience managing and negotiating contracts, tenders and agreements (desirable).
• Understanding of relevant legislation, policies and procedures and ability to apply this knowledge.
• Knowledge and understanding of the education sector (desirable).
• Strong organisational and time‑management skills and the ability to delegate appropriately.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with parents, governors, community members and other stakeholders.
• High standards and keen eye for detail.

Benefits

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 30 days after 3 years of service; pro‑rata for part‑time employees; excludes bank holidays.
• Full office closure between Christmas and New Year.
• Participation in Ark’s The Pension Trust scheme (11% employer contribution) and, depending on role, entitlement to LGPS.
• Access to high‑quality professional learning throughout career, including face‑to‑face sessions and a bespoke online learning platform.
• Access to Ark Rewards scheme offering savings from over 3,000 retailers, interest‑free loans for season tickets or bikes, gym discounts up to 40% off local gyms and free eye tests.

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