Director Of Finance And Resources

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. We’ve always believed that, with the right approach, every school has the potential to succeed - even those in the most challenging circumstances. Nothing should be a barrier to children achieving.

Ark is a network of 39 schools in the UK and the Regional Finance Director will provide the overall leadership and management for all aspects of Finance to Ark Schools in the Birmingham region. The role will be focussed on ensuring processes are embedded across all schools; supporting schools new to the network (or with new staff structures) with transition as well as leading, with regard to finance, on strategic projects within the schools.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Being a member of the Ark Central Finance Team, ensuring that the network financial strategies and processes are being carried out at all Birmingham schools, including those planning to join the network
• Being a member of the Birmingham Senior Leadership Team, with responsibility for strategic financial management and financial performance
• Being responsible for all aspects of Finance at the academies and developing the in-school finance teams to provide a high-level service to their principals and operations leads
• Being entrepreneurial, developing income generating and cost reducing strategies
• Taking the lead, financially, on strategic projects within the region
• Managing a medium sized, multi-site team

Our ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate:

• Experience in the implementation of financial processes, planning and reporting
• Extensive experience in successfully managing and motivating a team
• A highly organised and proactive approach to work
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a track record of challenging and influencing a wide range of senior stakeholders

The successful candidate will be fully qualified (ACA/ACCA/CIMA/CIPFA) from the Education, Charity, Commercial or wider Public Sector. You will be analytically-minded with excellent organisational and project management skills. We are looking for someone who is eager to learn, flexible in approach but firm when necessary, who can work on their own initiative and thrives when thinking and acting proactively. You be able to communicate complex financial information to stakeholders and possess the ability to influence and build rapport with a range of Finance and non-finance persons across the organisation. Enthusiasm for the sector is a must.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a high calibre finance profession looking to make an impact in the sector and will provide an excellent platform in your career.

For an informal conversation about the role please contact Bryony Thomas via the Allen Lane agency website.