Finance controller jobs

Help build a network where every child can succeed.

At Ark, we believe that every child deserves access to an excellent education, regardless of their background. For over two decades, we've been transforming lives through education, creating schools where children thrive, teachers flourish and communities grow stronger.

As we expand from 39 to 48 academies, we're looking for an exceptional Financial Controller to help provide the financial leadership that underpins our mission. This is an opportunity to join one of the UK's largest and most ambitious multi-academy trusts at a pivotal point in our journey.

Behind every outstanding school is a finance team that enables great decisions, protects public funds and gives school leaders the confidence to focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional outcomes for young people.

The opportunity

Reporting to the Director of Finance and Procurement, you will lead our financial control and reporting function across the Ark Schools network. You'll oversee a high-performing team of eight and ensure that our financial reporting, statutory compliance, treasury management and internal controls are robust, forward-looking and fit for a growing organisation.

This is far more than a technical accounting role. You'll be a trusted adviser to senior leaders, driving continuous improvement, strengthening financial governance and ensuring we remain an exemplary steward of the public and charitable funding entrusted to us.

You'll lead on:

• Delivering statutory accounts and year-end reporting across a complex group structure
• Leading external audit and regulatory reporting, ensuring full compliance with academy and charity requirements
• Overseeing treasury, cash flow forecasting and capital expenditure across the Trust
• Maintaining a robust financial control environment that supports a growing network
• Developing and mentoring a talented central finance team
• Improving financial systems, processes and reporting to support better decision-making
• Supporting the successful integration of new schools into the Ark network

About you

You're a technically outstanding qualified accountant who combines strong financial control expertise with a collaborative leadership style.

You'll bring:

• A recognised CCAB qualification with significant post-qualified experience
• Strong statutory reporting and external audit experience
• Experience leading and developing finance teams
• Excellent knowledge of financial controls, treasury and balance sheet management
• The confidence to influence senior stakeholders and communicate complex financial information clearly
• A continuous improvement mindset and the ability to thrive in a fast-moving environment

Experience within education, charities or the wider public sector would be welcomed but isn't essential. We're equally interested in candidates from complex commercial organisations who are excited by the opportunity to apply their expertise to a purpose-driven organisation.

Why Ark?

This is a chance to use your professional expertise to create lasting social impact.

Every improvement you make to our financial systems, every risk you help manage and every decision you support enables our schools to focus on delivering an outstanding education for thousands of children.

You'll join an organisation that combines the pace and ambition of a growing organisation with a clear social purpose, working alongside colleagues who are deeply committed to transforming children's life chances.

If you're looking for a leadership role where your technical expertise will have a meaningful impact far beyond the finance function, we'd love to hear from you.

To apply

Please apply via the link. We are proud to partner exclusively with Bryony Thomas from Allen Lane. For an informal conversation please contact Bryony directly through the agency website. 

This is a fast moving process and an early application is highly recommended.

Do you want to support people with mental health issues in a moment of crisis?

Are you calm, non-judgemental and able to work effectively with people experiencing distress?

If you can embody our values of Hope, Courage, Togetherness, and Responsiveness, and want to help others build resilience and manage their wellbeing, we’d love to hear from you.

Financial Controller
Reference: 367
Responsible to: Senior Finance Manager
Working hours: Up to 37.5 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £32,000 - £34,000 per annum
Based: Watford (some flexibility for hybrid work from home)

This is a position offering someone with the appropriate values and experience, the opportunity to play a pivotal role in the Finance Team, coordinating the Finance Department, ensuring that financial & payroll information is processed in accordance with HMN procedures & timescales.

As a Financial Controller you will work closely with the Senior Finance Manager to drive quality financial processes through the core of the organisation, leading on the management of the team.

Key Responsibilities

• Production of monthly management accounts to Senior Management budget holders
• Line Management of the Finance Administrators & Finance Officer
• Support with quarterly reconciliations & reports for Board
• Assisting with setting yearly budgets & projections in liaison with Senior Leadership Team & Finance Manager
• Assist budget holders in appropriate activity analysis
• Coordinating payroll processes are robust and efficient with HR
• Investigation of queries from suppliers & staff providing advice & assistance as required
• Produce ad-hoc financial/management information as required by the CEO or Senior Leaders
• To ensure financial systems guarantee clarity of requirement for grant and contract monitoring and compliance.
• Oversee all financial transactions, and sales and purchase invoices are accurately entered by the finance team into QuickBooks & ensure financial information is processed in accordance with procedure
• Awareness of UK accounting requirements and Charity SORP changes that may affect the organisation.
• The post holder will support SMT with budgets for service implementations and service development to facilitate continuous improvement and safe practice.

We offer:

• Annual leave entitlement of 25 days per year pro rata, rising in increments to a max. of 29 days after 5 years employment (plus 8 days Bank Holidays)
• An additional day of leave each year for your birthday following completion of probation period.
• Ongoing training relevant to your role.
• An Employee Assistance Programme.
• Eligibility for blue light card.
• Health cover (after 6 months employment) – compensation payment for Optical, Dental, Chiropody and Therapy Treatments.

Being able to drive and having access to your own vehicle (or equivalent) is essential for this role.

Closing date for applications will be 20th July 2026.
Interviews to be held on a rolling basis at our Watford Wellbeing Centre.
This advert may close early if a suitable applicant is found. Please submit your application as soon as possible.

N.B. Please quote reference number 367 when completing your application for this role.

Interested? 

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position. 

We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. In addition, during the various stages of recruitment, specific measures can be taken to ensure equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities or special needs.

Hertfordshire Mind Network is committed to the Disability Confident and Mindful Employer charters. We actively recruit staff who have a lived experience of mental ill health. Our inclusive approach recognises the unique skills, knowledge, and perspectives that lived experience brings to our team.

No agencies please.

Financial Controller

£60,000 - £65,000 | Permanent | 4 day working week (Full Time) | London Hybrid

Take ownership of financial control, statutory reporting, and technical accounting while helping shape the future of CIPFA's finance function whilst they are undergoing transformation!

CIPFA is exclusively partnering with Robertson Bell in their search for a Financial Controller to join their finance team in a newly created role. This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of financial control, statutory reporting, treasury, tax and compliance, while helping drive the ongoing development of a modern, high-performing finance function.

As the professional body for people in public finance, CIPFA is committed to supporting better public services through excellence in financial management and governance. This role will play a key part in ensuring the organisation continues to operate with strong financial stewardship while supporting future growth and organisational priorities.

Why this Financial Controller role stands out:

• A genuine four-day working week – work Monday to Thursday, enjoy Fridays off, and take the full salary home (it is not pro rata!).
• Newly created position with the opportunity to shape the role and influence the future direction of the finance function.
• Strategic exposure – partner with senior leaders on commercial opportunities, international activity, and organisational initiatives.
• Drive improvement and transformation across systems, controls, reporting, and finance processes.
• Clear progression potential – gain exposure well beyond traditional financial control responsibilities, with the potential to develop into a broader finance leadership role over time.

What you'll do – and what you'll gain:

• Play a leading role in statutory reporting, year-end processes, audits, treasury management, and tax compliance.
• Act as the organisation's technical accounting expert, ensuring compliance with charity accounting standards and evolving regulations.
• Support strategic projects by providing insight into financial, tax, treasury, and compliance implications.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen controls, improve reporting, and maximise the value of finance systems.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of a modern, high-performing finance function.

What you'll need:

• Experience preparing charity statutory accounts and managing year-end audits, either in industry or practice.
• Strong knowledge of charity accounting, VAT and SORP FRS102.
• A proactive approach to process improvement and problem-solving.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills and the confidence to challenge constructively.
• A recognised accounting qualification is desirable, although exceptional relevant experience will also be considered.

Location & Working Pattern:

The organisation operates a 32-hour full-time working week, with employees typically working 9:00am - 5:30pm Monday to Thursday (including a 30-minute lunch break) and enjoying Fridays off.

Hybrid working is in place, with 1-2 days per week in the London office.

Ready to make your mark?

This is an excellent opportunity to join an organisation investing in its finance function and creating an environment where technical expertise, innovation, and continuous improvement are genuinely valued.

The deadline for applications is on Sunday 5^th July, but CVs are being reviewed on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged to ensure you don’t miss out!