Head of Operational Finance

We are looking for an outstanding Head of Operational Finance to manage and deliver a strong, compliant, efficient and effective function, covering Accounts Payable (P2P), Accounts Receivable, and Balance Sheet controls and reconciliations.

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.

To discover more about our culture, ethos and what it is like to work here, visit the Why Work For Us page.

MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Your responsibilities will include:

• Ensuring that the financial transactions of the organisation are administered in most efficient and effective way
• Monthly accounts preparation, ensuring individual and consolidated monthly account and forecasting information is available to internal stakeholders
• Ensuring that purchasing administration from point of order through to payment is administered
• Ensuring all income is administered effectively.
• Ensuring accurate financial records are maintained with effective and timely reconciliations across General Ledgers, sub-ledgers, bank and inter-company accounts
• Payroll, ensuring payments made in line with Service Levels and that effective controls/reconciliations are maintained
• Maintaining a high level of data quality to ensure maximum effectiveness of end-to-end processing
• Driving efficiencies and effectiveness of the team, processes, data, and systems to enable improvements in the timeliness of robust financial information
• Developing and leading an efficient and motivated team to delivery of accurate and value adding financial information
• Maintaining effective communication with key stakeholders, developing strong and positive relationships

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We would like to hear from you if you have:

• Proven experience of the provision of monthly accounts in an effective and timely manner
• Experience of running and driving improvements within an Operational Finance Function, specifically delivery of effective Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable disciplines
• A track record of managing and developing high performing finance teams
• Experience of Oracle Fusion or similar complex financial systems, e.g. SAP
• Strong ownership and accountability along with a positive can-do attitude.
• The ability to assess performance from a strategic/holistic view, drawing out key areas for improvement and resolution
• Strong data analysis and problem-solving skills
• The ability to lead, prioritise and set clear direction of teams
• Strong people management skills
• Strong communication and engagement skills

For a full job description and person specification, please download the Job Pack.

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.

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.