Director of Finance and Operations

Director of Finance & Operations  

Swanley, Kent - Salary: £80,000

Parkwood Hall Co-operative Academy is a specialist day school for children and young people aged 8-19 who have moderate to severe learning difficulties and autism. Many of our pupils have additional needs including ADHD, Downs Syndrome and language difficulties. Referrals come from local authorities across London, Kent and the Southeast.

We are committed to providing a learning environment that enables all our pupils to achieve the best they can and help prepare them for adult life so they can live as independent a life as possible. We are fortunate in having an amazing site where our children can access seventy-eight acres of green space and woodlands. We have two Forest Schools as well as purpose-built playground areas and sports areas.    

We have a highly skilled team of professionals including teachers, teaching assistants, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, a school nurse and residential staff.   We are looking for an exceptional individual to join our leadership team and play a key role in the future development of the organisation.  

As Director of Finance & Operations, reporting to the Principal/Trustees, you will provide direction and lead operational services and a team of 20+ colleagues covering Finance, Administration, HR, Estates, Catering and ICT. You will be integral to the strategic development of the organisation and the delivery of our aims and ambitions, ensuring that we are highly efficient, effective and agile as we evolve and grow.  Currently our budget is in the order of £7 million.

A qualified accountant and/or a highly experienced Business Manager, you will have a track record of successful financial management/stewardship. This may have been gained inside the schools/academies sector or outside. You will be keen to play a broader role in other operational areas and will understand the importance of high-quality service and problem solving.  You may well be looking for a varied role, with greater responsibility or a more worthwhile context to utilise your expertise. Key will be a value set that matches our own. At the heart of which is one statement - All our staff must be kind.

This is a stimulating environment where you can work within a committed team and make a real difference to the lives of young people. It is also an exciting time to join the organisation.  We are ambitious for our young people, and we believe there is much to build on. Our young people deserve the very best.  If you are excited by the prospect and believe you can make a difference, then we would like to hear from you.

For more information including the job description and person specification then follow the link https://www.pentir.com/roles/directorfinandoperations/

For a confidential conversation about the role then contact Mike Phillips (mike.phillips@pentir.com) on 07830-313915 at our advisors Pentir.

Closing Date: Monday 14th October

Parkwood Hall Co-operative Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We welcome applicants from underrepresented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or religion. Appointment to this po