Head of Operational Finance

• Job Type: Full-time
• Location: Croydon
• Salary: £70,000 to £80,000
• Hybrid: Office 3 Home 2 

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Head of Operational Finance with academy sector experience to join our team. This role is pivotal in managing the internal financial operational processes for the Federation, ensuring timeliness, accuracy, and completeness. The successful candidate will provide financial support and advice to Head Office departments and schools, including the Federation Senior Leadership Team. This position offers the chance to drive improvements within a large organisation as part of a compact and high-performing central finance function.

• Oversee all income and payroll processing for the schools and federation.
• Manage the BACS and manual payment processes.
• Review central processing for best practice and oversee monthly balance sheet reconciliation.
• Maintain the finance handbook and other published guidance.
• Implement month-end timetables in collaboration with the Financial Controller and Systems team.
• Develop and deliver training for Finance Officers, Management Accountants, and Accounts Payable team.
• Produce and review consolidated monthly accounts and work on year-end adjustments.
• Prepare consolidated submissions to the Department for Education (DfE) and year-end papers for head office activities.
• Liaise with Internal Audit and External auditors, assist with ESFA submissions and audits.
• Oversee reconciliation and review of monthly inter-academy recharges and monthly journals.
• Identify and evaluate opportunities for improving value for money and work closely with other departments to ensure clear and smooth processes.

• Proven experience in financial operations within the academy sector.
• Strong understanding of financial processes and regulations.
• Ability to oversee income and payroll processing, manage payment processes, and conduct balance sheet reconciliations.
• Experience in developing and implementing financial procedures and training.
• Proficiency in preparing consolidated financial statements and submissions.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to liaise with various teams and auditors.
• A proactive approach to identifying and implementing value for money improvements.

• Competitive salary package.
• Opportunity to be part of a significant period of change and improvement.
• Work within a high-performing central finance function.
• Professional development opportunities.

To apply for the Head of Operational Finance position, please submit your CV and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are interested in this role.