Finance Director
We now have over 55 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.
We are a pioneering education charity, and one of the leading multi-academy trusts in the country. We have a track record of taking on some of the most challenging schools in London, turning them into places where every young person can access a high-quality education and have opportunities to succeed.
Our central team comprises a dedicated, driven group of departments working centrally to provide support across the Federation and all of our academies. Across a multitude of key departments, we maintain expertise all integral to supporting central and academies in areas such as HR, Data, Estates Management, Talent and many more.
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 page.Main Areas of Responsibility
You will play a pivotal role in the strategic and financial leadership of Harris Federation, overseeing the financial operations of our 55 academies across London and Essex, ensuring our financial health, compliance with legal, legislative, and regulatory requirements, and alignment with educational funding policies. As the senior finance leader, you will work closely with the CEO, trustees, and senior management team to drive the financial strategy that supports the Harris Federation mission and educational goals.
Qualifications & Experience
We would like to hear from you if you:
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA) with significant post-qualification experience
- Are an experienced FD, ideally in Education or similar related industries such as healthcare, housing or charities
- Have proven experience at board level and with managing complex stakeholder relationships.
- Have experience of successfully delivering change and transformation in a fast-paced, complex, multi-location organisation
- Have a strategic, forward-looking mindset providing decisive leadership whilst being resourceful and ‘hands on’
- Are a champion for the inter-related goals of financial, environmental and organisational sustainability
Professional Development & Benefits
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.You will also have access to a variety of benefits, programmes and initiatives including:
- Annual performance and loyalty bonus
- 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
- Private Medical Cover
- 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
Non Charity Employer 
More than 1000
