Regional Finance Assistant

About The Role

We are looking to recruit a committed Finance Assistant to join our schools in the North London Region.

You will have an important role to play in day‑to‑day financial management, ensuring compliance, high standards of financial probity and value for money across the academy. You will be responsible for resources ordering across the schools and liaise with senior leaders and the finance team to establish best practice.

We are looking for someone who has experience working with financial procedures, cash handling, and maintaining cash security, preferably within a school, public sector, or charitable organisation. The ideal candidate will possess strong skills in spreadsheets and computerised accounting software, with excellent attention to detail and accuracy.

The Regional Finance Assistant will report to the Senior Finance Manager. This role is based in the Ark North London region on a fixed‑term, part‑time basis.

Interviews will take place w/c 10th August 2026.

Please note we will be reviewing applications on an ongoing basis and this role may close earlier than advertised depending on the level of response. We strongly encourage you to submit your application at your earliest convenience.

• Take responsibility for the processing of financial transactions within the academy, including purchase orders, invoicing, credit card reconciliation, BACS payments and petty cash.
• Undertake monthly bank reconciliations.
• Achieve for the academy the most competitive pricing for goods and services in compliance with current and relevant procurement legislation and Ark policy.
• Maintain the finance filing systems, ensuring that records are suitable for audit purposes.
• Accurately administer and manage the school resources ordering system across both primary and secondary phases.
• Ensure procurement best practice is adhered to.
• Work with the Senior Finance Manager to achieve the most competitive pricing for goods and services in compliance with current and relevant procurement legislation.
• Assist the North London Region with the day‑to‑day financial processes and procedures required of the academy, ensuring compliance with the requirements of the Academies Financial Handbook.
• Ensure high standards of financial probity and value for money within the academy.
• Work in collaboration with Ark, and counterparts in other Ark academies.

• Right to work in the UK.
• Experience of financial procedures, cash handling and cash security.
• Experience in a school, similar public sector environment or charity (desirable).
• Excellent literacy and communication skills, including written and oral.
• Highly developed skills in spreadsheet and computerised accountancy software.
• Excellent numerical and financial skills.
• Highly competent computer skills, in particular using Excel, Internet, Email and financial databases.
• Good planning and organisational skills.
• Understanding of confidentiality and discretion.
• Strong attention to detail.
• An interest in learning about finance and procurement.
• Demonstrates resilience, motivation and commitment to driving up standards of achievement.
• Commitment to the safeguarding and welfare of all pupils.

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising with each year of service up to 30 days after 3‑years’ service. This entitlement is pro‑rata for part‑time employees and excludes bank holidays.
• Full office closure between Christmas and New Year.
• As an Ark employee, you will have the opportunity to be part of the TPT (The Pension Trust) scheme. Our workplace pension scheme includes an 11% employer contribution; you are not required to contribute unless you choose to. Depending on your role you may also be entitled to LGPS, a defined‑benefit scheme where you contribute a percentage based on how much you earn in exchange for a guaranteed pension amount each year.
• Access to high‑quality professional learning throughout your career, offering both face‑to‑face sessions and a bespoke online learning platform.
• Access to Ark Rewards scheme offering savings from over 3,000 major retailers, interest‑free loans available for season tickets or a bike, gym discounts offering up to 40% off your…