Financial Accountant

What skills and experience we're looking for

Join Harris Federation, one of the UK's leading education trusts, and play a key role in delivering high quality financial reporting and control across a growing organisation.

We are looking for an experienced, detail-focused finance professional with strong analytical and reporting skills. In return, you'll benefit from a collaborative environment, excellent professional development, and the opportunity to contribute to an organisation dedicated to improving outcomes for young people.

If you are ready to take the next step in your finance career, we would welcome your application.

We would like to hear from you if you have

• An understanding of UK GAAP
• Experience with financial systems and ERP software (e.g. SAP, Oracle, Sage) along with proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including advanced functions
• Ideally 2-3 years of post-graduation experience in an accounting role, preferably within a commercial environment
• ACA, ACCA, or CIMA (or equivalent) either in progress or recently obtained
• A degree in Accounting, Finance or a related discipline, with a strong academic record

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

What the school offers its staff

The Harris Federation is a leading education charity with 55 Harris primary and secondary academies across London and Essex. The founder, Chairman and sponsor of the Harris Federation, Lord Harris of Peckham, opened our first school in 1990. We now educate some 38,000 young people and closing the gap between children from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers has always been a core mission.

The Harris Federation has a track record of accomplishment in achieving success through rapid school improvement and has built an unrivalled reputation for running outstanding academies in London.

Our people are at the heart of our success. We have developed 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 to senior leadership.We look for talented individuals who share our vision for creating exceptional places of learning, and are committed to ensuring that every child in London has access to the best possible education.In addition to the opportunities for career progression, training and development, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes our Harris Allowance, a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Pension Scheme, a Wellbeing Cash Plan and many other benefits.

Further details about the role

Reporting to the Head of Financial Accounting, you will take ownership of producing accurate management and statutory accounts, supporting audits, and ensuring compliance with UK GAAP and charity sector requirements.

This is a varied and impactful role, where you will lead on month-end processes, balance sheet reconciliations, VAT returns, and cash management, while also driving continuous improvement in financial systems and controls. Working closely with stakeholders, you'll provide clear financial insight to support decision-making across the Federation.

Commitment to safeguarding

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed for all applicants. Before applying, please review our Policy Statement on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders.