Head of Finance – Strategic Finance & Operations – Newham

Marchant Recruitment; Greater London; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Greater London is seeking a Head of Finance to oversee financial operations, manage compliance, and lead a dedicated finance team. This strategic role involves preparing budgets, providing financial guidance, and mitigating risks under the supervision of the CFO. Candidates must have a professional accounting qualification and extensive experience in senior financial management, ideally in an educational context. The position offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package.

Benefits

Highly competitive salary

Excellent pension scheme

High levels of autonomy

Qualifications

• Extensive experience at a senior financial manager level.
• Desirable: Previous experience in an Academy Trust or educational setting.
• Desirable: Knowledge of charity law and governance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial operations and ensure long-term financial stability.
• Lead annual budget preparation and produce budget monitoring reports.
• Manage treasury activities including cash flow analysis.
• Provide financial guidance to all budget holders.
• Line manage the Finance Manager.

Skills

Strategic financial management

Budget preparation and forecasting

Compliance and risk management

Team leadership

Education

Professional accounting qualification (ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA, or CIPFA)

Job description

Head of Finance – Lead Strategic Finance, HR, and Site Management – Newham

This Secondary School, located in Newham, is seeking a highly skilled and strategic Head of Finance to join our senior support team, starting in January 2026. This is a crucial role, working directly under the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to ensure the Academy's long-term financial stability and strategic use of resources.

As Head of Finance, you will be responsible for overseeing financial operations, managing compliance and regularity, and mitigating financial risk. Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the comprehensive annual budget preparation, including estimates, forecasting, and projections.
• Producing timely and accurate Budget Monitoring reports monthly for Trustees, Senior Leadership Team (SLT), and budget holders.
• Managing Treasury activities, including cash flow analysis and investment activity.
• Providing clear financial guidance and support to all budget holders.
• Line managing the Finance Manager who oversees the team responsible for payment processing and payroll checking.

Experience and Qualifications

• A professional accounting qualification (e.g., ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA, or CIPFA) and membership of a recognised professional body is essential.
• Extensive experience at a senior financial manager level, including proven success in team leadership.
• Desirable: Previous experience working in an Academy Trust or educational setting.
• Desirable: Knowledge of charity law and governance.

School Information

Stratford School Academy is committed to operational excellence and financial sustainability. We offer a highly competitive Inner London salary scale commensurate with a senior leadership position. This role provides high levels of autonomy and strategic influence, ensuring the best possible outcomes for our students.

• Senior strategic role supporting the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
• Highly competitive Inner London salary and excellent pension scheme.
• Responsibility for compliance, risk management, and governance.
• Opportunity to lead and mentor the dedicated Finance Team.

Salary

Paid to Inner London Support Staff Leadership Scale (Highly Competitive)

Application Details

To apply for this Head of Finance position, please send your most up-to-date CV as soon as possible. Early applications are warmly encouraged.