As a key member of the Leadership Team, the Director of Finance & Resources plays a strategic and operational role in ensuring the smooth running of the business support functions including Finance, Buildings, IT Network, Hospitality, Hygiene, Community Sports, and Lettings. This role also includes the statutory duties of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Company Secretary. Based in West London, Ealing this role starts in September 2025.

 

Reporting to the Principal & CEO and working with Trustees, the role helps shape strategic direction, drive performance, and ensure full statutory compliance. Based in Ealing, West London, the role starts in September 2025 and is full-time, working all year round (i.e. not just term time), Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm, with generous holiday entitlement to be taken during school holidays.

 

Skills & Experience needed:

• Hold a professional qualification in Finance e.g. ACA / ACCA / CIMA / CIPFA (or significant equivalent senior finance experience)
• Proven successful experience as a Finance Director (or equivalent) in a complex, large-scale organisation
• Responsibility for both financial and non-financial functions such as Building Services, IT Network, Hospitality Services
• Extensive experience in financial planning, budgetary control and performance monitoring
• Experience of preparing statutory accounts and leading on external audits along with working with statutory bodies including HMRC, Companies House, pension providers
• Highly developed analytical, interpretative, and financial modelling skills with the ability to translate complex data into actionable business and financial strategies
• Applications from those with experience of finance within an educational setting, School Business Management / Project Management qualification and/or knowledge of Academy Trust Handbook, DfE and ESFA financial frameworks would be desirable but not essential.

 

What we have to offer you:

• An Ofsted ‘Good’ school and an exciting place to work as judged in June 2023
• Local Government Pension Scheme with employer’s pension contribution of over 19%
• Increased job security in a public sector role compared to private sector with generous annual leave entitlement
• New free on-site state of the art fitness suite, access to Blue Light Card and Costco membership for all staff, cycle to work scheme, free on-site parking, subsidised meals and family friendly policies including dependents entitlement.

 

Commitment to safeguarding:

• ARA is committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination
• Our goal is a workforce that reflects all parts of society, where every employee feels respected and able to give their best.

 

How to apply:

• Visit the ‘Quicklinks - Vacancies’ section of our website for more information and an application form: www.alecreedacademy.co.uk
• If you prefer to talk, our HR department would love to chat: 0208 8414511.

 

Closing date for completed applications:  Thursday 7^th August 2025 at 12pm

Interviews will be held Tuesday 12^th August 2025.

 

We reserve the right to hold interviews in advance of the closing date should a favourable application be received.

 

ARA is committed to the protection and safety of our learners. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced criminal record check via the Disclosure and Barring Service prior to commencing the role.