Financial Controller (Ark Start)

About The Role
Ark Start is looking to recruit a Financial Controller to manage the centralised finance function for Ark Start. We currently have seven nurseries in London, expanding significantly in both London and West Yorkshire next year and are becoming a separate legal entity (wholly owned by the Ark charity) for September 2027.
As the Financial Controller, you will be responsible for ensuring an efficient and effective finance function for Ark Start including management of the finance team, all operational and month end processes and management/ statutory reporting. A large part of the role will involve reviewing/ setting up processes and systems, and developing the team, to prepare for expansion.
We are looking for a passionate, hard-working and extremely organised individual who is excited by growth and change and wants to be part of this dynamic new venture. This role would suit a finance professional who wants responsibility across all finance areas for this growing start-up but with a focus on statutory reporting, treasury management, controls and compliance.

• Our flexible working model offers the best of both worlds, balancing in‑person collaboration, either in our state‑of‑the‑art West London office or through visits to our nurseries, with the flexibility of remote working
• In addition to flexible working arrangements, employees can request to work fully remotely for up to 10 working days a year, whether this be in the UK or abroad
• Our flexitime policy allows you to work your hours around our core hours of 10.00 - 16.00, helping you prioritise your work-life balance and personal commitments
• 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. This entitlement 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 where we make an 11% contribution; you are not required to contribute towards this scheme unless you choose to.
• 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 local gym and free eye tests

About Us
Our dedicated team work together to ensure that every child has a joyful, engaging, and secure nursery experience and leaves us ready to start school happily and confidently. We are driven by our values in everything we do: Aim High, Be Brave, Be Kind and Keep Learning.
Ark Start is at an exciting time in its evolution. We currently have seven nurseries in London and aim to expand our reach over the coming years. As we expand, we are looking for a Financial Controller to join our team. We are looking for someone with a genuine passion for the Ark Start mission and an organised, hands-on approach to financial management.
Diversity and inclusion:
We aim to build a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone – staff and students – can do their best work and achieve their full potential. We want to reflect and represent diverse perspectives across our organisation because we know that doing so will make us stronger and more effective. To know more about Ark’s diversity and inclusion commitments, please click on this link.
Safeguarding statement:
Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants.
Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred. To read more about Ark’s safer recruitment process, please click this link.
Please note we will be reviewing applications on an on-going basis and this role may close earlier than advertised depending on the level of response. We strongly encourage to submit your application at your earliest convenience. 
If you would like to hear more about this role or about Ark Start, please contact .