Key Tasks and responsibilities  

Responsible for day-to-day management of the finance function 

Managing a team including conducting annual reviews  

Providing mentorship, coaching, and performance management to ensure high performance and professional development.  

Knowledge of HR policies and procedures  

Provide a consistent and approachable point of contact for stakeholders. 

 Oversight of the month end process and monthly management accounts preparation  

Preparing management accounts for review by the CFOO and CEO 

To provide accurate monthly departmental profitability/cost reports to budget holders in a timely manner, and to work with budget holders to explain actuals and question over/underspends 

To understand the rules and regulations associated with all income streams (ESFA, local authorities etc.) and to ensure that all income is recorded accurately in the management accounts 

Work with the Chief Finance and Operations Officer and School Business Managers to design, develop, improve and test internal financial management reports, dashboards and business intelligence queries to better inform the business 

Assist the preparation of the annual budget for the Trust and Academy schools To assist with the preparation of reforecasts (two during the academic year) for presentation to the board and ESFA as needed  

To prepare ad-hoc reports for meetings with the bank, the ESFA and other third parties when required 

 Assist with cashflow monitoring to ensure adequate liquidity and funding for Academy operations  

Preparing weekly cash flow reports 

Assisting with monthly cashflow forecasts  

Responsible for the preparation of the annual audit, from the planning stage through to the field work and to assist with the preparation of the Financial Statements  

Be the main contact for the auditors 

Ensuring all evidence is provided by the agreed deadlines 

Respond to audit queries as they arise 

Implement all audit review findings into the Trust’s controls and procedures  

 VAT return 

To authorise submission of quarterly VAT return. 

To prepare the annual partial exemption calculation 

Advise staff ordering goods and services on behalf of the Academies the appropriate VAT treatment and coding within the system 

To review the VAT records of the group and to work with external advisors to ensure that VAT is accurately recorded and that changes to rules and regulations are processed in a timely manner 

Responsible for the ongoing development and process improvement of the finance systems and integration with wider Academy reporting systems to enhance efficiency and effectiveness with the finance function 

Oversee testing and documentation of internal processes and procedures 

Ensure the integrity, accuracy, and confidentiality of financial data and information  

 Responsible for the provision of comprehensive financial controls 

Ensure compliance with accounting principles, standards, regulations, and internal controls within both the finance team and wider college group 

Maintain policies and procedures within the finance function 

To instil a culture of robust control and efficiency throughout the Trust 

Responsible for continuing development of value for money procurement activities  

Knowledge of how the Local Government Pension Scheme works, both in terms of the accounting entries required and the assumptions that are used by the actuaries to arrive at the figures provided in their Annual Report 

To maintain a Risk Register and a Risk Management Policy. It is a condition of your employment that you become aware of these documents and that you follow the objectives and procedures of good risk management in your areas of work.  

 Human Resources Management  

Liaise with the Head of HR to provide HR support and advice to the school(s) and ensure that all Trust HR policies and procedures are applied consistently.  

Oversight of monthly payroll and documents and associated reports.    

Work with the Senior Leadership Team and the Head of HR to review staffing structures, restructures and workforce planning in the school(s) to ensure that school improvement and streamlining is a priority.   

 Facilities, premises and H&S Management  

Working with the Senior Leadership Team and with the support of the Head of Buildings and Estates agree the most effective use of Devolved formula Capital and formulate capital improvement projects and bids.  

Engender a culture of effective H&S and ensure that necessary core risk assessments are in use, regularly reviewed and communicated to all staff.  

Ensure that any issues raised by the H&S auditor or the Head of Buildings and Estates are reviewed and actioned appropriately.   

Ensure a safe and secure environment for all stakeholders which supports and facilitates effective learning.   

Ensure that the letting of school(s) premises to external organisations is managed effectively and supports the ethos of the Academy.  

 Administration Management  

Primary bank administrator, with oversight of facility, including setting up new accounts if required, authorising new users and approval of chargecard applications.  

Ensure timely and accurate submission of statutory and statistical returns. 

Oversee, review and manage contracts/service level agreements to ensure best value and delivery of contractual obligations. 

Where necessary, liaise with the school(s) external IT provider to ensure IT licences are up-to-date; develop and implement the schools’ IT strategy in conjunction with the SLT and CFOO and ensure contingency plans are in place in the case of technology failure. 

Maintenance of records in accordance with the Trust’s data retention schedule and data protection law, ensuring information security and confidentiality at all times.