Full time or part time
Job Purpose:
The financial management and control of the group, being the provision of management information, and input to strategic financial planning.
Key Tasks and responsibilities
Responsible for day-to-day management of the finance function
Managing a team including conducting annual reviews
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 CFOO and SBMs 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 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.
The Good Shepherd Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We ensure that all our employment practices reflect this commitment. All appointments are made subject to an enhanced DBS clearance (Disclosure and Barring Service), satisfactory references and qualification checks. The Head of Inclusion, Safeguarding and Wellbeing will be required to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people, and follow Trust policies and the staff code of conduct.