Finance Manager

The Finance Manager's role will be to manage the finance function of the Trust reporting to the Chief Operating Officer. They must ensure compliance with financial regulations and policies, and provide guidance and support to the schools within the trust.

Client Details

With offices based just outside Abingdon my client's schools deliver a rich and diverse educational experience. They focus on the development of individual character and confidence so every child can prosper both at senior school and in their lives beyond school. They are stronger as a group, valuing openness, collaboration and positive engagement to learn from each other and share best practice. As an educational charity, all of their funds are invested back into the schools for the benefit of their pupils now and in the future.

Description

The key responsibilities of the successful Finance Manager will be:

• Preparation of financial results for all statutory entities to confirm to relevant regulatory requirements (for registered charity, trading company and the pension schemes under FRS102 Charities SORP
• Liaise with external auditors and manage the annual audit process to include planning, preparation and management. Providing the information for annual financial statements and Finance Committee papers and co-ordination of the signing and filing of all sets of accounts
• Responsible for regulatory compliance, including submissions to HMRC, Charity Commission, Companies House and Office for National Statistics
• Manage internal systems of control, ensuring properly document and adhered to
• Provide regular support to all Heads and Schools (and departments within), collaborating on budgets, reviewing management accounts and forecasting
• Financial modelling, sensitivity analysis and strategic planning to support the Trust (including Heads) in decision making
• Ensure preparation and presentation of accurate and timely financial information including budgets, management accounts and forecasts, updated monthly or as required
• Prepare the individual School and Trust Office budgets, liaising with the School Head's and Executive Board
• Maintain the cash flow forecast
• Analysis for fee level increases, including chargeable extras
• Financial management of Trust's subsidiary company, including preparing commercial contracts and assisting in developing the commercial activity within the Schools
• Manage financial risk and provide advice on mitigation
• Manage financial software packages, reviewing and considering improvements
• Manage the payroll process
• Part of the SMT, attending Finance committee, preparing and providing reports and analysis as required for governance and strategic decisions
• Lead, motivate, develop and train the finance team
• Collaborate closely with Trust HR and Marketing
• Manage the admissions paperwork, following ISBA guidance and liaising with Stone King as and when required
• UKVI Authorising Officer ensuring the correct records are maintained regarding the Child Student Sponsor Scheme
• Main point of contact for insurance, pensions and private medical insurance
• Manage the property and vehicle details within Trust Office, liaising with Schools. Including preparing the service agreements for the staff accommodation, managing council tax changes and so on
• Attend seminars and webinars from associations including ISBA, AGBIS and ISC

Profile

Essential

• Recognised CCAB accounting qualification
• Knowledge of payroll issues
• Strong financial accounting knowledge and experience
• Strong Excel skills
• Excellent organisational skills with ability to prioritise complex and competing tasks
• Ability to work independently and be self-motivated
• Desire to lead, manage and develop a team
• High standards of written and oral communication

Desirable

• Knowledge of the law and practice relating to charities, income tax, PAYE and VAT
• Knowledge of law concerning parental contracts, commercial contracts and so on
• Good team-working and communication skills, including the ability to communicate and build rapport with colleagues at all levels across the business
• 'Can-do', hands on attitude and the willingness to take on cross-functional tasks across the office to support colleagues where necessary
• Ability to delegate work to the team
• Ability to plan work for the department and to motivate the team to carry it out, including identify training requirements across the team
• Ability to introduce and administer change

Job Offer

On offer for the successful Finance Manager is a salary of between £50,000 and £65,000 depending on experience and an extensive benefits package that will be discussed upon application.