Finance Manager at Workforce Group

Job Summary

• In consultation with the COO and Director of Education prepare the school’s annual budget and review and update as necessary.
• Establish a high level of credibility and manage strong working relationships with internal and external parties.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide financial leadership and professional financial management for the school, in accordance with the Finance Policy and Handbook, administering payroll, pension-related and HR-related financial functions.
• Deliver comprehensive financial planning, ensure robust financial systems and controls to safeguard finances and ensure efficiency and value for money.
• Assisting the Director of Education, COO and wider senior leadership team (SLT) in formulating aims and objectives of the school and in establishing the policies, systems and procedures through which they shall be achieved, including development of resource plans as required.
• Advising on compliance with legislation and guidance, for example IFRS.
• The line management of several staff falling under their remit including their induction, training and appraisal. This will be a gradual growth over a number of years.
• Supporting and encouraging the school’s culture and ethos and its objectives, policies and procedures
• Ensure the impact of financial strategy and management directly impacts on educational outcomes for students.
• Advise senior management and boards, on the financial implications of government and local policies and provide appropriate guidance on financial governance.
• Monitor the payment of salaries by the school’s payroll provider. Or, maintain an effective payroll system and ensure compliance with all relevant legislation ensuring all forms including timesheets, new starter/leaver/variation forms and annual returns are submitted within required deadlines.
• Monitor income and expenditure in relation to the school’s budget and produce monthly management accounts. Provide budget holders with advice on matters relating to their budgets.
• Keep all school accounts and prepare income and expenditure and tax reports in accordance with relevant financial regulations, and liaise with the school’s auditors and support them with the preparation of the accounts
• Co-ordinate all the annual external audit (interim and final) and internal audit liaising with all parties involved, and preparing papers and workings
• Maintain and oversee all bank accounts including the school’s debit/charge/credit card(s), completing monthly reconciliations and reporting any errors to the COO.
• Ensure that the school’s Finance Policy and financial procedures handbook is reviewed and updated as necessary and that this is disseminated to all who need to know, providing training where necessary.
• In conjunction with the COO and Director of Communications, Admissions and Marketing, pursue income and sponsorship generation opportunities including the preparation and submission of applications, bids and proposals
• Ensure accurate tax accounting and payment, and that tax submissions are made as required.
• Be responsible for cash flow projections and all elements of cash handling including, banking and security, fundraising and school trips.
• Nurture and maintain a positive and productive working relationship with the school’s bankers and financial advisors

Job Requirements

• A good First Degree in Accounting
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Accounting and Finance role with leadership expertise
• Experience setting account, finance processes
• Membership of the ACCA, ICAN, or any other related professional qualification is required
• Industry experience working with High Network Schools is required

Other Job Requirements:

• Financial reporting, accounting knowlegde, education, accounting skills, leadership and team management, sap-cfm - corporate finance management, financial modeling, payroll accounting.