Chief Finance Officer - Education

Company details and job overview:

Based in Lancashire, this growing Multi Academy Trust are in a period of growth. Part of the leadership team, this role will work to drive the strategic direction of the Trust, whilst taking the lead on financial activity. Rewarding and fulfilling, the role will lead an established finance function and comes with a highly competitive salary and Local Gov pension scheme. With Hybrid working options there is the opportunity to add real value.

Your new role as Chief Finance Officer:

As Chief Finance and Operations Officer, you will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer and the Trust Executive Team to refine and implement the Trust Strategy. Responsible for the strategic oversight of the non-academic aspects of the Trust, you will strategically lead Trust finance and operations staff across the central team and ensure compliance across all of our schools. Working alongside School Business Managers, Headteachers, School Governors, Trustees and key external partners and stakeholders you shall drive productivity and remain focused on enabling the stakeholders. With the privilege of making a key contribution to setting the scene for the future success of the Trust, you will be able to influence the direction of the business and be a key player in the decision making process.

With further additions to the Trust due in the coming months, they are seen as a leading education provider, and one which remains innovative in approach.

Key Responsibilities:

Overview:

• Provide day-to-day leadership and management of all teams which report to this post.
• Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, equal opportunities, confidentiality and data protection (GDPR), reporting all concerns to an appropriate person.
• Maintain high quality working relationships with staff, students and parents/carers that contribute to creating a productive and happy working environment.
• Participate in training and other learning activities, as required.
• Perform all other reasonable requests, as required, within the grading of the post.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

• Be the Chief Financial Officer for the Trust, ensuring that it meets standards set out in relevant legislation and as advised by our Auditors and Financial Advisors and the Department for Education or relevant funding body.
• Oversight of the management of finance operations, responsible for delivering the Trust’s financial and accounting processes and supporting the CEO in meeting their responsibilities as Accounting Officer
• Ensure that funding is utilised in line with funding agreements
• Ensure that financial governance is strong and appropriate, and that risk management arrangements are in place.
• Develop and ensure implementation of the Trust Financial Regulations Handbook and finance policies.
• Ensure that appropriate financial systems are in place that allow financial records to be securely maintained and reported accurately, internally and to external partners in line with legislative requirements
• Oversight of the preparation of and monitoring of Trust and school budgets, and reporting to CEO and Directors to ensure that all budgetary targets are met, and efficiencies are maximised.
• Ensure delivery of statutory accounts and all other returns as required by company, charity and DfE legislation.
• Ensure the delivery of accurate and useful management accounting reports to schools and the Trust Board
• Develop and advise on operational support for the head teachers.
• Lead on any significant capital project including managing any application for capital funding and or distribution of any capital grant.
• Ensure long-term financial sustainability, by confirming that proper financial systems are established and effectively monitored, that appropriate action is recommended to address problems identified, and to ensure that the Directors are presented with accurate and timely financial reports.
• Develop and maintain a strong and effective relationship with the Department for Education and relevant funding bodies, and ensure that funding is maximised. Develop and implement strategies for the generation of additional revenue and resources for the Trust.

HUMAN RESOURCES

• Ensure that all employment policies and procedures in the Trust are appropriate, follow best practice, and reflect the culture of the Trust as well as all relevant legislation. This includes the Burgundy book for Teaching staff, and the Green Book for Support staff.
• Ensure all HR policies are followed across the Trust.
• Have oversight of the staffing structures and costings across the Trust and oversee new appointment processes.
• To lead and report to the Board on employment matters such as Employee Engagement, Diversity and Inclusion, Training and Development as they relate to best practice.
• Work with Headteachers to monitor and maintain an affordable recruitment strategy.

PAYROLL

• Lead the payroll team to ensure that the Trust workforce is paid appropriately.
• Ensure that systems and processes are in place to ensure Schools receive support on a day-to-day basis.
• Ensure that the payroll team adhere to legislative requirements, such as tax, national insurance and benefits such as pensions.
Strategic workforce planning that reflects wider Trust strategies and policies
Oversight of workforce reporting to internal and external stakeholders such as Trustees and the DfE

Experience & Qualifications Required to apply:

In order to be considered, you must be residing in the local Lancashire region. Formally qualified (ACA CIMA ACCA CIPFA) you shall have a track record of successful senior leadership and strategy development within a comparable organisation. After reading the role requirements, you must be able to demostrate skills and past experince in all areas to be considered. 

This role is being handled by Darren Cadman – Kenton Black Finance