Finance Manager

Excellent progression

* The opportunity to be part of the strategic progression within the trust.

About Our Client

Leigh Trust are an ambitious and growing MAT located in Birmingham, with 7 schools situated across the area and ambitious plans to expand their operations.

Job Description

Finance Manager Duties:

* Accurate and timely cash forecasts are prepared, with proactive management and regular reporting of the Trust's cash position to the COO, individual schools, and the Trust Board.

* Cash management is tightly controlled, including efficient invoice payment cycles and timely preparation of monthly bank reconciliations.

* Effective income collection procedures are maintained to minimise debt issues.

* Invoices are processed efficiently.

* The annual Trust budgets are prepared in collaboration with Finance Business Partners to ensure alignment with the Trust's strategic and financial objectives.

* Income and expenditure budgets across the Trust are monitored, with early warnings provided for any potential issues.

* Accurate and timely information is provided to support effective budgetary control, decision-making, and strategic planning.

* The Trust's procurement processes, including appropriate insurances, are managed and improved.

* Effective financial structures and controls are established to support robust financial management, with proper delegation of finance authorities.

* The Trust's accounts are maintained in accordance with the funding agreement, Academies Financial Handbook issued by the EFA, and the Trust's financial regulations and procedures. - Coordinating with both internal and external auditors to ensure their effective operation.

* Representing the CEO in financial matters with the funding body.

* Proactively managing the Trust's relationship with its bankers, ensuring efficient systems for accounting and funding procedures.

* Planning and coordinating tax and treasury management practices and policies, focusing on charitable status and cash management, including quarterly VAT recovery processing.

* Ensuring value for money across all Trust activities, including service delivery.

* Negotiating and monitoring contracts, agreements, and tenders across the schools.

* Supporting the maintenance of the Trust's risk register.

* Leading, managing, and developing staff within the finance function while promoting a strong customer service ethos and high professional standards. Ensuring the finance function collaborates effectively with other Trust functions.

* Continuously improving management and financial systems within the finance function.

* Ensuring robust and proportionate business continuity plans are in place for the finance function.

* Securing bid-based competitive funds through effective use of bidding systems and contacts.

* Assisting the COO with financial due diligence for potential new members of the Trust.

The Successful Applicant

The Successful Finance Manager will be:

* Professionally qualified (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent)

* Commercially astute with exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, capable of making decisions based on accurate and relevant analysis.

* Flexible in managing, planning, and executing daily, weekly, and monthly workloads in a busy environment.

* Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and build relationships at all levels while working across multiple sites.

* Committed to providing the best possible service to staff and maintaining confidentiality.

* Skilled at balancing strategic planning with operational execution.

What's on Offer

In return you will receive:

- Comprehensive induction and a strong commitment to your professional development and career advancement.

- Access to the organisations Employee Assistance Program for you and your family members, including counselling, advice, and support through their dedicated provider.

- Support from a Wellbeing Champion and a Mental Health First Aider.

- Excellent pension scheme (local government).

- Flexible working opportunities.

- Opportunity to participate in the annual staff survey.

- An ambitious and dedicated Trust Executive Team

Where specific UK qualifications are required we will take into account overseas equivalents. All third party applications will be forwarded to Michael Page.

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