Deputy Chief Finance Officer

school websites Altrincham College /

• Experience of educational financial management -
Reddish Vale High School preparation of monthly accounts, budget analysis with where you will find an application form the ability to provide financial guidance to senior leaders and more information on the schools within the schools. within our Trust.
• Experience of financial accounting - monthly
Please send your completed reconciliations, payroll checks, managing financial application form to: policies, systems and procedures. recruitment@altrinchamcollege.com
• Hold a finance qualification relevant to the role., Ambition: we instil a lifelong love of learning and nurture skills and talents
Inclusion: we welcome and respect people from all backgrounds, valuing and celebrating diversity Aspiration: we want people to be the best that they can be and for everyone to achieve their potential Community: we develop local and global citizens of the future, always committed to working in partnership Belief: we encourage everyone to believe in themselves and their future, providing opportunities to excel. In all things, we expect our staff to work towards achieving the vision for our Trust, embracing our values and showing ethical leadership at all times. Corporate Responsibilities
• To uphold our commitment to safeguarding and to promote the wellbeing of children.
• To actively promote the vision and values of our Trust with all stakeholders, including
trustees, local governors, colleagues, parents, visitors and the local wider community of all our schools.
• To robustly follow all policies, procedures, working practices and regulations, and in
particular to comply with policies relating to Safeguarding, Equal Opportunities, Academy Trust Handbook, Financial Procedures, Health & Safety, Confidentiality, Data Protection, reporting any concerns to the Chief Executive Officer.
• To contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.
• To comply with all reasonable management requests., To support the Chief Finance Officer in providing financial leadership and professional
financial management for the Trust and its schools, in accordance with the Academy Trust Handbook and the Trust's Financial Procedures.
• To have Trust-wide responsibility for comprehensive financial planning, ensuring robust
financial systems and controls to safeguard finances and ensure efficiency and value for money.
• To work closely with Trustees, Governors and School Leaders to provide tailored reports
at various organisational levels.
• To assist with the Trust's long term financial strategy and planning, conducting thorough
analyses of current and future income streams, expenditure and trends to inform strategic decision making.
• To prepare comprehensive management accounts and present to stakeholders.
• To deputise for the Chief Finance Officer as directed by the CEO, CFO or Trust Board.
• To line manage the finance team, including their induction, training and appraisal.
Areas of responsibility and key tasks: Finance and Accounting:
• In consultation with the Chief Finance Officer, Headteachers and School Business
Managers, assist with preparing the Trust and schools' budget plans and review and update as necessary.
• Establish a high level of credibility and manage strong working relationships with internal
and external parties.
• Advise Trustees and other stakeholders on the financial implications of government and
local authority policies and provide appropriate guidance on financial governance.
• Monitor income and expenditure in relation to the Trust approved budgets and produce
monthly management reports for the Trust, Headteachers and Governing Bodies.
• Provide budget holders with advice on matters relating to their budgets.
• Prepare income and expenditure reports in accordance with financial regulations.
• Co-ordinate all the annual external audit (interim and final), liaising with all parties
involved, and preparing papers and workings to support the external auditors.
• Prepare information as required for the internal assurance reviews, liaising with all parties
involved, preparing papers and workings as required.
• Maintain and oversee all bank accounts including the charge card(s), completing monthly
reconciliations and reporting any anomalies to the Chief Finance Officer.
• Ensure that the Trust's financial procedures manual is reviewed and updated as
necessary and that the school resource management self-assessment tool is maintained as per DFE requirements.
• Ensure accurate VAT accounting and payment, and that VAT reclaim returns are
submitted as required.
• Be responsible for cash flow projections and all elements of cash handling including
collections and disbursements, banking and security, fundraising and school trips.
• 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 the payment of salaries by the school's payroll provider, liaising with the provider
as required.
• Be responsible for overseeing the placement of orders, ensuring colleagues follow the
required processes and are processed through the Trust's computerised finance accounting package.
• In conjunction with the nominated staff members, scrutinise and attend to the payment of
all invoices and statements of account.
• Be responsible for the issue of all invoices following up their prompt payment.
• Carry out and keep analyses of costs and other statistical information.
• Contribute to the review of financial systems and processes; playing a key role in the
planning and implementation of any new or revised systems/processes with the Chief Finance Officer.
• Maintain all Trust and school insurances including assessments, claims and
administration.
• Co-ordinate and maintain a list of approved contractors and suppliers to ensure best
value.
• Support the Chief Finance Officer and Trust Operations Manager with the review and
monitoring of all contracts, leases and relationships with external contractors.
• Assist with monitoring expenditure on capital projects such as any Condition
Improvement Funds.
• Maximise investment returns and income generation; supporting bids, sales, sponsorship
and fundraising as appropriate.
• Be responsible for the Trust and schools' asset registers ensuring that they are
maintained and regularly updated.
• Ensure that all necessary returns, reports and documentation are completed accurately
within time constraints including claims, bids, assist with reports to Trustees, and statistical returns (internal and external). Personnel:
• Oversee arrangements for the induction and training of all new staff within the finance
team.
• Undertake the appraisal of all staff within the finance team.
• Oversee the effective deployment and management of all staff within the finance team
• Play an active role in the recruitment of finance staff in accordance with the Trust
procedures. Administration:
• Ensure that all administrative duties, checks, documentation, reports and returns (internal
and external) are completed accurately and submitted within required deadlines.
• Collate information, statistics and prepare reports as required.
• Undertake responsibility for all necessary administration relating to finance processes and
procedures.
• Ensure that all manual and computerised records and filing systems are maintained as
required.
• Process, input, extract and analyse information from the Trust and schools' system(s).
• Ensure compliance with GDPR regulations.
• Deal with correspondence promptly and as required.
Other Duties and Responsibilities All Trust staff are expected to:
• Take appropriate responsibility and action for safeguarding.
• Be prepared to provide additional support to the central Trust team and schools of the
Trust as required.
• Support the vision and values of the Trust and demonstrate a collaborative team working
approach to school and Trust improvement.
• Promote and act in accordance with the Trust's Staff Code of Conduct and all key
policies.
• Maintain high professional standards of attendance, punctuality, appearance, conduct
and positive, courteous relations with students, parents/carers, colleagues and visitors.
• Work within the Trust's Equality Objectives to promote equity for all students and staff,
both current and prospective.
• Work within the Trust's Health and Safety policy to ensure a safe working environment for
staff, students and visitors to our schools.
• Attend Trust and school events as required and make a positive contribution during such
events.
• Participate in training and learning activities and staff appraisal as required.
• Be proactive in seeking appropriate advice and guidance where required.
• To undertake any other duties commensurate with the grading of the post as directed by
the Chief Executive Officer.

CONTRACT TERM: Achieve and Learn Trust are seeking to appoint an experienced Permanent, - term time, plus 3 weeks and highly motivated Deputy CFO responsible for delivering an, AAT or NVQ level 4 in Finance/Business/Administration A/C/I EssentialEvidence of continued professional development A/C Essential2. ExperienceWorking in a senior role in a finance function of a large, complex A/I Essentialorganisation, preferably Local Government or SchoolsHigh level experience of implementing and using a range of software A/I Essentialpackages for financial administration e.g. word and excelExperience of using complex database programmes A/I EssentialExperience of maximising the use of and implementing computerised A/I Essentialfinancial systems3. KnowledgeKnowledge of a wide range of financial procedures, including orderand invoice processing, bank reconciliations, financial reports and A/I Essentialaccount monitoringA detailed understanding of the funding and financial management of A/I Desirableschools, including their information systemsA broad understanding of the legislation and funding arrangements A/I Desirablerelevant to Local GovernmentKnowledge of a range of complex office and/or financial procedures A/I EssentialKnowledge of developing, implementing and maintaining A/I Essentialadministrative and/or financial processesExperience of writing strategic reports on financial facts that clearly A/I Essentialidentify the potential impact(s) or consequence(s) on the businessExperience of demonstrating, guiding or advising on standard A/I Essentialprocedures and processes 4. Skills & Abilities Ability to communicate effectively with Headteachers, Governors A/I Essential and school staff and other colleagues both verbally or in writing, selecting appropriate media Ability to present financial data and/or information in a format easily A/I Essential understood by managers of a non-finance background. Self-motivated with ability to prioritise and manage own workload A/I Essential over extended periods, producing accurate work within deadlines and with minimal supervision and manage the workload of others. Ability to quickly identify existing or potential business problems A/I Essential with significant financial consequences and present short to medium term solutions. Ability to motivate and develop staff A/I Essential Ability to constantly improve own practice/knowledge through self- A/I Essential evaluation and learning from others Full understanding of the need to maintain confidentiality in both A/I Essential written and verbal communications Flexibility to adapt to changing workload demands and new school A/I Essential challenges 5. Attitude and Approach Smart, professional appearance. I Essential Positive and proactive approach to continuous improvement. A/I Essential A willingness to undertake additional training, keep up to date with A/I Essential developments and changes in good practice.

Altrincham College was established as a single academy trust in 2012 before quickly expanding to include another secondary school, Reddish Vale High School in Stockport. Today our Trust is moving into the next phase of its journey with a newly established CEO, a renewed vision, set of values and plans for growth in our locality. Previously known as South Manchester Learning Trust, our trust now has a new identity, which has been designed to show our commitment to working together for school improvement. Ms Kim Earle, CEO Our Vision Achieve and Learn Trust At the heart of the Trust's vision is a belief that students deserve the best educational experience with aspirational curriculum provision and enrichment opportunities. We strive for personal and academic achievement within a safe, inclusive and enriched learning environment: opening minds, opening doors to learning opportunities and opening up pathways to successful futures. The Trust acknowledges that each school has its own unique culture, identity and traditions which must continue to be embraced and celebrated. However, our team of Trust schools are committed to working together to drive school improvement and secure the best possible outcomes for all our students. Our Values We believe that the Trust's values should be clearly evident across all schools, demonstrated by students and staff alike:
• Ambition: we instil a lifelong love of learning and nurture skills and talents.
• Inclusion: we welcome and respect people from all backgrounds, valuing and celebrating diversity.
• Aspiration: we want people to be the best that they can be, and for everyone to achieve their potential.
• Community: we develop local and global citizens of the future, always committed to working in
• partnership.
• Belief: we encourage everyone to believe in themselves and their future, providing opportunities to
• excel.
Our Aims Our aim is to ensure that all schools within the Trust aspire to be 'Outstanding' and, with our support, hold a minimum of a 'Good Provider' rating from Ofsted. Our Future We have an appetite for continuous improvement and development, with an overall ambition of expanding the Trust to develop a local partnership of schools, covering both primary and secondary phases. This will enable us to foster true partnership and collaborative work that both supports and challenges member schools. Our Governance We have three members who hold the board of trustees to account for the performance of the trust. In addition to the trust board, each member school has its own local governing body.

(41 weeks in total) effective, compliant and consistently high-quality financial management and reporting service for the Trust. This will be HOURS: achieved through the implementation of robust, measurable 36.25 hours per week (08:00 - 16:00) systems and processes which maximise the use of resources and deliver best value. PAY SCALE: Reporting to the Chief Finance Officer, the successful candidate NJC Band 11 Points 40-43 will be an integral part of the team, working in collaboration with (Actual Salary £44,998-£47,748) staff members at each school, whilst managing a team of LOCATION: experienced Finance Officers based at Altrincham College. Altrincham College, Trafford The role demands strong organisational and people LA, South Manchester management skills and an ability to prioritise workloads. The successful candidate must have excellent interpersonal and START DATE: leadership skills, as well as the ability to maintain a sense of January 2025 calm in a busy school environment.,
• An engaging, creative and welcoming
environment.
• Holiday entitlement of 26 days, plus Bank
Holidays, increasing to 31 days after five years of service.
• Membership of Greater Manchester
Pension Scheme, with excellent employer contributions.
• Free on-site parking.
• On-site canteen facilities.
• Staff room with free refreshments.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Occupational Health and Counselling
services available.
• Supported by a talented, highly motivated,
committed and professional team of colleagues.
• Active and supportive Governing Bodies
and Senior Leadership Teams.
• CPD opportunities for all staff.
• A great place to work.
CONTRACTUAL MATTERS
• The successful candidate will be expected to
take up the appointment as soon as possible.
• The post is based on 36.25 hours per week.
The post is a salaried position and overtime is not paid unless due to exceptional circumstances.
• The holiday year runs from 1 September to 31
August each year.
• The position will be based at Altrincham
College working alongside the rest of the finance team, but travel to other schools may be required from time to time to offer support when needed.
• All our schools operate a no-smoking policy on
the whole of its sites.