Trust Finance Manager

Main Tasks and Responsibilities:

Strategic Oversight

• To lead in ensuring the financial efficacy of the Trust and all the schools in the Trust
• To ensure compliance with statutory financial requirements of Academy Trusts in line with the ESFA guidance, company and charity law and best industry practice

General Management:

• To lead the finance unction including the allocation of tasks such that, work is completed accurately and on time
• To recruit, induct, train and performance manage the Finance team and finance staff throughout the trust

Statutory Compliance

• To prepare for the annual audit and Responsible Officer (internal audit) program of checks in line with the agreed timetable, and react in a timely fashion to any recommendations made
• To prepare statutory financial returns required by the ESFA, TPS, LGPS and HMRC (including VAT) as required
• Evidence the Trust’s compliance with the Academies Trust Handbook and Governance Handbook

Management Accounting

• To prepare the Trust’s management accounts on a monthly basis in line the month end timetable and the Trust’s accounting policies and explain variances to budgets and forecasts
• To support the Chief Financial & Operating Officer by providing accurate and timely budget and forecast information as needed
• To provide training, advice and support to Principals of the Trust’s Academies and their budget holders and to assist them in managing their budgets
• To prepare MIS reports including budget information
• To attend Trustee, LGB and occasional Senior Leadership Team meetings at schools in the Trust to present financial updates
• To prepare consolidated monthly reports to send to trustees and present to the CEO and CFOO
• To apply best value principles

 Financial Accounting

• To operate the Trust’s bank accounts (including management of access and appropriate signatory panels) for public, private and charitable funds and reconcile on a monthly basis, including charge card payments
• To manage cash flow to ensure the Trust has adequate funds to fulfil its obligations
• To maintain and update the approved supplier list and the contracts register with the support of trust staff
• To arrange for the payment of suppliers in line with the agreed terms and conditions
• To manage the invoicing process and debt recovery
• To be the overall responsible person for the maintenance of an accurate fixed assets register and inventory
• To manage the payroll; processing the payroll on a monthly basis including payments made to HMRC, TPS and LGPS and reconciling same, training other staff in how to run payroll and delegating tasks where appropriate
• Respond to personnel payroll issues as they arise e.g. payroll queries, maternity, paternity etc.
• To manage the finance system, upload budget information and maintain accounting structures within it
• To monitor payments in relation to LAC and PP pupils in each school to ensure correct monies are coming into trust schools and being used within guidelines
• To assist the CFOO and CEO on CIF bid applications for schools within the trust
• To monitor developments in accounting systems, software and equipment and make recommendations for change as appropriate
• To own, update and implement the Trust’s financial procedures in line with the Academies Trust Handbook and all other financial guidance issued by the ESFA, and best practice
• To hold financial and non-financial records securely and dispose of according to requirements and regulations
• To source, apply for and manage grants received by the Trust in accordance with their terms including 16-19 bursary funds
• To manage staff responsible for the financial oversight of trips
• To manage the funds of the Trust’s registered charity and prepare year end accounts for the same
• To oversee the expense claims process

Other Duties

• To perform other reasonable duties within scope of skills as directed by line manager
• To be responsible for safeguarding and promoting welfare of children
• To develop financial reporting and budgeting systems in line with changes in DFE / ESFA

Knowledge, Experience and Training:

• Relevant accounting qualification or experience and understanding of accounting principles relevant to corporate finance
• Extensive experience of operating accruals accounting systems
• Ability to work to tight deadlines
• Extensive experience of using spreadsheets
• Experience in using Microsoft Word
• Ability to securely hold highly confidential information
• Experience of running payroll with an understanding of the rules and regulations and best practice relating to taxation, pensions, national insurance, etc.
• Responsibility for own self development, including keeping specialist knowledge up to date
• Strong management skills including ability to be self driven and solutions focused
• Evidence through DBS check and recruitment process of suitability for working with children

Other Specific Duties

• To continue personal development as agreed at appraisal reviews
• To engage actively in the appraisal review process
• To address the appraisal targets set by the line manager each Autumn Term
• To play a full part in the life of the Trust and its Academy communities; to support its distinctive aim and ethos and to encourage staff and students to follow this example
• To comply with the Trust’s Health and Safety policy and undertake risk assessments as appropriate
• To show a record of excellent attendance and punctuality
• To adhere to the Trust’s Dress Code
• To undertake any other reasonable duty delegated by the Chief Financial Officer
• Others duties which may arise from the use of the Trust’s estate and facilities
• To formulate a strategy to increase the sustainability of the trust including reducing carbon footprint, reducing energy and water waste, encouraging sustainable purchasing and travel and working with schools to develop a paperless strategy.

Whilst every effort has been made to explain the main duties and responsibilities of the post, each individual task undertaken may not be identified.

Employees will be expected to comply with any reasonable request from a manager to undertake work of a similar level that is not specified in this job description.

The Everyone Matters Schools Trust Mission is to make a difference to every person so that we improve their life and opportunities. The Trust is working hard to make a difference to staff workloads by investing time, technology and support to make the Trust a great place to work. For the right candidate there will be additional opportunities based on potential, ability and capacity to make a difference across the team and the school. If you believe you are good enough and can meet the standards, maybe the Everyone Matters Schools Trust is for you.  

Benefits of working for the Everyone Matters Schools Trust 

·      Flexible working Opportunities 

·      Development opportunities within the trust 

·      Long Service awards 

·      Cycle to work scheme 

·      Holiday buying and selling scheme (support staff ) 

·      Generous Annual Leave Package (support staff) 

·      Access to the Employee Assist Programme 

·      We look forward to receiving your application. 

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. To ensure that this is achieved we expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment and staff will be recruited and selected in line with safer recruitment policy and practice. The successful applicant will undertake an enhance DBS check.