Finance ManagerMain Purpose of RoleTo be responsible for the financial sustainability and development of The Village Academy Trust. To provide high quality leadership and management of the Trust’s finance and business functions to enable the Trust to run smoothly, efficiently and effectively in the delivery of the Trust’s core aims. To lead the promotion and delivery by the whole organisation of good financial management, operationally and strategically. Main Responsibilities

Assume the role as the designated Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Maintaining a secure overview of the management of all financial issues

within each of the Trust’s academy schools and implementing strategies to ensure financial sustainability.

Keeping the CEO and Trust Board up to date with the latest Education Funding Skills Agency (EFSA) changes and other National and strategic guidance.

Ensuring the overall financial sustainability of the Trust. Advising the CEO and the Trust Board on all matters relating to the

financial strategy, the impact of their decision-making on the Trust’s financial position and on strategic matters within the framework of financial control determined by the Board.

Upholding good governance and ethical behaviour including robust accounting practices in the finance function and ensure the Trust upholds effective accounting, reporting and internal control systems.

Reviewing Trust policies, processes and procedures to ensure compliance with various external regulations including filing deadlines regarding VAT, PAYE, EFSA, DfE, HMRC, Charity Commission and Companies Acts.

Providing efficient financial assistance to the CEO, the Trust Board, Senior Leaders and Headteachers regarding all aspects of financial management within the Trust.

Ensuring all forms and returns required by the EFSA and the Trust’s Board are prepared and submitted in the formats specified by the EFSA/DfE and within the filing deadlines.

Writing the Annual Report and preparing the consolidated financial statements in the statutory format specified by the EFSA, Companies Act and Charity Commission for auditing by the external auditors. Arranging a timeline and detailed checklist of work to be done in house and by the external auditors to ensure the audited statutory accounts are filed with the EFSA as required and within the deadline.

Preparing the quarterly, monthly and ad-hoc management accounts. Maintaining a strategic financial Trust plan including 5 year budget plan

for the Trust. Authoring and maintaining the Trust Risk Register and attending Strategic

Board meetings as required. Attending monthly Academy School finance meetings with respective

Headteachers.

Liaising with external regulators such as the EFSA/DfE, Charity Commission, Companies House, external auditors and internal auditors as required.

Developing systems to ensure accurate month-end reporting.

Developing and maintaining the Trust Academy Financial Handbook detailing the Trust’s operational procedures governing the Trust, combining best practice with the latest Accounts Direction issued by the EFSA.

Assisting the Headteachers in setting and managing the school’s budgets together with setting the Trust’s budget to support cost-effective delivery of the curriculum.

Provide support and guidance to staff in schools with financial responsibility.

Co-operating with, initiating and managing auditing procedures. Attend relevant committee and Trust meetings (Finance, Academy

Council, Trustee) as required to provide overview of the finance function and ensure broader financial aspects of key decisions are fully considered and communicated.

Supporting or leading financial and operational risk assessments and assistance with implementation of appropriate safeguards.

Receiving, analysing and interpreting financial reports, communicating findings in a clear manner.

Researching, leading and advising the CEO and Headteachers on additional funding/income opportunities.

Performing other ad hoc finance duties and assignments as may be determined by the CEO and Trust Board.

Personal Specification

CRITERIA QUALIFICATIONS

Qualified to Degree LevelD

Professional Finance Qualification to Graduate level (AAT, CIMA or similar)

E

EXPERIENCE/SKILLS Significant post qualifying experience and in depth professional knowledge of working with Multi-Academy Trusts

Experience managing significant financial resources with a good appreciation of relevant regulatory frameworks.

E

E

E

Strong evidence of developing, implementing and managing rigorous financial processes and procedures.

Experience of effectively managing a team.

In depth knowledge of statutoryrequirements, procedures and regulatory requirements relating to MATs.

High level of IT competence, literacy and numeracy skills.

Experience of using and supporting others in the use of financial software packages, including a working knowledge of PSF, Orivia and Academy BPS

E

D

E

D

Personal/Professional Qualities

Strong persuasive, influencing and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate clearly and confidently.

Excellent skills in strategic planning and strategic management of financial resources.

Clear analytical skills to allow the exploration, evaluation and interpretation of information and opinions and utilisation of management information systems.

Strong decision making skills with the ability to make decisions and recommendations based on the analysis of options.

Capacity to work under pressure to meet deadlines and organisational priorities.

Good leadership skills and ability to inspire and challenge colleagues.

Commitment to staff’s and own personal development.

Flexible in terms of working patterns and evolution of the role.

Team- player, personable, emotionally intelligent with a sense of humour.

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

Other Full Driving Licence and own transport. E

Published July 2018