King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford
JOB DESCRIPTION
TITLE: Chief Financial Officer
RECOMMENDED BAND: Scale 12
RESPONSIBLE TO: Headteacher (Accounting Officer)
LIAISON WITH: Headteacher, Trustees, Members, Deputy Heads, all Staff, External Agencies, DfE, ESFA, and other relevant professional bodies associated with the work role
Job Purpose
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will be directly responsible to the Headteacher who is the accounting officer for the school and is ultimately responsible for its proper financial conduct. The CFO will provide advice on strategic financial issues and be responsible for strategic financial management, liaising with the Business Manager for monitoring operational financial expenditure and income
In addition to liaising with the finance team, the Chief Financial Officer will contribute to strategy and policy development to support the school’s aims and objectives; will ensure the provision of management information for planning and monitoring systems and will ensure the completion of statutory and ad hoc returns to external agencies.
* To ensure the financial sustainability of the school
* To lead on all strategic financial planning aspects including all financial implications in accordance with the financial regulations and ensuring that the school makes the best possible use of resources available.
* Producing long term and short-term forecasts of the financial performance of the school, including planning and staffing projections to ensure optimal use of resources.
* To be responsible for the professional discipline of Finance liaising with the Business Manager and the finance team to provide advice and guidance and give and receive information to enable strategic and operational good practice.
Duties:
Finance
* To be responsible for all matters relating to the management of the school’s finances and to ensure such matters are handled in accordance with the financial regulations; ensuring compliance
* In consultation with the Headteacher and Business Manager, the preparation of the annual budget for approval by the Governing Body, with due regard to past records, trends, inflation and indications of the level of expected income as advised by the ESFA.
* To prepare timely, accurate, Academies Financial Handbook compliant, monthly management accounts and all other financial records requested by the governing body; attend appropriate governors’ meetings throughout the year.
* As part of the SLT, regularly liaise and update the SLT and Headteacher regarding the school finances.
* To perform regular control accounts reconciliations in accordance with Finance regulations.
* To be responsible for submitting, or ensuring the submission of, all statutory returns when they are due e.g. TPA (Pensions), HM Revenue and Customs (Income Tax, N I) including those required by the ESFA, e.g. Annual Accounts, AAR etc
* To prepare the annual financial statements including working collaboratively to produce the Trustees Report
* To liaise with the External Auditors and be responsible for the audit process with the support of the Business Manager.
* To maintain the schools Fixed Asset Register: capitalise and depreciation in accordance with the policy
* To act as correspondent for the ESFA and advise/update the Headteacher and Business Manager in relation to any changes made by ESFA in terms of funding/bids return etc.
* An expert in school pre and post 16 funding to inform and support optimal funding models to SLT.
* Advising on the financial implications of the school’s charitable status.
* To monitor the actual budget against expenditure and give notice to the Headteacher and Trustees of any significant variances.
* To maintain and review the schools financial risk register
* To ensure that the school has appropriate financial systems and software in place and manage in accordance with agreed policies and timescales
* To be responsible for school finance policies: review and regular monitoring to ensure compliance
General
* To participate in the performance and development review process, taking personal responsibility for identification of learning, development and training opportunities for staff that you line manage.
* To attend committee and Board meetings as required.
* To comply with individual responsibilities, in accordance with the role, for health & safety in the workplace
* Ensure that all duties and services provided are in accordance with the School’s Equal Opportunities Policy
* The Governing Board is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects allstaff and volunteers to share in this commitment
The duties above are neither exclusive nor exhaustive and the post holder may be required by the Headteacher to carry out appropriate duties within the context of the job, skills and grade.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Chief Financial Officer
Qualifications & Experience
* An appropriate degree (or professional equivalent)
* Member of ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA or equivalent professional accreditation
* Relevant prior experience of education financial management in the public services or private sector
* Knowledge of relevant policies and procedures
* Experience managing significant financial resources with an excellent appreciation of relevant regulatory frameworks
* In depth knowledge of statutory requirements, procedures and regulatory requirements relating to academies
Literacy
* Outstanding literacy skills
Numeracy
* Outstanding numeracy skills
Technology
* Highly competent ICT skills
Communication
Written
* Persuasive and confident communicator
Verbal
* Ability to instigate and produce complex returns and write highly complex letters and reports which are relevant for the audience to ensure understanding
* Ability to exchange highly complex information clearly and sensitively. Ability to communicate effectively with SLT, the Board or other relevant body
Languages
* Use initiative to overcome any communication barriers with children and adults.
Negotiation, persuasion and collaboration
* Ability to challenge and influence material business decisions.
* Highly effective negotiation skills and the ability to achieve best possible outcomes.
* Ability to effectively manage difficult or controversial exchanges.
Behaviour Management
* Understand and implement the school’s Behaviour Management Policy, as required.
* Understand the school’s behaviour management policy
Curriculum/School organisation
* Good understanding of the learning experience provided by the school in relation to the role
Child Development
* Good understanding of the learning experience provided by the school
Health & Well being
* Understand the importance of physical and emotional wellbeing
Working with others
Working with partners
* Establish effective relationships with those working in and with the school.
* Represent the school at ESFA and DfE meetings for example.
Relationships
* Be able to create good relationships with pupils, parents, staff, trustees and Members
* Be accessible and approachable
Teamwork
* Work creatively within a team environment to ensure delivery of outcomes. Be an exemplar for values and behaviours
Information
* Develop and implement highly effective systems to share and safeguard information.
* Take ownership of relevant financial and business risks
Responsibilities
Organisational skills
* Experience of strategic planning activities and the development of accounting reporting tools
* Have the ability to plan and organise at both the tactical and strategic level
Line Management
* Experience of leading, managing and motivating a team of staff
* Offer dynamic and effective leadership
* Lead by example and be a role model
* Ability to challenge and give/receive constructive feedback
Time Management
* Excellent organisation skills, have a high level of initiative and be able to delegate effectively and appropriately
* Able to work under pressure to ensure that tight, strict deadlines and organisational priorities are met.
Creativity
* Demonstrate a highly creative approach to work
* Able to provide objective financial analysis and interpretation of complex situations.
* Desire to innovate and add value
General
Equalities
* Demonstrate commitment to inclusion and treating all people equitably
Health & Safety
* Good understanding of Health & Safety.
Child Protection
* Good understanding and compliance with Child Protection procedures.
Confidentiality/Data Protection
* Good understand and compliance with procedures and legislation relating to confidentiality
CPD
* Demonstrate a clear commitment to develop and learn in the role.
* Able to effectively evaluate own performance
* Ability to transfer new knowledge to the workplace and share knowledge on a practical level to team members
* Member of appropriate professional network/s, ensuring up to date policies and developments are followed
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent
Pay: £20,606.00-£23,450.00 per year
Expected hours: 14.8 per week
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Enhanced maternity leave
* Enhanced paternity leave
* Free flu jabs
* Free parking
* Health & wellbeing programme
* On-site gym
* On-site parking
* Sick pay
Schedule:
* Monday to Friday
Experience:
* Accounting: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 04/11/2024
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