The role of the Director of Finance is to provide a professional financial service to the Connect Education Trust, and to be responsible for the finance support functions of the allocated schools within a hub, ensuring that the hub is fully compliant and that financial regulations are adhered to. The role includes responsibility for financial procedures and financial control within the Hub as well as providing a centralised finance service to the schools. The Director of Finance will also offer financial advice and reporting to the Head of Service for Finance and other stakeholders including the Local Authority, DfE and auditors.
In the absence of the Head of Service, the Director of Finance will deputise for the Head of Service and meet the requirements of the role.
This job description summarises the purpose and responsibilities of the role; it is not an exhaustive list of tasks that may be necessary and undertaken in order to achieve this purpose. The purpose and responsibilities can be varied from time to time at the discretion of the Trust, in consultation with the role holder.
Financial Management and Control Responsibilities/Accountabilities:
1. The management of relationships with third party providers of a range of support services, external contacts, payroll providers, pensions, auditors, bankers, suppliers, contractors, Local Authority and DfE.
2. Providing a fully operational finance service and be accountable for the finance support functions of the organisation ensuring that the Trust is always compliant with the Academy Trust Handbook.
3. Ensure the processes around placing orders, purchasing goods and services, and payment of invoices are administered in such a way as to reduce risk to the Trust.
4. Offering financial support, advice and training to the school-based staff members who have a role in the finance processes.
5. Ensuring all chargeable services are invoiced in a timely manner by the issuing of invoices and collection of fees and other dues, taking legal action where necessary to recover bad debts.
6. To maintain accurate records of the Trust business cards to ensure that there are no irregularities and to report fraud if required taking legal action if required.
7. To be responsible for overseeing the operation of all hub bank accounts ensuring that a full reconciliation is undertaken at least once per month.
8. To maintain timely and accurate accounting records and oversee a sound system of financial control.
9. Processing all income into the Trust, including banking, invoicing and reconciling.
10. For maintaining a fully computerised financial management system that meets operational and audit requirements.
11. For a monthly payroll reconciliation and scrutiny of payroll variances, ensuring that the Trust has an overview of staffing and payroll issues.
12. To fulfil the employer’s obligation for the Local Government Pension Scheme and Teachers Pension Scheme.
13. Preparation of month end accounts, including payroll, bank reconciliation and monthly VAT return, in accordance with the Academy Trust Handbook.
14. Developing and initiating financial management procedures that minimise financial risk.
15. Undertake regular review and evaluations for cost saving opportunities and procurement of services to achieve best value for the Trust.
16. To play a key role in the business continuity plan, ensuring a secure finance service can be delivered from remote locations.
17. Ensure the financial ICT systems are always maintained with the most up to date financial information.
Strategic Responsibilities/Accountabilities:
1. Ensuring that financial information is up to date and accurate to enable the development and refinement of the long-term strategy for the Trust.
2. Ensuring that the finance functions and policies are suitable as the Trust grows and new schools join the Trust.
3. To understand factors influencing business performance and adapt ways of working to improve financial performance.
4. To drive change regarding financial policies, procedures and processes as required and maintain current policies and procedures for the Trust, including the scheme of delegation.
5. Have an up-to-date financial knowledge and advise the Head of Service and executive team on compliance, legislation and guidance.
General Responsibilities/Accountabilities:
1. To ensure the smooth running of the office, including supervision of finance staff and supporting with sufficient cover during periods of absence.
2. To ensure the quality of work of the team meets the required standard and deadlines are met.
3. Inform Head of Service and support effectively with staff under-performance, in line with relevant policies.
4. Motivate and support staff by identifying and addressing areas for development and building on their strengths to support school succession planning.
5. Identifying training needs and bringing them to the attention of the Head of Service for discussion.
6. Promote the highest standards of courtesy and mutual respect amongst all members of the Trust community. Encourage initiative, teamwork and working in partnership.
7. To be responsible for maintaining appropriate systems for filing and immediate retrieval of information.
8. Ensure the security and back up of all Trust financial data.
9. To attend staff training/meetings as appropriate.
Communications:
Using a command of spoken English that is sufficient to effectively carry out the duties of the role and liaise verbally and in writing with parents, pupils, governors, Agencies and other Organisations.
Other Responsibilities:
To undertake such duties of a similar nature as may be reasonably directed by the Chief Executive Officer from time to time. The duties and responsibilities of the post may vary from time to time according to the changing needs of the school.
The postholder shall ensure the duties of the post are undertaken with due regard of the Trust’s Health & Safety Policy and to their personal responsibilities under the provision of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and all other relevant subordinate legislation.
All Connect Education Trust Staff Will:
1. Promote equality of opportunity.
2. Follow Safeguarding Guidelines and Child Protection policy/procedures.
3. Contribute to producing/delivering priorities in the Trust Strategic Development Plan.
4. Keep their own performance under review, contributing to monitoring, evaluation and review and participate in performance management/appraisal.
5. Promote positive attitudes and behaviour.
6. Contribute to the smooth day-to-day running of the Trust.
7. Be committed to achieving the Trust values.
8. Work to develop the Trust as a successful inclusive Trust.
9. Respond promptly to concerns from parents, staff or pupils.
10. Promote the Trust in the community.
11. Work in partnership with all colleagues including the Local Governing Bodies and Trust Board.
12. Support and abide by the staff Code of Conduct.
13. Have regard for and act in accordance with Health and Safety policy/practice.
14. Celebrate success of pupils and staff.
The Connect Education Trust is committed to Safeguarding. Therefore, all employees working at the Trust must have the ability to work in a way that promotes the safety and well-being of our pupils. All candidates are required to complete the school’s ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ declaration and will be asked to apply for an Enhanced Check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). For posts in regulated activity, this will include a barred list check.
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