Job details
Job role
* Administration, HR, data and finance
Visa sponsorship
Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
Full time
Contract type
Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary
£55,227.00 - £65,609.00 Annually (Actual) AS 45-55 (£55,227 - £65,609)
Financial Controller job summary
Job Title: Financial Controller
Location: Trust Central Office at The Vale Academy, Dunstable
Reports to: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: AS 45-55 (£55,227 - £65,609)
Job Summary:
The Financial Controller will oversee and manage the financial operations across all the schools within the Multi-Academy Trust (MAT). Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the role requires a highly skilled and motivated individual with extensive experience in financial management, reporting, and governance in an educational setting. This position is crucial for ensuring the financial stability, accountability, and efficiency of the Trust, in line with statutory and regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities:
Financial Management & Reporting:
* Lead the preparation and submission of accurate monthly and annual financial reports for the Trust, ensuring compliance with all statutory requirements and regulations.
* Oversee the preparation of consolidated financial statements for the Trust, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow forecasts, in line with ESFA and Charity SORP requirements.
* Provide analysis and commentary on financial performance, highlighting areas of concern and recommending actions to the CFO.
* Ensure the timely preparation and submission of the Trust's annual accounts and statutory returns to the ESFA (Education and Skills Funding Agency) and other relevant bodies.
* Manage the preparation of budgets and forecasts for each school and for the Trust as a whole, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and priorities.
* Develop and implement systems for monitoring and controlling the financial performance of each school within the MAT.
Accounts payable/receivable:
* Oversee the accounts payable and receivable functions, ensuring systems are in place to provide a reliable service to our schools.
* Ensure supplier relationships are maintained and necessary due diligence is carried out on new suppliers.
* Create a procurement strategy that enables efficiency of purchasing and leverages our buying power to secure best value for money.
Cash Flow & Treasury Management:
* Manage cash flow across the Trust, ensuring that sufficient funds are available to meet operational and strategic objectives.
* Oversee bank reconciliations, ensuring accuracy and compliance with Trust policies.
* Monitor and manage investment strategies to maximise returns while ensuring safety of funds.
Financial Planning & Budgeting:
* Lead the budgeting process for the Trust and individual schools, including providing guidance and support to school finance staff.
* Collaborate with senior leadership teams to ensure that budgets are realistic and aligned with the educational objectives of each school.
* Develop long-term financial plans for the Trust, incorporating strategic growth, capital projects, and sustainability initiatives.
Compliance & Governance:
* Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations and policies, including those set by the ESFA, HMRC, and the Charity Commission.
* Work closely with the Trust's auditors to facilitate smooth and efficient audits, ensuring that all financial records are accurate and up to date.
* In the absence of the CFO, provide advice and support to trust committees, including the Audit Committee, on financial matters and ensure appropriate financial controls are in place.
* Advise and guide Headteachers and School Business Managers in financial matters to ensure consistency and compliance across the Trust.
Team Leadership & Development:
* Manage and mentor the finance team within the Trust, including finance managers and finance officers, ensuring high performance and professional development.
* Foster a culture of continuous improvement, efficiency, and transparency within the finance function across the MAT.
Systems & Processes:
* Continuously review and improve financial processes and systems, ensuring they are efficient, effective, and aligned with best practices.
* Oversee the integration of financial systems across the Trust, ensuring that all schools have access to up-to-date financial data and reporting tools.
* Ensure all financial data is accurately maintained and easily accessible for reporting and auditing purposes.
Other Responsibilities:
* Lead on ad-hoc financial projects, including capital expenditure planning and funding proposals for new initiatives.
* Liaise with external stakeholders, including auditors, regulatory bodies, and financial consultants, to ensure the Trust's financial operations are transparent and compliant.
* Contribute to the strategic development of the Trust's overall financial and operational goals.
Person Specification:
Essential:
* Professional Qualification: ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent qualification with significant experience in a financial management role.
* Experience: Proven experience as a Financial Controller or similar role, with specific experience in financial management within a Multi-Academy Trust, educational setting, or non-profit sector.
* Knowledge: Strong understanding of financial regulations, accounting standards, and the funding framework for academies (including ESFA/DfE requirements).
* Skills:
o Strong leadership and team management skills.
o Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data.
o High proficiency in financial software and Excel; experience with MAT-specific financial systems (e.g., PS Financials, Sage, FMS) is an advantage.
o Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
o Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work under pressure.
Desirable:
o Knowledge of payroll systems and HR-related financial processes.
o Experience with the development and implementation of financial strategies and policies in a multi-site organisation.
Safeguarding
We believe in the safeguarding and welfare of children and expect all staff to share this view.
The Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. We are an equal opportunities employer.
The Department for Education (DfE) has set out statutory guidance 'Keeping Children Safe in Education' for schools and colleges on safeguarding.
Commitment to safeguarding
Advantage Schools is committed to safeguarding and child protection at every stage of the recruitment process.
Applying for the job
This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.
CVs are not accepted.
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