Chief Finance Officer Timeplan are currently looking for a Chief Finance Officer to join a School Trust in Slough. This is a part time position over working 2/3 days per week. Days an hours to be discussed upon interview Salary - £60,000 - £70,000 pro rate This post offers an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and enthusiastic professional to join a new and growing multi academy trust. The Chief Finance Officer will provide leadership and management of all aspects of finance, as well as contributing to the strategic direction of the Trust. Duties: The Chief Finance Officer will keep ahead of funding and legislative changes that apply to the education sector and will provide the Board of Trustees with strategic financial information to enable them to make informed financial decisions. The Chief Finance Officer will be responsible for the operational line management of the finance function and managing all the financial accounting and transactional finance for the Trust, ensuring all systems are up-to-date and reporting is timely and in line with required annual financial returns. They will lead the work of the finance team and to coordinate with the work of the external auditor to prepare and submit audited statutory consolidated accounts. Robust systems, processes and controls will be implemented and a fixed asset register and risk register maintained. The Chief Finance Officer will monitor financial performance and will drive change within the finance operation of the Trust, bringing greater efficiency in the way the Trust carries out its business. The Chief Finance Officer will regularly visit schools within the Trust to develop a good working knowledge of those schools and how they serve their communities. They will ensure good use of resources by utilising and developing capacity from within the Trust and contracting from outside the Trust where this is not available. The Chief Finance Officer will line manage the Facilities and Operations Manager to achieve the successful sustainable management of the Trust sites, buildings and facilities. In all their work the Chief Finance Officer will recognise that their prime responsibility is to the children, families and communities that the Trust serves. Key Purpose: The overall purpose of this post is to provide professional leadership and management of financial services for the Trust. Be accountable for ensuring the provision of the financial reporting to enable the Trust to achieve its aims and objectives through the effective and efficient management of its financial resources. To promote best practice and to ensure compliance with the financial processes and procedures set out in the policies of the Trust and in accordance with the EFSA Academies Trust Handbook, and the requirements of the DfE and the EFSA. To take responsibility for the prompt and effective introduction of financial systems and processes in the Trust. The postholder will have a key role in the management of the Trust and will have effective responsibility for the following: Financial Statements Management Accounts Financial Compliance Budget Preparation Financial Reporting Income Generation Financial monitoring - including payroll and staff pensions Securing "best value" in all areas Audit services (internal and external) Other areas of work commensurate with the purpose of the post. Financial Management: Ensure the Trust has appropriate financial systems in place and managing these in accordance with the agreed policies and timetable; ensuring accurate financial records are maintained and reported to the DfE, EFSA, Companies House and the Charity Commission. Prepare year end statutory Trust Trustees Report and Financial Statements. Submit Financial Statements in accordance with EFSA guidelines, following the Finance & Audit Committee and Trust Board approval. Prepare Value for Money Statement on behalf of the Accounting Officer. Devise appropriate accounting procedures to plan and monitor each Academy's 3 year budget plan. Produce timely, accurate and appropriate reports and financial forecasts for the Trust Finance & Audit Committee and Trust Board. Review cash flow for each school within the Trust. Liaise with Headteachers to ensure financial action plans are on track for implementation. Ensure timely and effective financial information to Trustees and provide general support to ensure the effective conduct of their business in accordance with the Articles of Association and financial regulations. Research and bid for additional funding to DfE for the Trust and in support of individual academies and assist with the financial monitoring of projects as they are agreed. To oversee the recovery of VAT. To oversee appropriate credit control processes thus ensuring that the payment of outstanding sums are received as swiftly as possible. To advise the Trust Board, LAB Governors and Headteachers on financial and budget matters. To provide training as required to meet the needs of the Trust. Audit Services Advise the Executive Principal and the Board on external and internal audit arrangements as required by financial regulations and memoranda. Liaise with auditors and facilitate all audit arrangements Implement and monitor audit requirements. To undertake benchmarking exercises. Business Planning Contribute to the development and review of a 3 year strategic business plan ensuring objectives are linked to the overall long term financial plan of the Trust. To manage special projects as required, particularly those concerned with income generation and to write bids for funding as required To make a significant contribution to the growth and development of the academies by maximising the use of financial resources, investment and generating sources of income for the academies. To contribute to development and review of the Business Continuity Plan for the Trust. To compile, monitor and review the Risk Register for the Trust.About you: Commercially astute and have exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make decisions based on accurate and appropriate analysis Flexible in managing, planning and executing daily, weekly, monthly workloads in a busy environment Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to influence and build relationships at all levels whilst working across a range of sites Committed to providing the best possible service to the staff and Trustees and able to maintain confidentiality Able to balance strategy with operations ACCA (or equivalent) qualified or relevant experience to demonstrate good understanding of financial management within multi academy trusts Over five years' experience in a progressive finance leadership role Extensive experience in budget management and forecasting delivering management and financial accounts gained in a 'hands on' role Experience of leading successful teams, preferably across multi-site organisations with a proven track record of making and implementing essential change Detailed knowledge of public finances, procedures, practice and regulations (preferably ESFA and sector requirements) Experience of managing a computerised data system and handling large amounts of complex finance data An exceptional professional with ambition and drive, who shares the Trust's values and passion for improving the lives and opportunities of children and young people A commitment to inclusion and enhancing the life chances of children, whatever their starting points