JOB DESCRIPTION
HEAD OF FINANCE AND BUSINESS
A new post to provide senior financial, commercial and operational leadership across the MAT
Salary£50-65k
Reporting toExecutive Head Teacher
Closing Date10am on 21 February 2017
Interview Date24 February 2017
Introduction
Within this job description this role will evolve as the role of the Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) becomes larger and more complex. Therefore, as a starting point, the job role will initially be servicing the higher level and strategic function of one of the schools for approximately three days per week with the larger responsibility working for the MAT for 2 days. The schools working within the MAT are Farnham Heath End, The Ridgeway, Weydon and Woolmer Hill.
This position is an exciting post and it is important that the candidate enjoys working in an environment of development and designing new ways of working.
Purpose of the Job
This is an important role in the strategic development and growth of a dynamic Multi Academy Trust (MAT). The post holder will provide the leadership and management of all non-teaching aspects of the MAT’s operations.
The Head of Finance and Business will be responsible for and manage the financial and business aspects of the Trust, ensuring its compliance with the Academies Financial Handbook (AFH). The post holder will provide the link between the Trust and the Education Funding Agency, external and internal auditors, liaison with Surrey Local Authority, Companies House and the Charity Commission. They will also be responsible for the management of other external advisors, consultants and suppliers.
The Head of Finance and Business will provide strategic oversight of all Trust contracting and its programme of estate repair, improvement and utilisation. The post holder will provide senior leadership and support to the Executive Head Teacher in all non-teaching areas, support the MAT’s Audit Committee, attend all Board meetings, and attend Local Governing Body meetings as required.
The post holder will also provide strategic Human Resource management, overseeing the work of the MAT’s HR service (once established) and the management of external advisors. They will be responsible for the management of finance/administrative staff within the school office(s), premises staff on all sites and external contractors. The post holder will also oversee the work of the School Business Manager(s) (who also reports direct to the Executive Head Teacher on all matters pertaining to contracts, finance, strategic HR and additional business items).
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic
Risk management for the MAT: responsible for the policy and the maintenance of the Risk Register, reporting to the Audit Committee.
Effective MAT Governance: ensuring structures and reporting lines are appropriate.
Oversight of the MAT’s external communications, including effective and accessible websites.
Finance and Compliance
Compliance with the Academies Finance Handbook (AFH) and related MAT financial procedures. The post holder will be the MAT’s Chief Finance Officer/Finance Director with regard to AFH compliance.
Keeping up to date with new procedures and developments in the financial and policy environment affecting education/ MATs.
Training of all relevant staff, governors and trustees in Trust financial procedures.
Financial reporting and Statutory Accounts.
Annual budgeting process.
Financial systems and funding streams across all school phases.
Oversight of administrative functions across all schools in the MAT.
Banking arrangements.
Management of non-grant monies and voluntary contributions including funding from the PTAs, Trust Funds and Friends organisations.
Ensuring that timely reports are made to Companies House, the Charity Commission and the EFA.
Ensuring compliance with Data Protection and Freedom of Information requirements.
Overseeing compliance with Bribery Act 2010 and ensuring adequate procedures are in place.
Audit
Management of internal and external audit arrangements and the cycle of visits, inspections and reports.
Management of internal audit scrutiny and visits, reporting to the MAT’s Audit Committee.
Implementation of audit recommendations and findings.
Human Resources
Strategic HR management, reviewing and developing the MAT’s policies and procedures ensuring they are embedded across all schools.
Management of the external HR service provider.
Oversight of the payroll system, payroll providers and compliance with the relevant legislation.
Contract Management
Negotiation and delivery of effective procurement of services for the MAT, in accordance with agreed procedures and levels of delegation. This includes a range of services, such as catering, insurance, audit, finance, legal and property and all building/maintenance contracts.
Management of service contracts and consultancy agreements, including ensuring that the agreed service levels and standards are provided by suppliers in line with agreed contracts.
Review and – where necessary - renegotiation or re-tendering of service contracts.
Ensuring compliance by others of procurement procedures.
Commercial/Business
Development and regular review of fees and charging, ensuring adherence to Trust policy.
Management of the use of Trust facilities by third parties.
Development of appropriate income generating activities, utilising Trust facilities and assets.
Oversight of the management of property and assets occupied and used by the Trust, such as leases etc.
Development of an up to date and effective asset management plan for use by multiple parties.
Development, maintenance and regular review of the business continuity plans for the Trust, ensuring that the relevant leaders and staff are made aware of them and are trained in their implementation as necessary.
Development, maintenance and regular review of the critical incident plans for the Trust, ensuring that the relevant leaders and staff are aware of the relevant processes in the event of a critical incident or emergency.
Equal opportunity
The post holder will be expected to carry out all duties in the context of and compliance with the Trust’s Equality Policy.
Please note that this job description is not a comprehensive definition of the post. It is flexible and may be amended to reflect additional expectations.
The MAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Upon offer of appointment to this post, the School will apply for an Enhanced Disclosure in relation to any criminal records information that may be held about you.
Any offer of appointment is subject to a pre-employment health check and receipt of satisfactory references.