Job Description: Trust Business Leader for Finance

Job Description: Trust Business Leader for Finance

Start date: As soon as possible

Salary: £32,778 - £40,217 per annum

Hours: 36.5 hours per week, all year round

Disclosure level: Enhanced

INTRODUCTION

The Prince Albert Community Trust (PACT) is looking to appoint an experienced and suitably qualified finance professional to help review, develop and implement a fit for purpose financial structure, meet its statutory obligations and further improve all aspects of its financial performance. You would be responsible for overseeing all aspects of financial management and be keen to look for new opportunities to add value.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate excellent organisational skills, analytical accuracy, plus incisive and strategic thinking.

The post-holder, who will report directly to the Board of Trustees, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Operating Officer (COO), will be a suitably qualified with appropriate school business management experience or similar.

The role includes the preparation and presentation of budget statements, reports and ideas to the Board of Trustees. You will be an active member of the Multi Academy Trust (MAT) Central Support Team, MAT Executive Leadership Team and will have MAT wide responsibility for finance.

Job description:

Purpose:

To be responsible for the day-to-day financial management of the Trust
To contribute to the achievement and leadership of the Trust
To work with all the PACT schools to develop high quality financial systems and services, offering support where required
To give strategic leadership to all aspects of financial management and procurement
To ensure the Trust meet all statutory financial requirements as set out by the EFA in the academies financial handbook

Key Responsibilities:

To take responsibility for all financial transactions within each academy, including purchase orders, invoicing, BACS payments and petty cash
To ensure receipt, safekeeping and banking of all money received by the Trust
To co-ordinate the purchase of goods and supplies, ensuring that the Trust obtains best possible value for money from suppliers and contractors
To undertake monthly bank reconciliations and month end adjustments
To ensure timely production and issue of financial reports, cash flow forecasts and returns as required

To prepare the monthly financial reports for review
To take responsibility for the Trust’s accounting procedures, ensuring all are adhered to within each academy
To ensure the Trust is fully prepared to meet all EFA regulations and requirements as set out in the academy’s financial handbook
To maintain finance filing systems, ensuring that records are suitable for audit purposes
To work with DRB for the annual budget to be approved by the Board of Trustees
To establish and maintain a comprehensive fixed asset register
To ensure that invoices for services are raised promptly and receipt of income is monitored
To take responsibility for and line management of the school’s finance support staff, including arranging appropriate training and development, conducting induction, probation and performance management reviews
Coordinating the work of the finance staff, ensuring the efficient running of the department and provision of cover as required
To lead and motivate the staff team and have a collaborative approach working with other members of staff at all levels
To develop relationships and liaise with the DFE and other external groups
Advising the COO on the availability of grants and monies from other sources to enable further development of the Trust
Being responsible for the preparation and timely submission of bids and applications for outside funding
Presenting proposals to the Board of Trustees as and when required
Achieve the most competitive pricing for goods and services in compliance with current and relevant procurement legislation
Negotiate, manage and monitor contracts, tenders and agreements for the provision of services to the Trust, to ensure that services are delivered to a high quality and support the operation of each Academy
Monitor service level agreements and contracts to ensure effectiveness of delivery and value for money, negotiating more favourable terms where possible
Support the PACT ethos, acting as a positive role model to staff and pupils
To drive forward change and initiatives which promote regularity, propriety, value for money and best standards
To work in collaboration with the Chief Operating Officer and Senior Leadership Team across the MAT
To be an active member of the Senior Leadership Team, attending and leading meetings where required
To cover for absent colleagues and undertake other duties commensurate with the grade
Prepare the final accounts and liaise with auditors to ensure that the Trust’s and individual school’s accounts comply with all necessary requirements
Use financial management information, especially benchmarking tools to identify areas of relative spends, assess trends and directly advise the Board of Trustees accordingly.
Maintain VAT and income tax returns, and submit statutory returns as required
Liaise effectively with the payroll provider to ensure all staff are paid efficiently
Prepare all financial returns for the Trust, DfE and other government agencies within statutory deadlines
To identify and pursue income generating activities
Manage and evaluate contracts, tenders, and agreements for the provision of support services, with a view of cost effectiveness and ensuring the Trust maximises its potential with these services
Seek the appropriate advice in terms of insurance matters and advise the Board of Trustees accordingly. To process and submit any such claims
Oversee the ordering of all equipment, materials and services. Ensure regular stock taking of day-to-day resources for teaching and support staff, plus annual stock taking is undertaken
Maintain systems and controls for the effective use of the Trust’s bank accounts
Operate and maintain the PS financials computerised accounts system and ensure the prompt and controlled payment of invoices
Prepare invoices and arrange the collection of fees and other dues taking legal action with appropriate advice where necessary to cover bad debts
To maintain a presence around the Trust to ensure that the highest standards of behaviour and health and safety regulations are upheld
To communicate and liaise with staff, pupils, parents, trustees and members of the local community as appropriate
To have the ability to work under very high levels of pressure in a demanding environment and be able to meet effectively the ever-changing needs of the Trust
To be active in issues of staff welfare and support
To ensure all financial policies and procedures are written, updated as appropriate and are adhered to
To comply with and assist in the development of policies and procedures in relation to finance, child protection, health, safetyand security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person
To undertake training and development relevant to the post and in line with the Trust’s priorities
To undertake training and any other professional duties as deemed appropriate by the CEO and COO
To ensure confidentiality at all times

The PACT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.