Finance Manager

InformationPack

CONTENTS

Letter from Francesca Barnes, Chair of Governors and Stephen Foster, Principal…………3

The Bridge Academy Mission, Vision and Values ………………………………………………………….4

Rewards, Benefits & Incentives …………………………………………………………………………………….6

How to Apply ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 9

Job Description………………….…………………………………………………………………………………………… 10

Advert Information………………….…………………………………………………………………………………… 14

August 2015

Dear Applicant

On behalf of the Principal and Governing Body of The Bridge Academy, thank you for requesting an Information Pack for the post of Finance Manager. We look forward to receiving your application by the closing date: 9am on Thursday 3rd September 2015

The Bridge Academy is an independent, mixed 11-19 non-denominational, non-selective school which opened in September 2007.The Academy occupies a superb purpose-built school building on a canal-side site in South Hackney.

The successful candidate will share our vision for The Bridge Academy to be an exceptional place where every student can make the most of their talents and abilities.

The Bridge Academy’s sponsor, UBS, a leading global financial services firm, has led the establishment of the school from the outset. UBS has resources and networks matched only by the scale of its ambitions to support this almost unique relationship.

The Bridge Academy is committed to safeguarding children and all appointments will be subject to receipt of a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate and references.

May we thank you again for your interest and wish you all good fortune with your application.

Yours faithfully,

Francesca BarnesStephen Foster

Chair of GovernorsPrincipal

BRIDGE ACADEMY MISSION, VISION AND VALUES

Vision:

Learning for Life

The Bridge Academy will give young people the best possible education whatever their background or ability and will help them develop a life-long enthusiasm for learning.

Students experience a broad and rich curriculum with music and mathematics as specialist subjects. A culture of high standards and achievement will enable them to develop their full potential, building the skills, confidence and self-belief they need to become responsible and successful adults.

The Bridge Academy creates an inspiring, secure and inclusive environment where innovative thinking and creativity is encouraged and aspirations are raised.

It is a school for the whole community with students, staff, governors, parents and members of the local community working together for mutual benefit.

Our Values for Action:

Striving for Excellence

1. Leadership

Our leaders lead, and engender enthusiasm and commitment. It is through leadership and accountability across our Academy that we establish direction, encourage creative collaboration and provide an inspiring environment for our students and community alike.

2. Ambition, Energy and Enjoyment

Learning in our Academy is exciting and full of opportunities for growth. Only with high ambitions and relentless commitment to work hard – while still having fun - can we realise these opportunities. We strive to be the best at attracting, developing and retaining talented employees, and will invest in their development.

3. Innovation and Learning

Our strength lies in experience, innovation and learning. Ourdistinctive creativity is recognised. We constantly strive to find better solutions to ourcommunity’s challenges and to leverage insights both within the Academy, and with ourpartners in the community.

Responsible Relationships:

4. Partnership

Relationships amongst our staff members, as well as with our students andthe community are driven by the power of partnership. The power of partnershipengenders involvement, respect, contribution and mutual support. We encourage the freeexchange of ideas, and demand teamwork.

5. Focus on the Community

Our community’s success is our success. Through our consultative approach with the community, we understand their objectives, and unambiguously commit our resources to helping them meet our goals.

6. Responsibility

Our Academy is a member of a global community, and will behave as aresponsible community citizen. Our governance ensures the implementation of ouragenda of responsibility both to self, other individuals, and the community. We strive tocontribute positively and actively to the communities with which we interface.

High Ethical Standards

7. Integrity

Our Academy and its employees conduct themselves in a manner which isabove reproach.

8. Respect

We respect our students’ right to privacy, and use information with appropriatediscretion. We expect self-respect and the acceptance of responsibility, combined withself-discipline and the willingness to co-operate with others.

9. Diversity

Our strengths are leveraged by embracing a diversity of cultures, perspectives,skills and experiences, including a sense of compassion and tolerance of others whilstrespecting their beliefs.

STAFF REWARDS & BENEFITS

A snapshot of just some of the rewards, benefits and incentives our staff members receive at

The Bridge Academy

Our Award Winning Building

The quality of the working environment at the Bridge contributes to the very positive working atmosphere. We offer our staff members state of the art facilities and fantastic resources at our stunning canal-side location, just minutes from Haggerston Station and just over a mile from the heart of the City of London. Our facilities include the following:

Art Floor;

3 designer classrooms;

A Kiln room;

An Art terrace affording views of London landmarks including the Olympic Park, Canary Wharf and the City and the BT Tower;

ICT Suites;

3 purpose built ICT suites, with retractable I-desks;

ICT facilities on all floors within the Academy;

Music Facilities;

A large separate and dedicated, fully equipped music area, with three large classrooms and 12 practice rooms;

A separate music media suite, equipped with bespoke Mac desks and music keyboards;

Hi-tech recording studio;

Performance Hall;

370 seat auditorium with bleacher seating and a retracting dividing wall to create spaces on two levels.

Cinema projection capability, instruments and AV lighting and sound systems.

Sixth Form;

A brand new bespoke Sixth Form block;

The only Academy in the UK, which provides both Cisco training and a Microsoft Academy in-house at the Sixth Form;

Sports Facilities;

A large Sports Hall, with a variety of sports resources;

Basketball facilities including the latest specification National League court markings;

An Off-site Multi User Games Area (MUGA) and two Astroturf football pitches.

Staff Training & Professional Development

The Learning Hub

We believe in promoting lifelong learning and personal development for our employees. An exceptional range of training and development opportunities are available to support the strategic and operational goals and direction of the Academy.

The Learning Hub comprises a training programme for all staff that we believe is second to none. It hosts a number of outstanding programmes of training throughout the academic year, run by in house experts and leading external practitioners and with the unique training opportunities that UBS provide. The programme is one that is personalised to the needs of all, Teaching Staff, Educational Support Staff and Operational Support Staff.

Masters Programme

As part of the Learning Hub, we offer an in house MA in Advanced Educational Practice in partnership with UBS and the Institute of Education. Staff who are successful in gaining a place are required only to pay 50% of the fees as, through the support of UBS, the Academy pays the balance.

Childcare

We understand that the cost of having children doesn’t stop at keeping them cared for while you’re at work. That’s why you can choose to take part of your salary in Childcare Vouchers to take advantage of important tax and National Insurance savings.

-You enroll on the schemeby completing a salary sacrifice agreement.

-You receive a Welcome Pack, with details for your carer if they aren't already affiliated with the scheme.

-You receive paper vouchers which you give to your childcare provider. They then return them to Edenred for redemption.

Some of our staff have chosen to make use of the very nearby nursery at Hackney Community College which is graded Good by Ofsted and has very competitive rates. It is close enough to drop off your child and walk to work easily.

Health & Wellbeing

We are committed to encourage the health and wellbeing of employees. We presently offer highly subsidised Yoga classes for staff on a weekly basis as well as a course in Mindfulness as part of the Learning Hub, which focuses on well-being and different approaches to managing stress.

Annual Leave (excluding bank holidays)

Support staff members have an annual leave entitlement of 25 days, from 1st September - 31st August.

Annual Salaries

We offer competitive salaries for both Teaching and Support staff, (Inner London Weighting) including recruitment and retention allowances, in some cases.

Annual Season Ticket Loans

Staff members can apply for an annual season ticket loan where the cost of the season ticket is spread over 10 monthly payments, interest free.

Catering Facilities

Our catering facilities and canteen menus are designed to reflect all tastes and cultures. The Academy supports the Change 4 Life healthy lifestyle campaign. Breakfast is available in the mornings for all staff.

Cycle Scheme

Our Cycle scheme provides staff members with the opportunity to purchase a bike of their choice, tax free. This for most people means a reasonable saving of the total cost. Payments are deducted via payroll over a set 12 month period.

Gift Vouchers for 100% Attendance

We really value your commitment to each working day and as a token of this, each term, staff members who have achieved 100% attendance participate in a selection of prize draws, offering them the prospect of winning £100 worth of vouchers from stores such as Debenhams and Next, including online internet sites such as Amazon.

Pension Scheme Contributions

The Teachers’Pension Scheme and the Local Government Pension Scheme are available for teaching and support staff respectively. Both are generous final salary schemes and staff are enrolled automatically but have the option to opt out. Contributions vary dependent on the employee’s income level.

Social Events

Lively staff social events are organised during the year, to ensure that staff members get the opportunity to unwind and enjoy a well-deserved break from work.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for this post, please email the completed application form and monitoring form to:

The closing date for applications is: 9am on Thursday3rd September 2015

If you do not receive an invite for an interview byMonday 7th September 2015 please assume that on this occasion you have been unsuccessful. Due to the high number of applications we receive for support staff posts we are unable to inform candidates who have been unsuccessful at the short listing stage.

The interviews will take place in week beginning 7thSeptember 2015

Job Description

Job Title:Finance Manager

Reporting to:Finance and Resources Director

Job purpose:The Finance Manager will assist the Finance and Resources Director in the overall management of the budget, financial efficiency and viability and value for money.

Responsible for:Finance Officer

Salary Scale Range:Points 43-47

Annual Salary:FTE: £41,844 - £45,591 (Pro Rata: £39,158 - £42,664)

Working Pattern37.5 hours per week during term time (39 weeks) plus 4 weeks non term time

Key Tasks

  1. Procurement, Orders and Processing
  • Supervise the Finance Officer in the processing of all purchase orders for supplies and services.
  • Supervise the Finance Officer in recording these transactions and processing invoices for payment, including preparing cheque and BACS payments for approval
  • Ensure prompt payment for all goods and services provided to the academy.
  • Support value for money through sound procurement practices when processing all orders.
  • Maintain the register of contracts.
  • Direct and support all cost centre managers in their procurement needs, ensuring procedures are explained and followed and budgets not exceeded.
  • Review and maintain the outstanding commitments record/register.
  1. Planning and budget setting
  • Assist in the development of the annual budget.
  • Maintain an up to date rolling financial forecast for all the academy’s activities, monitoring, recording and reporting on these.
  • Support Departmental Heads in budget setting, budget bids and costing activities and in managing their budgets.
  • Liaise with the Finance and Resources Director in monitoring cost centres so that best value is achieved by all Cost centre Managers and Academy funds are spent wisely.
  • Identify variances in spending for theFinance and Resources Director.
  • Support the Finance and Resources Director in the development of statutory accounts schedules

and working papers for the external audit process.

  • Maintain the cash flow forecast and ensure cash is available as required.
  1. Financial Accounting
  • Prepare the monthly management accounts.
  • In conjunction with the Finance & Resources Director, analyse management accounts and compare to budget and forecast.
  • Carry out monthly reconciliation of all accounts including bank reconciliations.
  • Manage the data input to the accounting system.
  • Maintain and monitor all Academy accounting records including nominal ledger, purchase and sales ledgers, cash book and fixed asset registers.
  • Maintain appropriate records, including filing systems to ensure suitability for auditing purposes.
  • Ensure compliance with the academy’s financial administration and accounting procedures, in accordance with financial scheme of delegation.
  • Take responsibility for all financial returns for the EFA and other central and local government agencies e.g. Academy Annual Accounting Return to EFA and Budget Forecast Return.
  • Produce draft annual statutory accounts following the template provided by the academy’s auditors.
  • Provide schedules, back up to the accounts and assist external auditors with queries, ensuring statutory accounts are completed on time.
  • Prepare journal entries for corrections, reallocations and to ensure accuracy of the accounts.
  • Monitor and manage all bank accounts, ensuring regular reconciliations and up to date recording of transactions.
  • Process changes to bank account mandates and act as the main point of contact with the bank over routine matters.
  1. Systems and processes
  • Assist in maintaining and updating the procedures manual, financial regulations and delegation of authority schedules at least annually.
  • Assist with payment processes, income receipt banking and debt recovery.
  • Provide support and assistance to Academy staff, ensuring they understand their responsibilities and follow procedures correctly.
  1. Cash payments and receipts
  • Supervise the Finance Officer in disbursing and recording petty cash and replenish this as required.
  • Ensure the safe collection and recording of cash receipts to the academy, e.g. for trips and visits.
  • Ensure the safe collection and recording of cash received vie the academy’s catering top up machines.
  1. Sales Ledger
  • Issue and record sales invoices for miscellaneous income
  • Monitor debtors and ensure debts are collected
  1. Payroll
  • Reconciling payroll entries on a monthly basis.
  • Recording payroll entries and agency staff costs in the forecast file to allow accurate monitoring.
  1. General
  • Prepare and submit V.A.T. returns on a timely basis.
  • Prepare and submit gift Aid claims on a timely basis.
  • Reconciling payroll on a monthly basis.
  • Ensuring funds collected via Parentpay are accurately recorded and reflected in students’ accounts.
  • Resolving any issues that arise with the cashless catering system.
  • Liaise with UBS to ensure proper recording of donations to the Academy and that funds are transferred correctly.
  • Provide reports to UBS as and when required.
  1. Other administrative duties
  • To work as a team in the Academy office dealing with appropriate administrative tasksas required.
  • To help with availability of resources for parents’ evenings or similar functions.
  • Carry out duties and responsibilities commensurate with the post necessary for the smooth running of the Academy as required by the Finance & Resources Director and Principal.

Job Specification

Essential / Desirable
Experience of working in education, finance / X
Experience of working in Academy finances / X
Management experience in Academy finances / X
Knowledge of school funding arrangements / X
Knowledge of charity finance and charity SORP / X
Qualified by experience or part qualified / X
Educated to degree level / X
Educated to A-level / X
Excellent numeracy skills / X
Excellent communication skills / X
Excellent customer service skills / X
Interest in schools and education / X
Positive and enthusiastic approach / X
Excellent people skills and ability to avoid and resolve conflicts / X
Knowledge of Civica Resource Software / X
Good knowledge and experience of Excel and Word software / X
Ability to use initiative and take ownership of workload / X
Confidence to deputise for the Finance & Resources Director as required / X

Start Date: September/October 2015

Salary Scale Range:Points 43-47

Annual Salary:FTE: £41,844 - £45,591 (Pro Rata: £39,158 - £42,664)

Working Pattern37.5hrs per week during term time (39 weeks) plus 4 weeks non term time

The Bridge Academy opened in September 2007 and we cater for 900 students in Years 7-11, and a Sixth Form with 250 students.

Our specialisms are Music and Mathematics and we use them to drive innovation and creativity across the Academy. We set high standards for teaching and learning, and our students enjoy a varied, rich and broad curriculum.

Our award winning building in the South of Hackney is outstanding, with state of the art facilities for our students, staff and the local community.