What skills and experience we're looking forQualifications / Knowledge / ExperienceA higher level accountancy qualification s.....
What skills and experience we're looking for
Qualifications / Knowledge / Experience
A higher level accountancy qualification such as ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA or QBE
Experience in a leadership post in either the education sector or non- education sector.
Good knowledge and experience of financial and budget management and general accounting procedures.
Knowledge and experience of management and administrative procedures.
Knowledge and experience of the management of resources.
Knowledge and experience of the management of staff.
Knowledge of and ability to use a range of IT based resources.
Knowledge of aspects of premises development/buildings maintenance.
Knowledge and understanding of the system of governance within schools in general and the Academies Handbook
Proven record as an accomplished financial manager with the ability to manage the financial resources of a large organisation.
Successful experience of leading and managing change and innovation
Proven record in leading and managing staff within a team structure
Good knowledge and understanding of current educational developments, especially linked to funding
Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation strategies
Experience of improvement planning
Interpersonal skills
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with Trustees, Governors, staff, students, parents and outside agencies.
Empathy with young people and, more broadly, empathy and respect for others
Able to think strategically, innovatively and creatively
Demonstrate leadership skills and be able to motivate and encourage, using appropriate leadership styles in different situations.
Build, support and work as part of a high performing team.
Develop good relationships with staff and others.
Negotiate and consult effectively.
Plan, prioritise, direct and co-ordinate the work of others, developing responsibilities, delegating tasks and monitoring outcomes.
Be approachable and flexible.
Deal sensitively with people and resolve conflicts.
Seek advice and support when necessary.
Build strong working relationships with leading governors, other senior managers and the institution’s partners and stakeholders
based on mutual trust and a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities.
Support collective ownership of strategy, risks and delivery.
Able to :
Analyse information.
Demonstrate effective presentation skills.
Demonstrate good decision making skills after collecting and weighing evidence.
Think strategically.
Plan, organise and prioritise.
Manage change.
Be a role model, energetic, determined, positive, robust and resilient leadership, able to inspire confidence and respect and exemplify high standards of conduct and personal behaviour.
Balance conflicting pressures and needs, including short and longer term trade-offs.
Demonstrate strong commitment to innovation and performance improvement.
Personal qualities:
Flexibility and a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances.
Resilience, enthusiasm, energy and vigour.
Positive approach to change and continuous improvement and experienced in managing change effectively.
Positive, enthusiastic outlook, with resilience, perseverance and optimism in the face of challenges
Passion for learning – and enthusiasm for the job.
Honesty, reliability, integrity and commitment to the success of the school.
A sense of perspective.
The ability to work effectively alone as appropriate, and with others as necessary, according to the needs of the situation.
A strong commitment to undertake further training and development as necessary, including the pursuance of further relevant qualifications.
Comply with ethical standards and with the seven principles for the conduct of people in public life. Impartiality is a further fundamental requirement of those operating in the public services.
What the school offers its staff
A range of employee benefits including:
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to wellbeing platform
- Shopping discounts
- Access to a counselling service
- Discounted gym membership available
- Free parking
- CPD
Further details about the role
Purpose and reponsibilities
The Director of Finance and Operations is responsible for the strategic financial management and sustainability of Weaver Trust, and for the financial probity of the organisation.
They will be responsible for providing the leadership and management of the Trust’s finance and business functions, enabling the Trust to work effectively towards its mission, aims and objectives.
They will support the Chief Executive Officer in their role as the Trust’s accounting officer.
The duties and responsibilities listed below are indicative of the responsibilities of the Director of Finance and Operations, and are not intended to be an exhaustive list. The postholder will be expected to take on additional responsibilities appropriate to the role as they arise.
Strategic leadership and trust development
The Director of Finance and Operations will be accountable for supporting the trust’s strategic development and aims through effective financial planning and management, in line with regulations.
The Director of Finance and Operations will:
• Advise the Trust Board & Committees, CEO, Headteachers and other leaders on all matters relating to financial strategy and operations
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the Trust’s strategy, providing financial planning and analysis and guidance on all activities, setting financial objectives and monitoring performance
• Conduct commercial and financial due diligence on relevant matters, reporting to the board and other trust leaders with recommendations
• Be responsible for financial risk management and working with the CEO lead the Trust’s risk management approach, including identifying strategic and operational financial risks, taking steps to mitigate these risks, and maintaining the Trust’s risk register
•Develop, implement and monitor the Trust’s business plan, using effective financial and budget modelling and benchmarking to support strong decision-making
Financial Management and Control
The Director of Finance and Operations will be accountable for maintaining robust financial management of the trust and its schools, using PSF.
The Director of Finance and Operations will:
• Manage the 3-year budget process, from planning through to approval, working with the CEO
• Work with the CEO and Headteachers to prepare and monitor the budget in line with Trust’s budget and each school’s development plan
• Provide accurate and timely information to the board, its committees and other leaders to enable effective budgetary control
• Develop, implement and manage the trust’s financial policies and procedures including procurement, reserves virements, asset management and disposal, in accordance with the Academies Handbook, enabling robust financial management
• Take appropriate action to address financial risks, problems and irregularities
• Develop and maintain an effective internal audit procedure, aligned with the Trust’s risk management strategy
• Manage the external audit procedures for the Trust, and follow up on any recommendations resulting from audits
• Establish and monitor effective procurement procedures in order to achieve financial efficiencies, including overseeing the tendering process
• Oversee the trust’s commercial contracts, ensuring they represent value for money
• Arrange and manage necessary insurance arrangements for the trust
• Manage the trust’s tax and National Insurance arrangements, including ensuring claims for VAT and business rates are submitted and refunds are received and appropriately accounted for
• Manage the trust’s cash position at all times, including overseeing bank deposits
•Support the income generation strategy for the Trust
Projects and controls
The Director of Finance and Operations will be accountable for ensuring the contracts represent value for money and meet the Academies Handbook and identify projects for the benefit of enhancing education where appropriate.
The Director of Finance and Operations will:
• In accordance with financial regulations, and Trust Scheme of Delegation prepare contracts and advise the CEO, leadership team, Headteachers and Trust Board on the selection of contracts.
• Oversee the performance of such contracts to ensure that the Trust receives the service defined.
• Obtain the necessary licences and permissions, and ensure their relevance and timeliness in accordance with the financial procurement procedures
• Ensure that appropriate insurances exist for cover of all aspects of the Trust’s life, including buildings, contents and trips.
• Propose business plans for the on-going development of the Trust’s support services and business management.
• Manage and implement projects for the extension, development and improvement of the Trust’s infrastructure, premises and support services.
• Manage and implement non-curriculum-related projects to meet government or local authority requirements/legislation.
•Work with each school’s Site Managers to negotiate, manage and monitor contracts, tenders and agreements for the provision of services.
Reporting and compliance
The Director of Finance and Operations will be accountable for ensuring that the Trust complies with its legal obligations, adheres to financial regulations, and submits accurate financial reports in a timely manner, fully in line with the Academies Handbook and DfE requirements.
The Director of Finance and Operations will:
• Complete and submit financial returns as required by the Department for Education, the Education and Skills Funding Agency, the Charities Commission and Companies House
• Prepare and submit the trust’s financial returns and reports, including annual accounts and monthly management accounts
• Maintain the trust’s accounts in line with the funding agreement and the Academies Handbook
• Monitor developments to legislation around payroll, pensions and benefits, implementing changes and adapting processes as required
• Provide appropriate and timely reports to the CEO and trust board and school leaders to support effective leadership and governance
Leadership and Management
The Director of Finance and Operations will be accountable for supporting the effective management of the trust and its academies, and for providing motivational leadership at all levels of the trust’s organisation.
The Director of Finance and Operations will:
• Take responsibility for the trust’s financial management system including managing user access, providing training, considering future system developments and generating reports
• Manage the Central Team, taking responsibility for their professional development and ensuring best practice is observed at all times
• Work with the CEO and other relevant staff to support the effective delivery of payroll services for the trust and its academies
• Develop effective relationships with the trust’s stakeholders and partners in order to support its development and operation
The Director of Finance and Operations will also:
• Act as a representative for the trust in external networks and forums, raising the profile of the trust, engaging with the wider sector, and ensuring that the trust is alert to information, changes and opportunities that could affect its work
• Attend and participate in all meetings of the Central Trust Team
• Undertake leadership duties alongside other members of the Central Trust Team
• Line manage identified staff
• Work with the CEO and other relevant staff to support the effective delivery of payroll services for the trust and its academies
•Act as a representative for the trust in external networks and forums, raising the profile of the trust, engaging with the wider sector, and ensuring that the trust is alert to information, changes and opportunities that could affect its work
This job description may be amended at any time in consultation with the postholder.
Whilst every effort has been made to explain the main duties and responsibilities of the post, each individual task undertaken may not be identified.
Employees will be expected to comply with any reasonable request from a manager to undertake work of a similar level that is not specified in this job description.
Employees are expected to be courteous to colleagues and provide a welcoming environment to visitors.
The Trust will endeavour to make any necessary reasonable adjustments to the post and the working environment under the provisions of the Equality Act 2010.
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
