What skills and experience we're looking forWillow Tree Academy is Multi-Academy Trust in Rotherham of four schools.We are de.....
What skills and experience we're looking for
Willow Tree Academy is Multi-Academy Trust in Rotherham of four schools.
We are dedicated to providing the best educational experience for our pupils and the best working environment for our incredible team.
Required to start as soon as possible, an experienced Finance Manager to work within the Central Team. Previous experience in an education setting would be an advantage; however, proven experience of general financial management and budget preparation and monitoring is essential.
As part of the Central Finance team, you will: be responsible for producing timely and accurate financial informationusing the Trusts financial and accounting systems and processes, to the standards required by the Trust, the ESFA, Audit Commission and the accountancy profession.
The successful candidate will be able to work at pace, contributing effectively to the team and be a self-motivated individual. As an employer we invest in our employees and develop our talent, giving access to CPD that supports our employees to be the best they can be.
Specific Duties And Responsibilities
To be responsible for producing timely and accurate financial information using the Trusts financial and accounting systems and processes, to the standards required by the Trust, the ESFA, Audit Commission and the accountancy profession.
Main Finance Duties and Responsibilities:
Maintain accurate financial records as necessary
Accounting and reconciliation of all income paid into the Academy/Trust and prepare for banking
Liaison with employees, parents and third parties concerning payments due in respect of debts (including school trips), the raising of debtor accounts and credit control
Liaise with suppliers to negotiate favourable contract terms
Maintain debtor and creditor control accounts
Maintenance of the School Fund accounts as/if applicable
Lead on Trust finance projects as defined
To guide colleagues in relation to best value practice and efficient use of public monies.
Compliance Best Practice Reporting Requirements
Management of payroll process and ensure payroll is correct through liaison with payroll.
Monthly reconciliation of control accounts, carrying out bank reconciliations and month and year end procedures.
Complete and post month end journals for the Trust. These will include but not be limited to payroll, petty cash and credit card journals.
Ensure monthly management accounts reflect all transactions and are produced on an accruals basis and comply with required practice, presenting the academys true position and bringing material issues to the attention of the school leadership and central finance team.
Month end cut off dates are complied with to enable the central team to produce consolidated month end reports in a timely fashion.
Lead on and prepare financial reports for the academy(s) through supervising Finance Assistant(s).
Benchmark and offer financial insights to the Willow Tree CEO and CFO.
To ensure monthly meetings with Heads reflect a fair presentation of the financial position and the Heads requirements are followed up on a timely basis.
Prepare and monitor accurate monthly cash flow projections monthly.
Assisting the central finance team in the preparation of final accounts for audit.
Budget Monitoring, Forecasting, And Reporting
Assisting the Business Manager and Head in the preparation of the academy budget, in conjunction with the central team in line with the annual budget forecasting calendar.
Be responsible for internal budget holder queries and departmental monitoring.
To help the academy manage performance to ensure close adherence with budgets.
Monitoring of spending against budgets and preparation of reports for budget holders, Senior Leadership Team, and governors.
Relationships And Team Leadership
Establish relationships with Trust leadership as necessary, engaging them in the finance function
Strong Excel and Access skills with the ability to develop templates for team use and disseminate/share knowledge across finance team
Defines priorities for Trust finance team as a whole and allocate work accordingly, gaining colleagues strong commitment through effective supportive behaviours
Initiate actions through the team (e.g. reminding team of deadlines/requirements through the year)
Set the Finance Assistant(s) (As appropriate) clear objectives which are SMART and enable self-development, ensuring the performance management and regular line management support is engaging, relevant and performed on a timely basis.
Flexibility will be required in order to meet changing situations to meet the service area needs.
Support for the trust/schools
Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person.
Work in a flexible way to respond to the needs of the trust and to fulfil other duties and responsibilities appropriate to the grade and role as and when required.
Be aware of and support difference and ensure equal opportunities for all.
Appreciate and support the role of other professionals.
Attend and participate in relevant meetings as required.
Contribute to the overall ethos/work/aims of the trust/schools.
Participate in relevant training, other learning activities and performance management as required.
Team responsibilities: all staff are considered part of the overall trust team and may be required to provide assistance to colleagues in other areas from time to time commensurate with the role, skillset and grade.
From time to time, to meet the needs of the trust, you may be asked but not expected to work hours additional to your normal working hours. The trust will give you as much notice as possible and you will be paid/recompensed for such work.
The candidate must be able to rise to the technical financial challenges, as well as being able to communicate effectively with Senior Leaders and Finance Business colleagues enabling the best possible outcome for children. Maintaining the financial accounting systems across the MAT, ensuring compliance with the Academies Financial Handbook and other key financial guidance and legislative requirements.
Preparing year end working papers/schedules liaising with external auditors and completing year end accounts including relevant notes using DAPA software.
You will possess at least Qualified Accountant status CCAB qualification.
Skilled in effective oral and written communication, the ability to form effective professional relationships including team working, and have good organisational and time management skills.
You will possess at least Qualified Accountant status CCAB qualification.
What the school offers its staff
We are dedicated to the development of our colleagues and committed to creating a great place to work. In order to provide the best for our pupils and families we need to find people already living our Values. In return we will offer you extensive support and CPD; the opportunity to work with other professional colleagues across the Academy Trust; a welcoming school, with friendly, enthusiastic and supportive staff team; an ambitious and dynamic Senior leadership Team; a dedicated Governing Body.
Herringthorpe Junior School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
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.
