Head of Finance

Purpose of the job
To be responsible for the financial sustainability and development of the Trust; alongside the Deputy CEO (Finance and Operations).
To provide high quality leadership and management of The Trust’s finance function to enable the Trust to run smoothly, efficiently, and effectively in the delivery of The Trust’s core aims. To lead the promotion and delivery by the whole organisation of good financial management so that public money is safeguarded at all times and used appropriately, economically, efficiently, and effectively.
Key Responsibilities and duties:
Maintaining a secure overview of the management of all financial issues within each of the Trust’s academies; thus ensuring the financial sustainability of The Trust as a whole.
Keeping the CEO, DCEO (F&O) and the Board up to date with the latest Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) changes and other statutory guidance and providing filtered briefings.
Advising the NOFD, CEO and the Board on all matters relating to the financial strategy, on the impact of their decisions on the financial position of The Trust and on strategic matters, within the framework for financial control determined by the Board.
Upholding good governance and ethical behaviour including good accounting practices and internal control within the finance function.
Maintaining effective systems of internal audit control.
Reviewing Trust policies, processes and procedures to ensure compliance with various external regulations including filing deadlines regarding VAT, PAYE, ESFA, DfE, HMRC and Companies Act.
Ensuring all forms and returns required by the ESFA and The Trust’s Board are prepared and submitted in the formats specified by the ESFA/DfE and filed by the relevant filing deadline.
Ensuring the Annual Report and Financial Statements are audited and filed by the 31st December each year.
Maintaining a strategic financial plan including a 3-5 year budget plan for the organsation.
Advising the CEO, DCEO (F&O) and the Board if fraudulent activities are suspected or uncovered.
Authoring and maintaining the Risk Register and attending the Audit & Risk Committee.
Liaising with external regulators such as the ESFA/DfE, Charity Commission, Companies House, external auditors, and internal auditors as required.
Maintaining the Trust Finance Policy – and other finance-related policies - that sets out the Trust’s operational procedures governing The Trust, combining best practice with the latest Accounts Direction / Academies Trust Handbook issued by the ESFA.
Managing the budget setting process across the Trust, including the setting of finance assumptions and the development of an effective budget model.
Implementing an effective ICFP (integrated curriculum financial plan) model and monitoring procedures across the Trust.
Ensuring effective financial management support is provided to Principals and other budget holders.
Providing support and guidance to any staff in individual Academies with financial responsibility.
Attending relevant committee meetings (Finance, Audit, LGB, Board) as required to maintain the presence of the finance function and ensure broader financial aspects of key decisions are fully considered and communicated.
Alongside the DCEO (F&O), researching, leading, and advising the CEO and principals on additional funding, revenue/income opportunities and additional business opportunities.
Alongside relevant colleagues, preparing appropriate bids or tender documents to acquire identified additional funds or grants (responsibilities are developed collectively).
Managing the finance team by:
Ensuring the finance team is efficiently resourced; and
leading upon appropriate performance management and development.
Supporting effective and compliant procurement and contract management.
Ensuring surplus funds generate optimum additional income through careful treasury management and in line with the Trust’s Investment Policy.
Performing other ad hoc duties and assignments as may be determined by the DCEO (F&O).
Please note that this is illustrative of the general nature and level of responsibility of the role. It is not a comprehensive list of all tasks that the Head of Finance will carry out. The postholder may be required to do other duties appropriate to the level of the role.
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