JOB DESCRIPTION

 

Job Title:         Finance Manager

Reports to:      Chief Financial Officer

Location:         Central Office – TVA LU5 4QP (expected to travel to schools weekly)

Hours:              37 hours per week 52 weeks

                                                                                                Salary:              AS £36,424-£40,776 dependent on experience & qualifications

 

Job Purpose

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, you will be integral part of the central finance team ensuring communication to the schools on Trust policy and expectations. You will play a crucial role in supporting a number of academies within the Multi-Academy Trust (MAT). Your primary responsibility will be to manage and oversee the financial planning, budgeting, and reporting processes across the various academies. You will work closely with school leaders, and central finance teams to ensure the effective management of financial resources and that financial decisions align with the strategic goals of the MAT.

Structure

                                                                                                                                                Chief Financial Officer

                                                                                   Financial Controller    Finance Manager   Finance Manager   Finance Manager    Finance Manager  

 

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Budget Management and Planning:

·        Lead the annual budgeting process for assigned academies, collaborating with Heads of School, senior leadership teams, and central finance teams to create realistic, strategic, and effective financial plans.

·        Ensure budgets are aligned with the MAT’s goals, ensuring financial resources are allocated to key priorities such as staffing, curriculum development, and operational needs.

·        Monitor and manage budgets throughout the academic year, providing regular financial forecasts and updates to academy leaders, providing insightful reports and recommendations.

·        Oversee financial planning to ensure that each assigned academy within the MAT is within budget and that resources are used efficiently.

·        Provide high-quality financial advice and support to school leaders on all aspects of school finance.

·        Build strong relationships with school leaders, and other key stakeholders.

·        Proactively identify and address financial risks and opportunities.

 

 

Financial Reporting & Analysis:

·        Produce timely and accurate monthly financial reports for each academy, including variance analysis, to highlight any potential budgetary concerns or areas requiring action.

·        Provide insights and recommendations to senior leaders on financial performance, risks, and opportunities for cost efficiencies.

·        Maintain clear and concise financial performance dashboards to aid decision-making at both the academy and MAT level.

·        Ensure that financial data is accurately recorded and reported in compliance with the Trust’s financial policies, as well as statutory requirements.

 

Financial Forecasting and Risk Management:

·        Conduct monthly re-forecasting exercises, working closely with academy heads and senior management to ensure that any financial risks or issues are addressed proactively.

·        Identify areas of financial risk and provide solutions to mitigate those risks, ensuring financial sustainability and resource optimisation.

·        Lead on financial scenario planning to anticipate challenges in revenue or funding streams and advise on necessary corrective action.

 

Stakeholder Liaison and Relationship Building:

·        Build and maintain strong working relationships with academy leaders, ensuring that they understand financial processes and implications of financial decisions.

·        Provide support and financial advice to Headteachers, SLT, budget holders, and other key stakeholders to ensure financial decisions are informed and aligned with the MAT’s broader strategic objectives.

·        Work alongside the central finance team to ensure consistency and best practice across all academies in financial management and reporting.

 

Financial Policies and Compliance:

·        Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations, policies, and procedures, including auditing and reporting standards.

·        Support the MAT’s internal and external audits, preparing necessary documentation and ensuring all required financial records are accurate and up-to-date.

·        Advise on and assist with the development and implementation of financial policies and controls to enhance financial governance across the academies.

 

Continuous Improvement and Development:

·        Monitor industry trends, best practices, and new regulations in financial management within the education sector to continually improve processes and efficiencies.

·        Provide training and development to academy leaders and staff in financial management practices, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and tools to manage their financial responsibilities effectively.

·        Encourage a culture of continuous improvement in financial processes across the Trust, recommending and implementing enhancements where needed.

 

Strategic Financial Planning:

·        Contribute to the development of long-term financial strategies for the Trust, ensuring alignment with educational goals and operational needs.

·        Assist in the development of funding models for new initiatives or expansion plans, ensuring financial feasibility and sustainability.

·        Advise the senior leadership team and Trustees on the financial implications of proposed projects, investments, or capital works.

 

 

Grant Funding:

·     Management of grant funding, including claim submissions and reconciliations.

 

Other Duties:

·        Provide support to payroll by checking accuracy of monthly payroll.

·        Undertake any other duties as reasonably required by the Chief Finance Officer.

·        Reconciliation and ensuring accuracy of trip income and expenditure.

·        Ensuring ad-hoc receipts are bill/received and administered correctly (e.g. charity collections).

·        Responsibility for raising sales ledger invoices and alerting schools where invoices remain unpaid.                                 

Note:

Please note that the above list of duties is illustrative of the general nature and level of responsibility of the role.  It is not a comprehensive list of all tasks the finance manager will carry out.  The post holder may be required to do other duties appropriate to the level of the role, as directed by the Chief Financial Officer.

Safeguarding

We believe in the safeguarding and welfare of children and expect all staff to share this view’.

The Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment.  Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. We are an equal opportunities employer.

The Department for Education (DfE) has set out statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ for schools and colleges on safeguarding.

Safeguarding is defined in paragraph 4 as:

“Protecting children from maltreatment; preventing impairment of children’s health or development; ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care; and taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.”

The definition of 'children' includes everyone under the age of 18.

 

The Trust reserves the right to interview and appoint a suitable candidate before the deadline date.