STCAT Trust Finance Manager

STCAT Luton pay grade – LP05 SCP 40-41 £51356 to £52413

37 hours per week, full time permanent position

Responsible to: Chief Financial and Operations Officer (CFOO)

St Thomas Catholic Academies Trust is a family of 18 Catholic schools (increasing to 20) based in the South of the Diocese of Northampton. The Trust is committed to excellence in all that it does.

St Thomas Catholic Academies Trust provides the framework through which schools can offer powerful support to one another, working in solidarity to realise the potential in each child and each member of staff we have the privilege to serve. We have an unshakeable belief that every child is unique, created in the image of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, and each child, with the right love and support, will thrive and succeed.

We are seeking to appoint an experienced Finance Manager who will be responsible for the day to day financial operations of the multi academy trust. This role is crucial in maintain the Trust’s financial sustainability and in supporting the CFOO in driving forward the Trust’ strategic financial objectives.

Based with the Central finance team at St Margaret of Scotland, involves line management of five central finance team members You will be joining at an exciting time as our Trust grows and we look to develop an effective, efficient and innovative finance and operations model, that delivers excellence.

 JOB DESCRIPTION: 

This job description details information about a newly designed post and is subject to review and amendment through annual negotiation if/as the role develops in scope

Summary of Main Responsibilities:

Assisting the CFOO to provide an exceptional finance service within the Trust by supporting in the management of an £80m plus Trust budget.

Your responsibilities will include:

Financial responsibilities

• Posting monthly central team payroll in the finance system. Liaising with the Senior HR and Payroll Manager where necessary to investigate any payroll discrepancies or changes to budget
•  Complete central location monthly reconciliations, process recharges and capitalisation of any assets
• Identify budget holders who may be in risk of exceeding budget 
• Oversee Trust Accounts Payable Lead and Trust Accounts Receivable Officer in completing their month end tasks
• Produce monthly VAT returns 
• Procurement – oversee management of contract registers at school level and Trust level
• Deputising in producing monthly management accounts and presenting outcomes to the Headteacher in the absence of Trust Account Managers 
• Deputising in report generation and senior level queries and tasks in the absence of the CFOO 
• Day to day administration and management of the Trust’s finance system with oversight from the CFOO
• Day to day management of the Trust’s payment/banking facilities
• Advise the CFOO of any suspected fraud and ensure all necessary precautions are taken to avoid any risk of fraud, or unethical supplier relationships being formalised
• Assist Trust Account Managers with any month end queries as necessary, whilst new processes and roles are being embedded
• Planning, organising and managing own workload to ensure your contribution to the Trust’s financial reporting process is achieved in a timely and accurate manner.
• Inputting data into the accounting system with speed and accuracy, ensuring nominal coding is in line with the DfE chart of accounts.

Support and Guidance

• Providing advanced training to central finance team on using the different financial software 
• Assist in closing knowledge gaps and provide financial training to enhance financial acumen across the Trust 
• Project work – will be expected to lead on small pieces of project work as delegated by the CFOO (purely finance focussed)
• Document/guidance writing
• Liaise with software suppliers on any issues, integrations or improvements 
• Work well with all members of the central team and all relevant stakeholders to develop and improve, systems policies and initiatives in line with Trust development objectives. 
• Develop good cross functional working relationships.

Audit and Governance

•  Arranging the collation of financial and payroll data required for internal scrutiny 
• Assisting with external audit queries as directed by the CFOO
• Ensuring that all processing procedures in accordance with the Trust’s Financial Procedures Handbook and the Trust’s Scheme of Financial Delegation. 
• Assisting in the development of policies, systems and procedures by providing innovative and creative solutions.

People Management 

•  Line Management for the central financial accounting team – Trust Accounts Payable Lead, Trust Accounts Receivable Officer and three Central Finance Assistants 
• Supervision of the Trust Account Managers in absence of the CFOO
• Ensure direct reports have a clear understanding of financial policies and procedures and the importance of putting them into practice
• Engage with the rest of the central team with a collaborative and supportive approach promoting good financial relationship and great relationships

Embodying the STCAT way 

• Visit academies within the Trust as and when required, to develop a good working knowledge of each school, their needs and the support required.
• Set high expectations of conduct and act as a good role model for others, contributing positively to a productive and happy working environment. 
• To play a full part in the life of school community including duties to support the ethos and encourage pupils and colleagues to follow this example.
• To actively engage in the performance management process.
• To continue personal development as agreed. 
• Communicating effectively with all members of the school community as well as outside contractors.
• Working well within a team as well as independently.

Compliance

• Keep abreast of funding and legislative changes that apply to the education sector and provide the central finance team with high calibre financial insight Be aware of/comply with all Trust policies and procedures including those relating to child protection, health and safety, equal opportunities, confidentiality/data protection, reporting concerns to the appropriate person. 
• Carry out all duties with regard to the Trust policies and codes of conduct. 
• To attend relevant meetings, training sessions and school events as required

Requirements

• The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers 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.
• Be able to travel between sites and more widely across the Academy Trust

Additional Notes

•  Whilst every effort has been made to outline the main responsibilities of the post each individual task undertaken may not be identified. Employees are expected to comply with any reasonable request from a manager to undertake work of a similar level that is not specified in this job profile.

Person Specification attached.