It is an exciting time to join GST, with new leadership in the Finance team who are keen to streamline processes, improve controls, and bring efficiencies across all aspects of MAT finance.  Part of the strategy includes expanding the team, adding capacity in Management Accounting as well as also adding to the Accounts Payable team. 

This is a true business partnering role in which you will have responsibility for timely and accurate Management Accounts production for the Trustees.  Your other key stakeholders will be the members of the Central Finance Team, Headteachers, and School Business Managers.  You will be an excellent communicator, and confident in explaining financial information to non-finance staff.  To be successful in this post you will have an inquisitive nature, willing to persevere to get to the bottom of a problem and find a resolution.

You will be a qualified accountant (or nearly/qualified by experience) with broad experience of accounting packages (we currently use Sage for Education), excellent Excel, strong IT skills, and experience of adopting new systems/platforms.  Experience of working within a MAT environment would be beneficial but not crucial.  More important is the ability to effectively manage your time on multiple tasks whilst achieving deadlines; willingness to learn and understand the multi-faceted pressures of the school environment; strong communication skills (both internal and external); attention to detail; and a positive outlook.

The next 18 months will see a period of growth and change within the department, including migration of finance systems, and the successful candidate will be expected to actively contribute to these projects.  There is an opportunity for the right candidate to influence outcomes and enact real improvements.

 Key Tasks and responsibilities 

You will provide professional capacity to the Finance Team and support our Academies in a varied and wide-ranging role, ensuring effective financial management and reporting to our Trust Board.  You will provide support in the resolution of financial issues to ensure the best outcomes for our pupils. 

·        Preparation of monthly management accounts, including income statements, balance sheets and cash flows, including commentary for key stakeholders

·        Identify problem areas and present recommendations to company management

·       Assist and contribute to strategic, operational and business planning in support of the Trust’s development plan and targets

·         Ensure cost control by reviewing payroll and non-pay costs and liaising with budget-holders on variances

·         Assist with preparation and submission of VAT Returns to HMRC

·         Cash flow forecasting

·         Carry out projects or other cross-Trust initiatives or functions as required

·         Project management as required

·         Ensure that Trust’s financial procedures are followed and all internal financial controls are consistently applied and adhered to for both the delegated School budget and the unofficial fund accounts.

·         Support of both internal and year end audit process

·         Continuous improvement of finance processes and controls

·         As a member of the Finance Team, to generate a positive and widely recognised image for Financial Services as a business partner to internal functional and faculty areas

·         Actively promote the Trust and its core values both internally and externally

 Competencies

Managing self and personal skills

·         Manage own resources

·         Maintain CPD

·         Develop personal networks

·         Maintain professional values and ethics

Providing direction

·         Support Trust improvement

·         Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, ethical and social requirements

·         Foster Trust culture

Facilitating change

·         Plan, lead and implement organisational change

·         Develop innovation

·         Build capacity for organisational change

Working with people

·         Develop productive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders

·         Support finance and wider team initiatives

Effective use of resources

·         Manage financial resources

·         Manage technology

Achieving results

·         Manage projects

·         Manage Trust processes

·         Implement Trust service improvements