Chief Operating and Financial Officer (COFO)
Waterton Academy Trust, Wakefield, WF2 6LD34 days remaining to apply
Start date details
1st March 2025
Closing date
13 November 2024 at 3pm
Date listed
27 September 2024
Job details
Job role
- Other leadership roles
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary
- £65,000.00 Annually (Actual) The salary for this role is negotiable, with a competitive starting point around £65,000 depending on experience and qualificationss
Chief Operating and Financial Officer (COFO) job summary
The role of COFO is critical to our mission. You will be responsible for overseeing the financial health and operational efficiency of the Trust, working closely with school leaders and the executive leadership team to ensure that our resources are aligned with our educational vision. This opportunity has arisen due to the retirement of our much-loved and long-standing Chief Operating and Financial Officer, whose dedication and leadership have been integral to the organisation for many years. Your leadership will play a key role in shaping our future, driving continuous improvement, and safeguarding our long-term sustainability.
Overview of the role
To support in the successful operation of the Trust and its schools, the COFO will oversee the operational functions of the Trust and is primarily tasked with providing leadership, direction and development on all operational services and financial management. The COFO is integral to the delivery of the Trust’s strategic aims and will play a key role as a member and advisor of the executive leadership team (ELT), providing dynamic leadership, strong management and clear direction and development across all operational and corporate services and financial management for the Trust.
Working closely with, and advising the Chief Executive Officer and Board, the post holder will provide visible strategic and organisational leadership in the Trust, whilst seeing that our day-to-day operations run sustainably, efficiently and effectively with risks managed proactively.
Reporting to the CEO, the COFO will oversee the development of our business, commercial and professional services and wider strategy to enable transformation and growth. The COFO will champion performance and delivery across Finance, Estates, HR, ICT and communications to drive achievement, high standards, compliance and quality improvements for our pupils, our colleagues, our schools and communities, proactively seeking opportunities for improvement and development.
The COFO will strive for operational excellence on the part of every member of the Trust Central Team, overseeing that: the support services functions are well managed on a day to-day basis; systems and processes are rigorous, staff work as one team towards a common purpose and are effectively and efficiently deployed and perform to the highest standards.
The COFO may be asked to deputise for the CEO/Accounting Officer, and will formally be our Chief Financial Officer, working to maintain viability of our operations and cost-effective management of our multi-million-pound budget.
Key Job Purpose
The prime purpose of the Chief Operating and Financial Officer (COFO) is to facilitate the best possible educational provision and outcomes through successful delivery and development of operational services and financial management. This work will include maintaining compliance with all relevant legal and regulatory requirements.
Working as part of the executive leadership team (ELT), the postholder will have a unique opportunity to develop the operating model across the Finance, Estates, HR, and IT that directly support our schools.
The postholder will also make a significant contribution to the development of our growth strategy and trajectory as well as the wider organisation, continuously raising standards in our schools and driving the Trust forward. Working inclusively with a culture that promotes Trust’s ethos, vision and values, encourages excellence, and high expectations of all.
The COFO will:
Lead the non-academic operations and central service functions of the trust
Deputise for the CEO & DCEO where required
Uphold, promote and model the vision and values of the trust
Undertake the statutory role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the Trust as described in the Academy Trust Handbook.
Support the CEO in their role as the trust’s Accounting Officer.
Take responsibility for the financial development and sustainability of trust, and for the financial probity of the organisation.
As part of the ELT, provide leadership and management of the trust’s finance and business functions, enabling the trust to work effectively towards its aims and objectives.
Expectations of All Employees
Contribute to and uphold the overall vision and ethos of Waterton Academy Trust.
Recognise own strengths and areas of expertise and use these to inspire, advise and support others.
Promote teamwork, working in partnership to ensure effective working relations.
Treat all users of the schools within the MAT with courtesy and consideration.
Be aware and always comply with all Waterton Academy Trust Policies.
To comply with and assist with the development of policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality, and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person.
To be aware of and support difference and ensure equal opportunities for all.
To maintain a presence in local and national professional networks and through these, and other means, ensure a continuous overview of appropriate policies and developments to keep abreast of current and best practice.
To prepare policy and review papers as required and requested.
To participate in training and other learning activities and performance development as required.
To maintain confidentiality at all times in respect of Academy related matters.
Other duties commensurate with the grade of the post as directed by the CEO.
Additional Information
The job description is not an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities, it will change from time to time with negotiation and be subject to regular review. The postholder will on occasion be required to work flexibly, outside of their remit following reasonable instruction from the Trust.
Employees are encouraged to participate in training activities in order to enhance their own personal development.
Characteristics of the Post
Finance
Support the Accounting Officer in fulfilling their public duties and financial obligations as outlined in the DfE Academy Handbook, acting as the Trust’s Chief Finance Officer (CFO). Ensure robust financial stewardship and full compliance with all relevant financial regulations.
Safeguard public funds and resources entrusted to the Trust, maintaining integrity and transparency in the management of finances. Ensure high standards of value for money, propriety, and regularity to reassure stakeholders.
Provide effective support to the Trustees, Audit and Risk Committee, and both Internal and External Auditors, enabling thorough monitoring and compliance with financial regulations.
Oversee compliance with all legislative, statutory, and regulatory requirements, ensuring the Trust consistently meets its financial obligations.
Offer strategic leadership and direction in Finance, maintaining high standards across the Trust. Develop and enhance financial systems that align with the Trust’s
objectives, ensuring operational effectiveness.
Lead the development and implementation of financial policies and procedures within areas of responsibility. Ensure strict adherence to these policies across the Trust to maintain financial integrity.
Ensure effective management of revenue and resources with a strong focus on cost-consciousness and efficiency. Proactively identify new funding sources, maximize grant income, and manage appropriate allocation and reporting of funds.
Oversee timely and accurate payroll processing to ensure all employees are paid correctly and on time.
Collaborate closely with the Head of Finance and the Finance Team to implement sustainable financial management practices, ensuring the Trust’s long-term financial health.
Prepare and maintain multi-year budgets for income and expenditure, ensuring robust financial planning. Regularly report on budget variances and forecasts to ESFA, DfE, the Trust, and individual Academies. Ensure monthly management accounts and forecasts are produced on time.
Evaluate and assess business, operational, and financial plans, analysing complex issues and offering alternative solutions as necessary. Implement improvement plans to ensure the Trust’s financial operations are both viable and effective.
Lead due diligence processes for any schools considering joining the Trust, ensuring financial and operational readiness.
Strategic Leadership
Provide strong strategic leadership across the Trust, guiding its operational functions to support the achievement of both short-term and long-term goals in alignment with the Trust’s overarching strategic objectives.
Play a key role within the executive leadership team, contributing to central business decisions and helping to steer the Trust toward sustainable growth and success.
Take responsibility for the provision of key operational services, including strategic planning, impact assessments, and decision-making support, ensuring the Trust operates efficiently and effectively.
Provide expert advice and counsel to the executive leadership team and Trustees on all non-academic operations, influencing key decisions and shaping the Trust’s broader strategy.
Lead the development and implementation of the Trust Central Team’s strategy, overseeing the structure, processes, administrative functions, and performance measures to ensure the team operates at a high standard.
Line manage key members of the Central Team, providing guidance, support, and leadership to foster a high performance culture.
Drive effective change management across the Trust, ensuring successful implementation of new initiatives and continuous improvement of operations.
Service Delivery
Continuously review and develop the Trust’s operating model, systems, and policies, ensuring they support the Trust’s overall business objectives and enable high-quality service delivery.
Lead efforts to improve operational efficiency and customer satisfaction across the Trust, focusing on enhancing the user experience and ensuring seamless service delivery.
Oversee administrative and service inter-connectivity across the Trust, ensuring departments and functions work cohesively to deliver on the Trust’s objectives.
Take a lead role in risk management and mitigation, ensuring that potential risks are identified, reported, and managed effectively. Keep the executive leadership team, Headteachers, and Trustees informed of risks and issues, ensuring appropriate mitigation measures are in place.
Ensure the Trust remains compliant with all legal and statutory requirements, including GDPR, the Freedom of Information Act, and any other applicable regulations.
Estates
Work closely with the Head of Estates to provide strategic leadership and direction in the management of the Trust’s estates and assets, ensuring high standards are maintained across all sites.
Ensure comprehensive risk mitigation strategies are in place, particularly in the areas of Health and Safety, security, and business continuity. Oversee critical incident management, disaster recovery planning, and insurance provisions.
Establish clear accountability for Health and Safety management across the Trust, ensuring that risks are identified, reported, and mitigated.
Oversee the management of Trust assets, ensuring buildings, facilities, and IT infrastructure are maintained to a high standard. Develop and implement a comprehensive asset replacement plan.
Ensure all sites comply with Health and Safety, safeguarding, and other legal requirements, maintaining a safe and secure environment for staff, students, and visitors.
Manage facilities contracts, including catering and maintenance, ensuring they deliver value for money and meet agreed standards of quality.
HR
In collaboration with the Head of People and Partnerships, provide strategic leadership in Human Resources, ensuring the development of effective systems and policies that support the Trust’s goals and uphold high standards.
Oversee the production and implementation of HR policies, ensuring a robust HR framework is in place across the Trust.
Work with HR to develop a culture of diversity, equality, and inclusion, ensuring the Trust remains an inclusive and supportive environment for all staff.
Oversee coherent and efficient administration of HR, payroll, and pensions, ensuring smooth and effective operations that meet the needs of the Trust’s workforce.
IT
Provide strategic leadership in IT, ensuring the Trust’s digital systems and infrastructure meet high standards and align with the Trust’s overall strategy.
Ensure the Trust’s investment in IT is effectively utilised, ensuring equitable use of hardware and software to maximize its impact on students and staff.
Oversee cybersecurity and data protection measures, ensuring that all IT systems comply with relevant policies and standards.
Governance
Oversee the provision of governance support to the Board of Trustees and its committees, including Hub Boards and Local Academy Standard Committees, ensuring compliance with Trust governance standards.
Serve as the primary contact for internal and external audits, ensuring compliance with the Academy Handbook and other statutory requirements.
Lead the Trust’s risk management strategy, overseeing the work of the Risk and Audit Committee and ensuring effective governance practices are maintained.
Manage the relationship with legal advisors, overseeing legal matters including contracts, licenses, academy conversions, and other issues as they arise.
Other Responsibilities
Represent the CEO and the Trust in interactions with regulatory authorities and external stakeholders, ensuring positive and productive relationships.
Oversee the maintenance and updating of the Trust’s websites and social media, ensuring they are compliant with relevant regulations and aligned with the Trust’s branding.
Perform additional duties as required to support the development and success of the Trust.
For further information please refer to the attached Application pack.
Commitment to safeguarding
Waterton Academy Trust is wholly committed to ensuring children and young people are fully supported and safe. We are dedicated to the safeguarding of all children and young people whilst promoting their welfare and expect all staff and volunteers to share this responsibility.
Waterton Academy Trust follows safer recruitment processes which all applicants will be subject to. An enhanced DBS check is required for the successful candidates and two satisfactory references. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide details of any unspent convictions and those that would not be filtered, prior to the date of the interview.
Applying for the job
This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.
CVs are not accepted.
About Waterton Academy Trust
- Type
- Multi-academy trust
Head office location
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