Head of Finance & Risk
The Good Shepherd Trust, Guildford, GU1 1JYDeadline is tomorrow
Closing date
5 May 2024 at 6pm
Date listed
24 April 2024
Job details
Job role
- Teaching assistant
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Part time, full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary
- £63,000.00 - £68,000.00 Annually (FTE)
Head of Finance & Risk job summary
Full time or part time - We value and respect difference and are committed to building an inclusive culture by creating an environment where you can balance a successful career with your commitments and interests outside of work. We believe that you will do your best at work if you have a work / life balance. Some roles lend themselves to flexible options more than others, so if this is important to you, please state this in your application as we are open to discussing agile working opportunities during the hiring process which could include job share or opportunities for part time working
Job Purpose:
The financial management and control of the group, being the provision of management information, and input to strategic financial planning.
Lead the finance team to enable them to work smarter instead of harder by developing the technology and reporting platforms.
Lead the finance team by providing mentorship, coaching, and performance management to ensure high performance and professional development.
Key Tasks and responsibilities
Responsible for day-to-day management of the finance function
Managing a team including conducting annual reviews
Providing mentorship, coaching, and performance management to ensure high performance and professional development.
Knowledge of HR policies and procedures
Provide a consistent and approachable point of contact for stakeholders.
Oversight of the month end process and monthly management accounts preparation
Preparing management accounts for review by the CFOO and CEO
To provide accurate monthly departmental profitability/cost reports to budget holders in a timely manner, and to work with budget holders to explain actuals and question over/underspends
To understand the rules and regulations associated with all income streams (ESFA, local authorities etc.) and to ensure that all income is recorded accurately in the management accounts
Work with the Chief Finance and Operations Officer and School Business Managers to design, develop, improve and test internal financial management reports, dashboards and business intelligence queries to better inform the business
Assist the preparation of the annual budget for the Trust and Academy schools To assist with the preparation of reforecasts (two during the academic year) for presentation to the board and ESFA as needed
To prepare ad-hoc reports for meetings with the bank, the ESFA and other third parties when required
Assist with cashflow monitoring to ensure adequate liquidity and funding for Academy operations
Preparing weekly cash flow reports
Assisting with monthly cashflow forecasts
Responsible for the preparation of the annual audit, from the planning stage through to the field work and to assist with the preparation of the Financial Statements
Be the main contact for the auditors
Ensuring all evidence is provided by the agreed deadlines
Respond to audit queries as they arise
Implement all audit review findings into the Trust’s controls and procedures
VAT return
To authorise submission of quarterly VAT return.
To prepare the annual partial exemption calculation
Advise staff ordering goods and services on behalf of the Academies the appropriate VAT treatment and coding within the system
To review the VAT records of the group and to work with external advisors to ensure that VAT is accurately recorded and that changes to rules and regulations are processed in a timely manner
Responsible for the ongoing development and process improvement of the finance systems and integration with wider Academy reporting systems to enhance efficiency and effectiveness with the finance function
Oversee testing and documentation of internal processes and procedures
Ensure the integrity, accuracy, and confidentiality of financial data and information
Responsible for the provision of comprehensive financial controls
Ensure compliance with accounting principles, standards, regulations, and internal controls within both the finance team and wider college group
Maintain policies and procedures within the finance function
To instil a culture of robust control and efficiency throughout the Trust
Responsible for continuing development of value for money procurement activities
Knowledge of how the Local Government Pension Scheme works, both in terms of the accounting entries required and the assumptions that are used by the actuaries to arrive at the figures provided in their Annual Report
To maintain a Risk Register and a Risk Management Policy. It is a condition of your employment that you become aware of these documents and that you follow the objectives and procedures of good risk management in your areas of work.
Human Resources Management
Liaise with the Head of HR to provide HR support and advice to the school(s) and ensure that all Trust HR policies and procedures are applied consistently.
Oversight of monthly payroll and documents and associated reports.
Work with the Senior Leadership Team and the Head of HR to review staffing structures, restructures and workforce planning in the school(s) to ensure that school improvement and streamlining is a priority.
Facilities, premises and H&S Management
Working with the Senior Leadership Team and with the support of the Head of Buildings and Estates agree the most effective use of Devolved formula Capital and formulate capital improvement projects and bids.
Engender a culture of effective H&S and ensure that necessary core risk assessments are in use, regularly reviewed and communicated to all staff.
Ensure that any issues raised by the H&S auditor or the Head of Buildings and Estates are reviewed and actioned appropriately.
Ensure a safe and secure environment for all stakeholders which supports and facilitates effective learning.
Ensure that the letting of school(s) premises to external organisations is managed effectively and supports the ethos of the Academy.
Administration Management
Primary bank administrator, with oversight of facility, including setting up new accounts if required, authorising new users and approval of chargecard applications.
Ensure timely and accurate submission of statutory and statistical returns.
Oversee, review and manage contracts/service level agreements to ensure best value and delivery of contractual obligations.
Where necessary, liaise with the school(s) external IT provider to ensure IT licences are up-to-date; develop and implement the schools’ IT strategy in conjunction with the SLT and CFOO and ensure contingency plans are in place in the case of technology failure.
Maintenance of records in accordance with the Trust’s data retention schedule and data protection law, ensuring information security and confidentiality at all times.
Commitment to safeguarding
The Good Shepherd Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We ensure that all our employment practices reflect this commitment. All appointments are made subject to an enhanced DBS clearance (Disclosure and Barring Service), satisfactory references and qualification checks.
Applying for the job
Using the application form
This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.
About The Good Shepherd Trust
- Type
- Multi-academy trust
Welcome from the CEO - Paul Kennedy
A very warm welcome to the Good Shepherd Trust (GST) and thank you for taking the time to visit our website. I joined the GST as CEO in February 2020 having spent over twenty-five years in education as a teacher, leader, headteacher and trust CEO. This is an exciting time for the GST as we further develop and strengthen our network of schools.
The GST is a multi-academy trust serving 18 schools within the Diocese of Guildford across Surrey and Hampshire. Our trust comprises both primary and secondary schools, schools affiliated to the Church of England and others who are not. Our purpose is to grow and maintain a strong network of schools within a highly supportive and sharing network: we know that schools are better when they work together sharing common values and goals. Opportunities for staff development are a key priority for us - as a member of support staff, as a teacher, as a head teacher or as a local committee member you will have access to wide and varied professional development.
But at the heart of what we do are the children and young people within our schools. GST schools are first and foremost highly inclusive settings where we strive to see each child flourish and grow, transforming lives and offering breadth and richness in each school’s individual curriculum. We also seek to fulfil the Church of England’s vision for education providing schools for the entire community we serve, for people of all faiths and none.
Our mission is drawn from the words of Jesus in John’s Gospel – ‘I have come that you may have life and have it to the full.’ It is in this context that Jesus reveals to us the wonderful image of himself, The Good Shepherd who shows us how to live, to love and serve others whilst we experience the richness of life in its fullness.
Whether you are a parent, teacher, leader or prospective member of a local committee or a Trustee, please get in touch if you would like to know more about the GST.
With best wishes,
Paul Kennedy
Chief Executive Officer
Head office location
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