Head of Finance Service

Our client is seeking a driven, innovative, and passionate individual to join their central team as Head of Finance Service. This is an excellent opportunity to be part of a growing and highly successful organisation. Our client is forward thinking, dynamic and determined to make a difference, and is seeking a likeminded individual who can support and lead the finances of the organisation. This is a full-time permanent position working 36 hours per week, with the option to work from home 1 day per week. This role offers a salary of £57,363 - £75,819 , depending on experience/ qualifications.

The Head of Finance Service is responsible for the financial development and sustainability. They will be accountable for ensuring that sound and appropriate financial governance and risk management arrangements are in place, prepare and monitor budgets and ensure the delivery of annual accounts in accordance with the Handbook and all statutory requireents.

The successful candidate will join a dynamic team based at our central office in Enfield. Some travel to other sites within Enfield will be required.

Financial Management and Control:

• Management of the finance department, including management of staff, management of relationships with third party providers of a range of support services, external contacts, payroll, pensions, auditors, bankers, suppliers, contractors, Local Authority, ESFA and all stakeholders.
• Providing a strategic finance service and hold accountability for the finance functions of the organisation, reporting to the Accounting Officer and Company Board.
• Ensure the processes around placing orders, purchasing goods and services, and payment of invoices are administered in such as a way as to reduce risk and in line with the scheme of delegation.
• Ensure the organisation maintains timely and accurate accounting records and oversee a sound system of financial control.
• Ensuring that the requirements of the Companies House, DFE, ESFA and the Handbook are met, including the preparation and submission financial returns to the ESFA and other bodies.
• Preparing Annual Reports in accordance with ESFA guidelines and timescales and reporting to the Board for approval.
• Fulfilling the employer’s obligation for the Local Government Pension Scheme and Pension Scheme.
• Installing, managing and maintaining a fully computerised financial management system that meets audit requirements, ensuring that all risks are regularly addressed. This may include different systems lined to all financial aspects.
• Managing all business cards, ensuring maintenance of accurate records to ensure that there are no irregularities and to report fraud if required.
• Managing, developing and initiating financial management procedures that minimise financial risk.
• Undertaking regular review and evaluations for cost-saving opportunities and procurement of services to achieve best value for the Organisation.
• Managing the preparation of month end accounts, including payroll, bank reconciliation and monthly VAT return, in accordance with the Handbook.
• Managing the organisation of all transfers of monies between accounts, ensuring appropriate controls measures are in place, tested and creating appropriate control measures where required.
• Preparation and guidance on all aspects of budget planning, advising the Board, Accounting Officer and Chief Operations Officer on important budgetary considerations.
• Managing and have a full overview of meal records, debt accounts, extended records and accounts. Ensuring that high level debts are pursued and take legal action if required.
• Seeking and pursuing ways of increasing the income through different revenue streams.
• Managing the processing of all income, including banking, invoicing and reconciling.
• Managing the preparation of invoices and collection of fees and other dues, taking legal action where necessary to recover bad debts.
• Overseeing the operation of all bank accounts ensuring that a full reconciliation is undertaken at least once per month.
• Overseeing the payroll function, ensuring that the staff are paid on time and correctly.

Strategy:

• Developing and refine of the long-term financial strategy, including suitable KPIs and monitoring KPIs.
• Creating appropriate short, medium, and long-term business plans for each institution including defining appropriate KPIs
• Ensuring that the finance functions and policies are suitable as the organisation develops, grows.
• Researching and reporting on factors influencing business performance, including benchmarking.
• Driving change regarding financial policies, procedures and processes as required and maintain current policies and procedures, including the scheme of delegation.
• Have an up-to-date financial knowledge and advise the Board and Executive team on compliance, legislation and guidance.

General:

• The smooth running of the finance office, including supervision of office staff and ensuring sufficient cover of office during periods of absence, including holidays.
• Carrying out, through line management or direct responsibility, the performance reviews of all finance staff and all relevant arising actions.
• Promoting the highest standards of courtesy and mutual respect amongst all members of the community. Encourage initiative, teamwork and working in partnership.
• Ensuring the security and back up of all financial data and seeking additional security if required

Qualifications

• Qualified Accountant/ ACCA/ CIMA/ AAT/ CIPFA

Experience

• Experience of building and managing a whole business budget
• Knowledge of PS Financials and other budgeting and finance systems
• Experience of monthly reporting including presentation to senior leaders
• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to influence others to the benefit of the organisation.
• Ability to work on long term projects.
• Experience of accountability for IT issues surrounding finance systems as administrator
• Financial management experience in an education setting.