Head of Finance

Head of Finance | Full time and Permanent | Doncaster | Salary up to £70,000

Ashley Kate are thrilled to be partnering with a client of ours who are a very well established educational trust as we search for a Head of Finance on a full time and permanent basis. The Head of Finance will play a full and active part in the Trust senior executive team with specific responsibility for leading and developing finance and other services and ensuring a high standard of support for all the Trust services, the CEO, the Governors and Trustees. The Head of Finance will have full responsibility for the effective and efficient operation of the Finance department and Support the CEO with the implementation of the Strategic Plan 2020-2025 and work collaboratively with the senior executive team, Governors, Trustees and service leaders.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee the regular preparation of management accounts and reports on the financial state for the CEO, Governors, Trustees and budget holders across the Trust
• Prepare the annual budget for the whole Trust including service budgets with the forecast of surplus/deficit, balance sheet and cash flow
• Produce monthly management accounts for the whole Trust including all of the services across the Trust
• Manage the preparation of budgets in accordance with policies and that link to the Strategic Plan 2020-2025
• Support the CEO and service leaders with business planning to develop services and provision
• Work with the Director of HR to ensure staffing costs are effectively managed across the Trust
• Produce timely and fully costed proposals, and ensuring they are sustainable, for example, through three to five year budgets.
• To oversee the work of the Finance Team with regards to the day-to-day operation including general accounting, orders and invoices, bank accounts and petty cash.
• Advise the CEO and Trustees on the investment policy and manage the investment of funds in accordance with the policy. Provide regular reports to the Trustees through the Finance and Audit Committee.
• Implement and review the Finance Policy and Handbook outlining procedures for all services
• Have overall responsibility for managing the financial aspects of the budget, including attending relevant meetings and courses, determining general budget structures and account levels, organising day-to-day financial transactions, profiling accounts, producing information for audit purposes and making presentations to the Finance and Audit committee where applicable.
• Ensure compliance with relevant financial management standards: Charity Law and the Educations Skills Funding Agency requirements
• Act as correspondent for the Department for Education, Education Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), Local Authorities, Ofsted, any other bodies or funders and be responsible for the records and returns required.
• Line manage the Finance Team and manage the accounting procedures and resolve any problems.
• Provide training and support to those members of staff with delegated budgets.
• Ensure that the principles of value for money are applied to all transactions.

About you:

• Qualified/Part Qualified Accountant (ACCA or CIMA)
• Strong background working in the Educational/Charitable sector - must have experience managing the Finance function.
• Understanding of Sage systems and Civica is advantageous
• Able to lead, organise and motivate a team
• Experience attending Trustee/Senior Leadership meetings as a Finance representative.
• Understanding of Safeguarding procedures and commitment to safeguarding children & young people
• Understanding of ESFA funding guidance, regulations in Charity Law and SEND sector (desirable)

It is essential that you meet the requirements of the role listed in the 'About you' section. Please apply and I will be in touch shortly :