Head of Finance

Job Title: Head of Finance

Location: Enfield office based 4 days a week, 1 day from home

Salary: Between £57,363 to £75,819 depending on experience

Hours: Monday to Friday 8 am to 4.30 pm (flexibility on start times)

Benefits:

• Local government pension
• 31 days holiday + public holidays
• Inclusive and diverse business
• Superb learning and development opportunities
• Flexile starting times
• Great culture and team
• Opportunity to shape the function

About the position - Head of Finance

As a Head of Finance working for a very successful and expanding education trust in North London. As Head of Finance, you will have a strategic overview of all Trust finance matters to ensure that the Trust is fully compliant and that financial regulations are adhered to. This will include holding the responsibility and accountability for the financial controls and procedures within the Trust and managing the finance service for all schools within the Trust. The Head of Finance Service is responsible and accountable for ensuring that sound and appropriate financial governance and risk management arrangements are in place, preparing and monitoring budgets and ensuring the delivery of annual accounts by the Academy Trust Handbook and all statutory requirements.

The successful individual will provide strategic advice to the Accounting Officer, Chief Operations Officer and senior leaders on complex financial issues, regulation updates, and processes and report to the Trust Board regularly.

Overview of responsibilities for the position of Head of Finance

• Manage the finance department, including staff and relationships with third-party service providers.
• Provide strategic financial services and accountability for the finance functions.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations and oversee financial controls.
• Prepare and submit financial returns to relevant bodies.
• Prepare the Trust's Annual Reports and ensure approval by the Trust Board.
• Ensure new schools joining the Trust have full finance functions and provide necessary training.
• Manage pension schemes and financial management systems.
• Implement financial management procedures to minimize risk.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and procurement of services.
• Manage month-end accounts, payroll, and VAT returns.
• Develop and refine the long-term financial strategy for the Trust.
• Create short-, medium, and long-term business plans for each institution.
• Ensure finance functions and policies evolve with Trust development.
• Research and report on factors influencing business performance.
• Drive changes in financial policies, procedures, and processes.
• Stay updated on financial compliance, legislation, and guidance.
• Ensure smooth running of the finance office and supervise staff.
• Ensure quality of work to meet deadlines.
• Conduct performance reviews and address staff under-performance.
• Motivate and support staff development.
• Identify and address training needs.
• Promote courtesy, respect, and teamwork.
• Ensure security and backup of financial data.
• Report regularly at Trust Board and leadership meetings.
• Undertake directed duties as required by the Chief Executive Officer.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety policies.
• Promote equality, safeguarding, and positive attitudes within the Trust.

Experience required for the position of Head of Finance

• Qualified Accountant/ ACCA/ CIMA/ AAT/ CIPFA
• Evidence of substantial finance experience in a complex organisation
• Experience in building and managing a whole business budget
• Knowledge of PS Financials and other budgeting and finance systems
• Ability to manage risk to deliver outstanding services
• Experience in monthly reporting including presentations to senior leaders
• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to influence others to the benefit of the Trust
• Ability to work on long-term projects
• Proven experience in taking difficult decisions and seeing them through to successful completion
• Experience in accountability for IT issues surrounding finance systems as an administrator
• First Class organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to remain calm under pressure and work to tight deadlines; systematic in approach to tasks, with attention to detail
• Ability to communicate effectively with all members of the Trust and the community
• A command of spoken English that is sufficient to effectively carry out the duties of the role
• Knowledge of safeguarding issues
• Financial management experience in an education setting is desirable but not essential

For more information regarding the role of Head of Finance please contact us

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Due to a high volume of applications, we will only contact you if your application has been successful. We aim to contact all successful contacts within two business days.