Senior Finance Manager

A forward-thinking, rapidly expanding and largest school based Trust in Cumbria. Due to significant growth, a new role for a Senior Finance Manager has been created.
The new appointee with the other members of staff will create an East Cumbria hub and will lead the financial management arrangement for the East Cumbria Schools whilst providing technical advice and expertise on central financial and system matters.Reporting to the Head of Finance (Chief Finance Officer), this role is a key member of the Trust's finance team and as a key member of the Trust's wider central support team, the postholder will play an important role in supporting the direction of the Trust at a time of expansion and growth.

This role will be suited to an Accountant with strong financial and technical accounting knowledge gained in a multi-complex organisation. Experience of the education and /or not for profit sector or School audit would be beneficial to the role but more importantly, the successful candidate will have:

• A proven track record in managing finance operations to the highest standard, constantly striving to seek improvements in systems, controls and processes
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to engage with staff at all levels and build strong working relationships
• Strong IT skills and the ability to manage, manipulate and interpret data, with experience of managing and operating key financial systems
• The ability to manage time and working to tight deadlines, delegating as appropriate, whilst guiding and influencing the work of others.

Typical duties will include:

• Preparing annual budgets and future financial forecasts as part of the Trust's medium-term financial strategy
• Assist the CFO to address issues raised by external and internal audit functions
• Ensure compliance with Data Protection/GDPR and confidentiality matters for financial information.
• Support the CFO with core monthly processes and tasks, including: bank and payroll reconciliation, posting of income and expenditure, completion of month end, preparation of draft and final management accounts, preparation of monthly balance sheets
• Support in the management and development of the Finance ICT systems and related procedures, having system administration responsibilities for core applications.
• Assist in the development of robust processes and controls involving income (including lettings, consultancy etc.), invoicing, purchase order, asset register and depreciation.
• Work with the CFO, other Executive Officers and the CEO to maximise opportunities for investment returns and income generation: organising applications and bids, sales, sponsorship and fund-raising as appropriate and required.
• Undertake ad-hoc financial evaluations of new projects and initiatives.
• With the CFO, ensure compliance with all Trust financial policies and procedures and with DfE/ESFA regulations.
• Ensure that all necessary returns, reports and submissions are completed accurately within time constraints, including VAT, PAYE, NI and Pensions etc. and internal financial reporting requirements to Trustees and Local Academy Boards (LABs).

What you'll get in return Competitive annual salary
25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
Hybrid role
Pension scheme - employer contributory rate is currently 18.3%
Flexibility and reduced hours available
Softer benefits also included

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