Finance Manager - Education in Nelson

Based on the outskirts of East Lancashire, this Multi Academy Trust is in a position to hire an experienced Finance and Operations Manager to join the senior leadership team. With a proven track record of adding value to each of the schools under their leadership, they currently have an interest and responsibility for a selection of high performing schools across the local area. The Trust maintains a focused and dedicated senior leadership team. Overseeing the financial activities across the estate, they are now seeking an experienced and dynamic Finance Professional to enable and facilitate the future direction of the trust.

Taking the lead on all financial activity, whilst also managing aspects of procurement, IT and estates, this role will lead on the financial direction and add value to the strategic direction in a varied and interesting role.

Package Highlights:

• Hybrid Working
• Local Gov Pension Scheme
• Flexible Working
• May consider 4 day and full time
• Enhanced holidays
• Full time, NOT term time

Your New Role As Finance and Operations Manager:

As Finance Manager, you shall manage and co-ordinate the financial requirements and processes across the Trust and its schools. Responsible for the line management of the finance team, you shall support the ongoing operational development of each school within the Trust. A varied and rewarding position, where no day is the same, you shall work closely with the CFO and stakeholders in a true partnering role and one to add value in the strategic direction of each entity and the trust as a whole.

Key Responsibilities:

• Responsibility for high quality financial operations & reporting
• Support CFO with development & implementation of Trust financial strategy
• Support CFO in ensuring financial sustainability of the Trust
• Lead on embedding robust financial procedures throughout the Trust to ensure regulatory & statutory compliance
• Lead on development and embedding of Trust wide procurement processes and contract management to maximise value for money

Finance:

• Manage core finance team, including overseeing their performance and supporting their development
• Oversee routine financial operations, including accounts payable/receivable and VAT, ensuring month end reviews and reconciliations are completed in a timely manner
• Oversee cash management processes in line with Trust policies, including cash flow forecasting
• Oversee the finance systems currently in use (Xero, ApprovalMax, XfE and IMP), including supporting new and existing users with training and updates where required

Budgeting & Financial Performance Monitoring:

• Support CFO with annual budget setting process, ensuring sustainable budgets for each school & the core team
• Support Principals and core team leaders with budget monitoring throughout the year including providing training where appropriate
• Lead on monthly management reporting ensuring all academy & core team leaders have access to high quality, timely financial information
• Support CFO with preparation of financial monitoring reports, including benchmarking and ICFP, for Trustees and other external stakeholders as required
• Support CFO with the Trust’s statutory year-end process, ensuring timely preparation of the annual report and financial statements in accordance with the Academies Accounts Direction, Charities SORP, and relevant statutory and regulatory requirements

Procurement & Operations:

• Lead on development & embedding of procurement processes, including establishing a collaborative trust wide approach, to ensure the trust maximises value for money throughout all our procurement
• Oversee trust contracts register ensuring accurate and complete information, providing support and additional training to contract owners as required
• Ensure compliant procurement processes are followed, including spend analysis, tendering, contract management and supplier performance management

Trust Wide:

• Support CFO in the delivery of a professional finance service to all colleagues across our family of schools
• Work with the CFO to monitor our controls environment, ensuring procedures are routinely and consistently applied. Support with updates as required to ensure ongoing compliance with all regulatory requirements
• Contribute to trust risk management processes, including internal scrutiny audits where focused on financial procedures & compliance

Role Requirements:

To be considered for this position, you shall have a proven track record of adding value within a senior finance position, ideally within the education sector. Having also managed areas of operations, and partnering with stakeholders in a multi-site operation, you will also be ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified or have the experience to back up the application as part qualified or QBE. As a hands-on practitioner, you shall have all the skills required to complete all tasks in the JD and also be within a commutable distance from East Lancashire.

Salary And Reward On Offer:

With a rewarding package on offer and enhanced local gov pension scheme, this role forms a pivotal part of the senior leadership team who pride themselves on providing a quality service and the provision of all the necessary tools for our young learners to succeed in later life. Taking the lead, you will have the opportunity to add value to the trust and gain exposure across the organisation in a rewarding, varied role.