Chief Financial Officer in Sheffield

Based in South Yorkshire, this established and dynamic Multi Academy Trust are in a period of growth. Following several successful years, they are seeking an experienced Chief Financial Officer to form part of the leadership team. This role will drive the strategic direction of the Trust and lead all financial activities. The role will lead and develop the finance function while collaborating with senior leadership across multiple business units. Head office is based in the Sheffield area. This newly created role enables commercial decision making and offers a highly competitive salary and Local Government pension scheme. With further additions to the Trust planned, they are seen as a leading education provider and remain innovative in approach.

To be considered you must have relevant senior experience within the Education Sector, ideally across a multi-site environment.

Responsibilities

• Be the Chief Financial Officer for the Trust, ensuring that it meets standards set out in relevant legislation and as advised by Auditors and Financial Advisors and the Department for Education or relevant funding body.
• Oversight of the management of finance operations, responsible for delivering the Trust’s financial and accounting processes and supporting the CEO in meeting their responsibilities as Accounting Officer.
• Ensure that funding is utilised in line with funding agreements.
• Ensure that financial governance is strong and appropriate, and that risk management arrangements are in place.
• Develop and ensure implementation of the Trust Financial Regulations Handbook and finance policies.
• Ensure that appropriate financial systems are in place that allow financial records to be securely maintained and reported accurately, internally and to external partners in line with legislative requirements.
• Oversight of the preparation and monitoring of Trust and school budgets, and reporting to the CEO and Directors to ensure that all budgetary targets are met, and efficiencies are maximised.
• Ensure delivery of statutory accounts and all other returns as required by company, charity and DfE legislation.
• Ensure the delivery of accurate management accounting reports to schools and the Trust Board.
• Develop and advise on operational support for the head teachers.
• Lead on significant capital projects including managing capital funding applications and distribution of capital grants.
• Ensure long-term financial sustainability, by confirming that proper financial systems are established and effectively monitored, that appropriate action is recommended to address problems identified, and to ensure that the Directors are presented with accurate and timely financial reports.
• Develop and maintain a strong and effective relationship with the Department for Education and relevant funding bodies, and ensure that funding is maximised.
• Develop and implement strategies for the generation of additional revenue and resources for the Trust.

Human Resources

• Ensure that all employment policies and procedures in the Trust are appropriate, follow best practice, and reflect the culture of the Trust as well as all relevant legislation.
• Ensure all HR policies are followed across the Trust.
• Have oversight of the staffing structures and costings across the Trust and oversee new appointment processes.
• To lead and report to the Board on employment matters such as Employee Engagement, Diversity and Inclusion, Training and Development as they relate to best practice.
• Work with Headteachers to monitor and maintain an affordable recruitment strategy.

Payroll

• Lead the payroll team to ensure that the Trust workforce is paid appropriately.
• Ensure that systems and processes are in place to ensure Schools receive support on a day-to-day basis.
• Ensure that the payroll team adhere to legislative requirements, such as tax, national insurance and benefits such as pensions.

Strategic workforce and reporting

• Strategic workforce planning that reflects wider Trust strategies and policies.
• Oversight of workforce reporting to internal and external stakeholders such as Trustees and the DfE.

Qualifications

In order to be considered, you must be residing in the local Yorkshire region. Formally qualified (ACA, CIMA, ACCA, CIPFA). You shall have a track record of successful senior leadership and strategy development within a comparable organisation, ideally within an educational setting. You shall have demonstrated ability to add commercial and strategic value. With experience of efficient and effective budget, financial, risk and resource management, you shall be proven as a leader who can build effective partnerships and links with internal and external stakeholders. Ideally you will have experience of working effectively with a Board/Governing body with the skills to improve and implement new ways of working to enhance systems and processes.