Financial Systems and Reporting Officer in Slough

Financial Systems and Reporting Officer – Slough and East Berkshire CoE Multi‑Academy Trust (SEBMAT)

Job Description: The Financial Systems and Reporting Officer (FSR O) has delegated responsibility from the Finance Director (FD) to review, improve and maintain the financial systems and processes of the Trust’s overall financial function. This includes the employment of efficient, effective and economical systems across all the schools and businesses operating under the Trust. Purpose: The role is key to achieving improved performance and providing the FD and other stakeholders with accurate and timely financial information to support good business decision making, particularly against the backdrop of budget the further proposed expansion.

Location: SEBMAT offices, Slough, SL2 5AY. Start Date: July 2026. Contract: Full Time (Part‑time option may be considered for the right candidate). Scale / Point: Scale 6, Point 24 to Scale 7, Point 35 (£36,508-£47,238) inflationary pay review pending, pay will be dependent on experience.

The Slough and East Berkshire Multi Academy Trust (‘SEBMAT’) currently has 7 schools with a possibility of further expansion. SEBMAT is a company limited by guarantee and is an exempt charity that is governed by a Trust Board which is responsible for oversight, management and administration of the Company and the academies therein.

Main Accountabilities

• Working with the FD to review and implement strategic change relating to changes in political, environmental, social, technological, legal and environmental.
• In conjunction with FD advise on current and future financial issues and projects including feasibility studies, appraisals, preparation of business cases and funding options.
• Ensure that financial policies adopted are in adherence with the requirements of the Charities Commission and Companies Law.
• To continually review all financial / banking and operational policies and systems within the Trust to ensure they are robust in ensuring that the Academies Trust Handbook requirements as guided by the Department for Education are being adhered to.
• To review banking approval limits to ensure the system is in place and being adhered to as per financial policies.
• Ensure that the finance function offers a high quality and accessible service which is efficient, accurate, complete and in a courteous manner.
• Lead on implementation of new financial systems to improve core functions.
• To provide the FD with appropriate financial information and assistance to support the decision‑making process.
• To keep budget planning systems updated and ensuring budgets on schools finance systems are approved by Trustees.
• To prepare monthly management accounting reports with accuracy using IMP budget planning tool.
• There may be a requirement to attend meetings where information gathered on systems and processes may have to be presented.
• Ensure that the DFE chart of accounts are being implemented in all schools on budgets and financial systems.
• Liaise with schools on overspends/underspends/latest estimates of spending to update forecast.
• To be able to deputise for Finance Manager during leave/absence.
• To assist on compilation of Trustees’ report for year‑end audit and to ensure that the interim and year‑end audit process is conducted effectively and efficiently.
• To be able to work at any school or business of the Trust as the need arises.
• To assist the FD to maintain an effective system of recording fixed assets and maintaining it to enable accurate reporting.
• To assist the FD to maintain an effective system of recording all contracts and direct debits within the Trust.
• To lead on the set up of financial and banking systems of any new academies joining The Trust.
• To be responsible for delivery of training to core and school staff when implementing new systems or introducing new policies.
• To take part in the team discussions and implement change to procedures/systems to effect any improvements.
• To assist wherever required within the Finance Team of the Trust, be it at the Core or a School.
• To carry out any other duties as directed by the FD.

Confidentiality

During the course of your employment you may see, hear or have access to, information on matters of a confidential nature relation to the work of the Trust or to the health and personal affairs of pupils and staff. Under no circumstances should such information be divulged or passed on to any unauthorised person or organisation.

GDPR

During the course of your employment you will have access to data and personal information which should be managed in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).

Safeguarding Children

In accordance with the Trust’s commitment to follow and adhere to the most recent versions of the Department for Education’s guidance entitled "Keeping Children Safe in Education" and "Safeguarding Children and Young People and Young Vulnerable Adults Policy" and all other relevant guidance and legislation in respect of safeguarding children, you are required to demonstrate your commitment to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people in the Trust. All staff are required to maintain appropriate professional boundaries in relationships with children and with all members of the school community and outside agencies, and exercise sound professional judgment which always focuses upon the best interests of the students and the Trust. You are also required to know and comply with the most recent version of the DfE document ‘Guidance for Safer Working Practice for Adults who work with Children and Young People.’ You are required to have satisfactory Enhanced DBS clearance with barred list information. Your role requires you to observe and maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times and avoid behaviour that might be misinterpreted by others. You must understand and carry out your duties in accordance with the responsibilities of being in a position of trust and despatch your duty of care appropriately at all times. You will be expected to present a consistently positive image of the Trust and uphold public trust and confidence at all times.

Health & Safety

You are required to comply with the school’s Health and Safety policy at all times.