Trust Management Accountant in Macclesfield

The YES Trust is looking for a highly motivated, committed and forward-thinking individual to join the central Trust Team, following the promotion of the existing post holder. The successful candidate will work with an experienced, highly motivated central finance team including the CFO and Financial Controller, leading the finance and accountancy functions of the Trust. This is an exceptional opportunity to join a growing and ambitious Trust, whose aim is to transform the lives of some of the most vulnerable pupils in the country. This role will be challenging and extremely rewarding for the right person, who will have a key role across finance within the organisation.

Work will be varied and will cover all areas of Academy trust finance including:

• Transaction processing
• Financial reporting
• Reviewing and updating school budgets
• Strategic financial planning
• Producing statutory returns
• Involvement with annual audit processes
• Carrying out period end processes

This role may suit an experienced finance officer or management accountant looking to make the next step in their career, or someone with excellent private sector financial skills and knowledge looking to move into a career in the education sector. With the planned growth of the Trust, there is also further scope for progression with this role for the right candidate.

Reporting directly to the Financial Controller, you will lead on the provision of high level strategic and operational financial services across the Trust, including supporting Office Managers and headteachers in our schools. You will also lead on the finance aspects of transfers of new academies and the associated due diligence process that growth will require.

Salary Band: £43,386 - £49,619

Holiday Entitlement: 32 Days plus statutory bank holidays

Flexible and mobile working hours available, but candidate expected to be able to travel to Trust Office and all Trust schools.

Purpose of the Role: To oversee and develop the financial management of the Trust and its Academies. Duties will be varied and will include:

• Advising on adaptations and having a deep understanding of all Trust Financial Policies, and supporting Headteachers, Office Managers and admin staff with their implementation
• Processing of purchase invoices, sales invoices, credit card receipts and statements, BACS payments, producing and reconciling financial reports including bank reconciliations, debtors and creditors reports, balance sheets and various other financial procedures
• Working with, training and supporting academy admin teams, including Office Managers, in their roles and ensuring finance functions are being carried out consistently and to a high standard in all settings
• Assisting in overseeing the Trust’s budgeting system and ensuring executive and senior leaders have accurate and readily available financial information at their disposal at all times
• Leading on aspects of financial reporting, taking into account the requirements of the Academy Trust Handbook, Academies Accounts Direction and other rules and regulations relating to Academy Finance
• Supporting leaders and school office staff with all aspects of budget planning, financial reporting and procurement
• Helping administer the Trust’s monthly payroll, working alongside the Trust’s existing payroll provider, HR Manager and Director of Business
• Posting journals to adjust spend, internally re-charge for goods and services, capitalise items, and other agreed adjustments
• Keeping the Trust’s Asset Register up to date and providing calculations for depreciation and Net Book Value of Trust assets
• Assisting in completing and developing month and year end processes, including posting adjusting journals, accruals, prepayments, bank reconciliations, balance sheet and TB reconciliations
• Thinking strategically about all aspects of finance across the Trust and advising the ELT and Trustees on financial matters and their impact on the Trust
• Working closely with auditors for both internal and external audit requirements, and assisting the Director of Business and Financial Controller with the production of the annual, audited accounts
• Providing reports to Executive leaders and the Trust Board on Financial Key Performance Indicators
• Assisting the Financial Controller, Director of Business, Headteachers and Office Managers with the annual budget planning process
• Promoting effective financial management throughout the Trust, that strikes the right balance of efficiency and compliance/fraud prevention
• Undertaking regular reviews of Trust financial policies and procedures and ensuring that these are synergised throughout the Trust and submitted to the Trustees for formal approval

General Responsibilities:

• Complying with and assisting with the development of policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person
• Being aware of and supporting difference and ensuring equal opportunities for all
• Contributing to the overall ethos/work/aims of the Trust
• Attending meetings within the Trust, at its academies and external events as required
• Sharing expertise and skills with others
• Participating in training and other learning activities and performance development as required
• Recognising own strengths and areas of expertise and using these to advise and support colleagues
• Maintaining confidentiality always in respect of school-related matters and preventing disclosure of confidential and sensitive information
• Undertaking other duties commensurate with the grade of the post as directed by the Director of Business or Financial Controller
• Ensuring strict confidentiality in all areas of work
• Working and processing personal and sensitive information in accordance with Data Protection Act 2018 including the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) 2018
• Understanding and complying with the statutory guidance regarding safeguarding of children, ensuring the safeguarding and promotion of children’s welfare at all times, reporting any concerns to the relevant Designated Safeguarding Officer immediately

Additional Information: The post holder will work across the Trust and spend time at each of the schools, when required.