Deputy Chief Financial Officer Didcot
Job description
The role entails leading and managing the Finance & Payroll team, ensuring the efficient provision of finance services across the multi-academy trust. Maintain accurate financial information, facilitate effective decision-making through budgeting and forecasting, promote continuous improvement, and align financial actions with the trust's vision for the benefit of students, staff, and the community. The successful Deputy Chief Financial Officer will be responsible for: Preparation of budgets and three-year financial forecasts as a part of the Trust's financial planning process Production of accurate and timely monthly management accounts with variance analysis in forms suitable both for Headteachers and the Trust Board Completion and submission of statutory and non-statutory financial returns, such as those required by the DfE, ESFA, and HMRC Attendance at Trust Finance & General Purposes committee meetings, and at other meetings as requested (schools' Local Governing Body meetings, Trust Audit and Board meetings etc.) Production, monitoring and reporting on the Trust Cash Flow forecast Maintenance and improvement of financial policies, procedures and controls, ensuring that these are complied with throughout the Trust To devise and implement appropriate accounting procedures to monitor and control school expenditure, to assist Trust schools to maximise the use of their resources To take a leading role in the development and implementation of new financial systems and enhancements Administration and development of Trust financial management systems. To liaise with the Trust payroll provider to ensure the monthly payroll operates efficiently and effectively, and to ensure all payroll related reports and returns are produced and submitted accurately and on time Provision of advice and guidance to Headteachers on pay forecasts and the impact on school budgets of changes in staffing plans. To ensure all purchases follow appropriate competitive tendering / quotes as laid down in the Trust Finance Manual To ensure efficient, effective and robust payment, cash and banking and debt recovery processes To ensure accurate financial accounting records are maintained that meet both financial management and financial accounting requirements, including control and maintenance of the Trust chart of accounts To ensure regular and timely reconciliation of all balance sheet control accounts To liaise with external and internal auditors as appropriate and oversee implementation of any agreed recommendations To recruit, lead and develop the Finance team, including appraisals, training and weekly team and 1:1 meetings Lead on the development of Integrated Curriculum Financial Planning - supporting the Chief Financial Officer in the development and implementation To deputise for the Chief Financial Officer and provide support and assistance as required in line with the overall purpose of this role Be a key member of the management team, providing Leadership and direction.|Opportunity to make a difference in education through financial support. The successful Deputy Chief Financial Officer will have: Qualified / Part-qualified (ACCA/CIMA/ACA/CIPFA), ideally with relevant experience. Qualified by experience may be considered at the Trusts discretion. Experience in similar roles, or someone looking to take the next step in their career Finance team leadership and development or an appetite to lead and develop your own team Supporting and advising senior managers within an organisation Comprehensive understanding and use of a variety of financial management systems Management accounts, budgeting & forecasting Experience of working in an educational environment is desirable Personal Qualities and Attributes High level of professional competence Attention to detail, diplomacy and influencing skills A flexible approach in terms of working hours and ability and willingness to work across the Trust schools The ability to delegate tasks to ensure all areas of work are undertaken effectively and efficiently whilst using delegation as an opportunity for continuous professional development for staff members A willingness to undertake training to meet the varying demands of the role Well-developed planning and organisational skills Excellent analytical skills, including use of Excel Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to deliver unwelcome or unanticipated information to a wide colleague base whilst retaining trust and confidence Ability to use initiative and prioritise work Ability to interpret and implement requirements from new legislation and regulations Ability to meet and manage competing deadlines Commitment to high educational, professional and personal standards Respect for young people and their needs Commitment to Equal Opportunities High levels of motivation and commitment Awareness of the importance of confidentiality Ridgeway Education Trust (RET) is the multi-academy trust which oversees Didcot Girls' School, St Birinus School, Didcot Sixth Form and Sutton Courtenay CofE Primary School. On offer for the successful Deputy Chief Financial Officer: Salary of £53,699 - £56,805 29 days holiday Amazing Pension Flexible working Michael Page
