Chief Finance Officer

Chief Finance Officer

Timeplan are currently looking for a Chief Finance Officer to join a School Trust in Slough.

This is a part-time position working 2/3 days per week. Days and hours to be discussed upon interview.

Salary: £60,000 - £70,000 pro rata

This post offers an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and enthusiastic professional to join a new and growing multi-academy trust. The Chief Finance Officer will provide leadership and management of all aspects of finance, as well as contributing to the strategic direction of the Trust.

Duties:

The Chief Finance Officer will:

• Keep ahead of funding and legislative changes that apply to the education sector and provide the Board of Trustees with strategic financial information to enable informed financial decisions.
• Be responsible for operational line management of the finance function, managing all financial accounting and transactional finance for the Trust, ensuring all systems are up-to-date and reporting is timely and aligned with required annual financial returns.
• Lead the work of the finance team and coordinate with external auditors to prepare and submit audited statutory consolidated accounts.
• Implement robust systems, processes, and controls, maintaining a fixed asset register and risk register.
• Monitor financial performance and drive change within the finance operation to enhance efficiency.
• Regularly visit schools within the Trust to develop a good working knowledge of those schools and their community service.
• Line manage the Facilities and Operations Manager to ensure successful sustainable management of the Trust sites, buildings, and facilities.
• Recognize that their prime responsibility is to the children, families, and communities that the Trust serves.

Key Purpose:

• Provide professional leadership and management of financial services for the Trust.
• Ensure the provision of financial reporting to enable the Trust to achieve its aims and objectives through effective and efficient management of financial resources.
• Promote best practices and ensure compliance with financial processes and procedures set out in the Trust's policies and in accordance with the EFSA Academies Trust Handbook, and the requirements of the DfE and the EFSA.
• Take responsibility for the prompt and effective introduction of financial systems and processes in the Trust.
• Have effective responsibility for financial statements, management accounts, financial compliance, budget preparation, financial reporting, income generation, financial monitoring (including payroll and staff pensions), securing 'best value', audit services, and other areas of work commensurate with the post.

About you:

• Commercially astute with exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Flexible in managing, planning, and executing workloads in a busy environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and build relationships at all levels.
• Committed to providing the best possible service to the staff and Trustees while maintaining confidentiality.
• Able to balance strategy with operations.
• ACCA (or equivalent) qualified or possess relevant experience demonstrating a good understanding of financial management within multi-academy trusts.
• Over five years' experience in a progressive finance leadership role.
• Extensive experience in budget management and forecasting, delivering management and financial accounts in a 'hands-on' role.
• Experience of leading successful teams, preferably across multi-site organizations with a proven track record of implementing essential change.
• Detailed knowledge of public finances, procedures, practice, and regulations (preferably ESFA and sector requirements).
• Experience managing a computerized data system and handling large amounts of complex finance data.
• An exceptional professional with ambition and drive, sharing the Trust's values and passion for improving the lives and opportunities of children and young people.
• A commitment to inclusion and enhancing the life chances of children, whatever their starting points.