Finance Manager

AGORA LEARNING PARTNERSHIP; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job description

The Finance Manager will:

• Support schools within the Trust with financial processes which may include data inputting, reconciliations and corrections.
• Work closely with the CFO to produce month end reports and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Assist with the budget setting process for the Trust.

Engage with the rest of the Central team with a collaborative approach in line with the Trust’s vision and ethos.

Duties and Responsibilities – Specific:

Finance-Related Responsibilities

The Finance Manager will:

• Provide all aspects of management accounting services to the schools in the Trust.
• Complete monthly balance sheet reconciliations and produce high quality monthly variance reports for the Chief Finance Officer.
• Ensure that accurate and timely accounting, monitoring and forecasting is undertaken to enable effective financial decision making and secure the financial longevity of the individual schools and Trust.
• Attend and participate in finance meetings held with schools and their respective Heads.
• Support the Chief Finance Officer to ensure that common finance related knowledge gaps are addressed across the Trust schools and assist in providing training for any identified needs.
• Work with the Headteachers and finance staff within the Trust schools during the annual budget setting process, providing support and challenge as required.
• Support the Chief Finance Officer with all financial audits, ensuring audit timescales are met and auditor queries are answered in a timely manner.
• Keep abreast of funding and legislative changes that apply to the education sector and provide the schools with high calibre financial insight, guiding Headteachers and Academy Governing Boards in their strategic and financial planning and management.
• Promote best practice with regards to financial procedures and controls and ensure adherence to these.

Trust Development

The Finance Manager will:

• Recognise that their prime responsibility is to the children, families and communities that the Trust serves.
• Visit schools within the Trust as and when required, to develop a good working knowledge of each school, their needs and the support required.
• Contribute to Trust policy and planning.
• Work with all members of the Trust’s Central Team to develop and improve systems, policies and initiatives in line with the Trust development plans.
• Support the Executive in presenting and reporting about the Trust, including performance data.
• Support the central finance team.

Communication

The Finance Manager will:

• Liaise with the Trust schools and Central Team as required by the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Finance Officers.
• Liaise positively with external parties.

Duties and Responsibilities – General:

The Finance Manager will:

• Uphold the ethos of the Trust.
• Actively assist in achieving the Trust’s vision and aims.
• Actively support the implementation of the Trust’s strategic plans.
• Establish and maintain professional and effective working relationships.
• Contribute positively to creating a productive and happy working environment.
• Work effectively with colleagues as a member of the team, taking individual and collective responsibility for reinforcing and promoting a working environment free from discrimination, victimisation, harassment and bullying.
• Participate as required in meetings and training with colleagues in respect of duties and responsibilities of the post.
• Take responsibility for their own professional development and play a full and active part in the appraisal process.
• Adhere to all Trust policies and procedures, including those pertaining to:
• Child protection and safeguarding (and be pro-active and professional with regards to all child protection-related matters).
• Finance.
• Health and safety.
• Data Protection.
• Equality, ensuring that all stakeholders are treated fairly and equally.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times in respect of Trust related matters and prevent disclosure of confidential and sensitive information.
• Undertake any other duties of a similar level and responsibility as may be required by the Chief Executive Officer.