Finance Manager

The Role

To be responsible for the processing and reporting of financial data of the trusts Schools and its related entities, the monitoring of various projects, business cases, the development of the management and financial accounting processes across the network.

Key Responsibilities

• Staff management including training and regular appraisals as required.
• Assist the Head of Financial Reporting in providing up-to-date financial information and technical advice to Ark management and the wider academies network.

Financial

• Take responsibility for the year end audit files and preparation of draft statutory accounts for the Group and subsidiary entities in accordance with Charities SORP, Companies Act and GAAP. Liaise with auditors and ensure timetable and deadlines are met.
• Central compliance management and meet reporting requirements to the ESFA/DFE. Keep good working knowledge of the different DfE funding streams and mechanisms.
• Preparation of an annual budget and forecasts for:

• Unrestricted and restricted investments and financing activities;
• Depreciation and amortisation of the Trust's assets and goodwill.
• Central departments working closely with the budget holders.
• Balance sheets control account reconciliations including bank reconciliation, petty cash, purchase ledger, staff loans, credit card, and PAYE/NIC;
• All other balance sheet accounts.

• Monthly reviews of Central departments/Fundraising divisions:

• Divisional Trial Balances;
• Reconciliations for restricted and endowment funds
• Review year end capital accruals;
• Review feasibility costs and identify costs to be written off/ capitalised;
• Consolidate fixed asset property register by school - Liaise with relevant architect/surveyor to ensure the register accurately reflects any additions/disposals/useful economic life and ensure temporary classrooms/demolished buildings are removed from the register as required;
• Identify properties into freehold, short and long lease hold for statutory accounts purposes.

• Termly review of profit & loss accounts and balance sheets for Academy Projects Ltd.
• Preparation of all VAT returns, management of all VAT inspections and compliance matters for two entities. Advise schools re VAT issues.
• Maintain fixed asset ledgers for all assets, including:

• Complete Corporation Tax returns.
• Responsible for the management of the Trust's cash flow, long term forecast and Treasury. Preparation of performance reports for the Risk and Audit Committee.
• Assist with the preparation of the Trust's five years' financial plans, including Income & Expenditure, Capital and Cash Flow forecasts.
• Monitoring and preparation of reports for all schools, reserves and cash flow for the Risk and Audit Committee and Management Team meetings.

Internal Controls

• To support the Head of Financial Reporting in maintaining and developing an environment of robust financial control as the network develops.
• Develop financial systems in conjunction with the Head of Financial Reporting.
• Take responsibility for writing and maintaining relevant finance policies on SharePoint.