Director of Finance and Operations

Due to a retirement, a leading West Sussex based Multi-Academy Trust comprising of 15 academies is looking to recruit a Director of Finance & Operations. The successful applicant will be an individual who has the qualities of an inspiring leader and the skills and experience to ensure continued financial sustainability and development of the trust.

Client Details

The Director of Finance and Operations is a key member of the Executive team ensuring that finance and operations supports the mission and vision of the Trust and is delivered in a way that models the Trust values. The post-holder is the Chief Financial Officer, the senior officer responsible for the financial systems and strategy and is also the senior executive tasked with overseeing the operational functions of the Trust. The post holder will also contribute to strong Trust governance by acting as Company Secretary and Data Protection Officer and will play a significant role in contributing to the risk management process. The post holder will be expected to work flexibly within the broad areas of responsibility outlined below and as agreed with the CEO.

As a senior manager, and a member of the Trust Executive Team, contribute to the overall strategic leadership of the Academy Trust

Description

Lead on financial governance, accountability and compliance throughout the Trust on behalf of the Accounting Officer, to ensure adherence to the Academies Financial Handbook, Trust Financial Procedures and other ESFA (Education and Skills Funding Agency) requirements.

Lead the three-year financial planning process and the annual operational delivery and quality assurance for the Trust, setting strategic priorities, guiding and supporting academies, and ensuring that financial plans are in line with the Trust's strategic priorities. Prepare and submit consolidated annual budgets and longer-term financial plans that meet all statutory requirements

Lead on all financial reporting, both statutory external reporting, including tax reporting and internal management reporting to the Accounting Officer and Trustees.

Undertake strategic oversight of and oversee the procurement, implementation and development of wider business systems to improve efficiency and effectiveness of the Trust,

Act as Company Secretary working with the Chair and CEO to ensure the Trust complies with ESFA requirements, company and charity law.

As Clerk to the Board, support the Chair with the administration of Trust Board and Member meetings, advise the Chair on legal compliance and adherence to the governance framework and provide advice to the academies local governing bodies

Lead on the due diligence and legal conversion of new academies, alongside Trust legal advisers, and ensure that the Supplemental Funding Agreement

Undertake strategic oversight of capital projects, in conjunction with Trust's appointed surveyors. Ensure compliance with grant funding agreements and lease agreements. Undertake strategic management of the contract and budget/costs and ensure timely reporting to ESFA and Trustees.

Build strong working relationships with academies, monitoring their financial performance, advising them on strategies to improve their financial position, advocating on their behalf to secure additional funding streams and supporting them to operate effectively in all the areas covered by this post.

As a line manager, ensure all aspects of staff management are effectively carried out e. recruitment and selection, induction and training, performance management, absence management, record keeping, consultation and effective communication, in accordance with policies and procedures

Profile

Currently undertaking a similar job within a Multi-Academy Trust

Educated to degree level or equivalent

CCAB Qualified Accountant (ICAEW, ACCA, CIPFA, CIMA)

Understanding of the legal and financial regs and procedures relevant to the academy sector incl. VAT and Tax, charity SORP, AAD, AFH and company law; ideally with current knowledge of academy funding

High level of IT literacy and with exceptional analytical skills, able to analyse complex data and information and use it to develop, monitor and support planned work streams

Proven strong leadership and organisational skills to develop strategy and coherent plans in consultation with a range of stakeholders, whilst successfully supporting and leading individuals and cross-functional teams

Experience of managing significant resources, within a recognised Finance department or similar environment, delegating responsibility as necessary

Commitment to the values of the Trust, the promotion of equality and inclusion, and its aim to improve life chances of all children through the provision of quality education

Job Offer

Local Government Pension Scheme

Extensive employee assistance provision

Lifestyle health and wellbeing programme

Generous leave entitlement

Gym Discount

Eyecare Voucher Scheme

Eligibility to join NUS Extra saving you £££'s on a range of goods and services

Relocation allowance