We are delighted to be exclusively partnering with The Black Pear Trust based in Worcester to recruit a Finance Manager. The Finance Manager will be responsible for overseeing the financial operations of the Trust. This role is paying up to £50,000, plus Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
The Black Pear Trust is a growing multi-academy trust based in Worcester, they currently comprise of 5 primary schools and are looking for an ambitious leader to join them on their journey of 'growing excellent learning communities together'.
This is an exciting time to join the trust, the successful applicant will play a key role in shaping the future of the trust. The trust promotes opportunities, challenge, reward and a place where everybody matters. They are a new and developing team; value one another and value the contribution and uniqueness of every member of the trust. They seek someone with a proven track record of complex financial management and a clear vision for inspiring and sustaining school business improvement.
The trust is currently £6m turnover with 240 staff.
Financial Management and Accounting
- Lead and manage the month and year end processes within the Trust in line with the organisation's deadlines, including VAT claims and monthly balance sheet reconciliations and ensuring all accrual and prepayments are made in line with financial procedures.
- Investigate and report on significant budgetary variances, identifying any remedial action that needs to be taken.
- Carry out funds analysis and advise the Board on the Trust's current reserves position.
- Prepare monthly financial management information, analysis and advice to budget holders in line with Trust requirements and timescales.
- To be responsible for the maintenance of the Trust's Asset Disposal Register, Register of Business & Pecuniary Interests, Fraud Log, Gifts & Hospitality Register and Restricted Grants Schedule.
- Proactively manage and reduce bad debts and help improve debt collection processes including overseeing the management of on-line payments.
- Ensure that a comprehensive fixed assets register is maintained.
- Prepare and submit (with the approval of the CEO) all financial returns in a timely and accurate manner, including financial records for the auditors and returns required by ESFA.
- Monitor staff expense claims.
Procurement
- To maintain a register of contracts and licence agreements, proactively managing upcoming renewals, terminations and notice periods and ensuring that key services do not lapse and lead to business disruption or financial or legal consequences (e.g. insurance, utilities, etc).
- To be responsible for procuring central Trust services, ensuring value for money is achieved.
- To carry out or support budget holders with carrying out value for money exercises for projects, new contracts and termly resource purchases.
Risk Management & Internal Control
- Provide professional advice and assurance to the Board over all financial matters, including financial strategy and risk, systems of internal financial control, and financial standing and sustainability of the Trust.
- Develop, lead and manage effective systems of internal audit control, in accordance with the requirements of the Academy Trust Handbook, to eliminate the risk of financial losses and to maximise economy and efficiency in the use of resources and to enable accountability at appropriate levels.
- Work with internal and external audit and ensure follow up and implementation of all recommendations, reporting all progress to the Board.
- Ensure all budget holders across the Trust are held to account for their spending decisions.
- Ensure all activities of the post holder and Trust are carried out in accordance with generally accepted accounting practice (GAAP), the Academies Financial Handbook, the Charities Commission Statement of Recommended Practices (SORP) and the Trust's finance policies and procedures.
Strategic and Leadership
- Provide monthly KPI reports to the Board and such updates to the Strategic Board of Trustees as may be required.
- Line manage all employees in the finance team, ensuring they meet all internal, statutory and performance monitoring requirements, and to support them with completion of day-to-day accounting tasks.
- Keep up to date with relevant financial developments and national guidance, researching technical accounting issues for compliance and best practice.
Finance Manager
- Ideally you will be CCAB fully qualified. Note, Part-Qualified or Qualified by Experience will also be considered.
- Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or a related field. Again, this is desirable.
- At least 5 years of experience in financial management, preferably in an Education sector setting
- Strong analysis and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Proficiency with financial software and Microsoft Office.
- Experience with budget preparation and forecasting.
- People management experience would be advantageous.
- It is desirable if you have strong Charity SORP and regulatory knowledge.
If you are a self-starter with a passion for financial management and a commitment to growing with an organisation, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.
£45,000 - £50,000 per annum
Local Government Pension Scheme
25 days annual leave rising to 30 days after 5 years service (excludes Public Holidays)
Free Parking on-site in Worcester
Study support package for those looking for CPD
Likely Director of Finance position in the future
Hybrid working
EA First Ltd are acting as an Employment Agency for this permanent vacancy.
