Head of Finance

The post offered is Head of Finance at the Grange Senior School working on a full time, permanent basis. The successful applicant will have the responsibility for driving improvements in and quality of the financial systems, reporting and development, and for supporting the Chief Operating Officer with ensuring that Governors are appropriately informed of the financial position of the charity in order that they may fulfil their oversight duties. The successful applicant will also lead the Bursary team delivering the day-to-day financial support for the School.

Responsibilities

The successful post holder will:

• Provide professional management and leadership of the financial services for the School.
• Supervise and develop the School's computerised finance accounting, order placement, and management of financial management systems, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Manage income – fees and trading
• Maintain distinct reserves in the financial systems and accurately allocate income and expenditure.
• Supervise the processing of invoices in line with School financial procedures.
• Maintain and oversee all bank accounts, including monthly reconciliations and reporting banking errors.
• Prepare the School's Annual Budget, reviewing and updating as necessary in consultation with the COO and Executive Headteacher.
• Manage the Cashless System and Payment website.
• Ensure accurate VAT accounting and payment, submitting VAT reclaim returns.
• Coordinate the annual audit, liaising with relevant parties, and preparing necessary documentation.
•  Ensure accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes, including posting of accruals, prepayments, and depreciation.
• Maintain financial records in compliance with policies and procedures.
• Meet internal and external financial reporting deadlines.
• Preparation of end of term accounts and year end statutory accounts in accordance with current regulations and procedures (SOFA and SORP).
• Preparation of periodic returns to HMRC, Charities Commission, Companies House and other regulatory or membership bodies
• Generate monthly management accounts, identifying areas for improvement and financial risks, and providing explanations of variances and suggested actions to COO.
• Undertake specific reporting and analysis of financial performance as requested by COO and Governors.
• Maintain and update the School's Asset Register.

Payroll and Pensions:

• Oversee the School's Payroll, ensuring timely submission of all required forms and annual returns.
• Submit necessary financial data including Teachers' Pension
• Prepare monthly trial balance and supporting schedules, resolving any accounting discrepancies.

Any other duties the Executive Head may reasonably request, as appropriate to this post, and its status within the school.

The Person

• Be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with experience
• Have previous charity and/or education sector experience and knowledge of charity SORP
• Have a strong track record of high-level competence as a finance manager
• Have excellent communication, presentation, interpersonal and influencing skills
• Have the ability to present complex information effectively in a clear and accessible manner orally and in writing
• Have a high level of professional experience incorporating developing, delivering and monitoring financial strategy and development plans including due diligence, risk management and resource/asset management
• Enhanced DBS clearance.