Lead Finance Officer

Job Title: Lead Finance Officer

Reports to: Senior Finance Officer

Contract: Full time (37 Hours per week), Permanent

Salary: SFCA Scale Points 10 – 13: £25,276 - £27,747 per annum

Start Date: Immediate Start

About the Role

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Lead Finance Officer to join our finance team. This pivotal role is designed to support the Trust Head of Finance in overseeing the operational financial functions across the Trust, with a particular focus on purchasing transaction processing and providing on-site support to our academies as needed.

The Lead Finance Officer will play a crucial role in ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of our finance service. You will be the primary user of our web requisitioning system, responsible for training staff, processing requisitions, converting them to orders, and managing supplier communications. Additionally, you will monitor supplier accounts, reconcile statements, oversee the ParentPay system, and manage cash collection, counting, and banking.

You will also be accountable for maintaining financial records, processing invoices, and ensuring timely payments, while also handling financial queries from both internal and external stakeholders. Your role will be integral in supporting the Trust’s strategic financial objectives and ensuring compliance with financial policies and procedures.

About the Trust

Formed in 2017 from Rochdale Sixth Form College, an Ofsted Outstanding provider, Altus Education Partnership aims to enhance education in the Rochdale borough. The Trust currently comprises four academies:

• Rochdale Sixth Form College (RSFC): Opened in 2010 to address significant underachievement in A Level performance in the borough, RSFC has dramatically raised achievement and is recognised nationally as a centre of excellence. The college is Ofsted Outstanding, Sixth Form College of the Year 2021, and one of the highest-performing colleges in the country according to DfE performance tables and national achievement rate tables.
• Edgar Wood Academy: A secondary school opened in 2021 under Wave 13 of the free schools’ programme, Edgar Wood Academy has established a strong reputation in the local community and is significantly over-subscribed for 2023-24.
• Kingsway Park High School: An Ofsted-rated Good school with a strong track record of providing excellent education, Kingsway Park High School has benefitted from a new teaching block that opened at the end of 2023.
• Bamford Academy: An Ofsted-rated Good school known for providing a caring and nurturing environment, Bamford Academy is a popular first choice for many parents and young people in the local community.

What we have to offer

• Salary & Progression: A competitive starting salary with opportunities for progression.
• Working Environment: Located at our Esplanade Office in the heart of Rochdale, near the Riverside Retail development, with free parking available.
• Leave Entitlement: A generous holiday allowance of 27 days per annum plus bank holidays.
• Supportive Teams: Work across friendly and collaborative teams, with opportunities to develop new skills.
• Training & Development: We are committed to your professional growth, offering a range of training opportunities.
• Travel & Accessibility: Easily accessible via metro link, bus, and train, with free parking for those with their own transport.
• Pension: Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Employee Assistance Programme: Free and confidential support for your mental health 24 hours a day.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Participate in our cycle to work scheme and enjoy tax-free bikes and equipment.
• Electric Car Scheme: Save up to 40% on a brand-new Electric Vehicle.

If you feel inspired to apply, please follow the application instructions below:

To apply, please complete the Altus Education Partnership application form and email to recruitment@altusep.com

For more information visit: www.altusep.com or contact recruitment@altusep.com

The deadline for the post is Monday 26 August 2024 at 12.00pm. 

Interviews are expected to take place week commencing Monday 2nd September 2024.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Appointment to this post is subject to an Enhanced DBS and background check.