Management Accounting and Budgeting:
- Responsible for the preparation of monthly management accounts and reporting to Headteachers for an allocated number of schools.
- Oversee and support the monthly finance closedown, including the posting of accruals, deferred income, prepayments, accrued income and reconciling the control accounts and fixed asset register.
- Ensure the accurate posting of monthly payroll to the Trust's finance system.
- Preparation and monitoring of the performance of school budgets, ensuring that expenditure limits are adhered to, and budgets are managed appropriately. Providing commentary on differences between actual versus budgeted and forecast and implementing any required action plans.
- Production of 3-year financial forecasts for schools, considering key performance drivers such as pupil numbers and staffing headcount for a selection of schools.
- Provide financial advice to budget holders and Headteachers. Reporting any variances or potential issues to the EDFB on a timely basis.
- Lead half termly finance meetings with Headteachers to discuss the latest sector updates, accounts, forecasts and plan for future budget setting.
- Monitor and report on key financial metrics (KPIs) using established systems and processes, identifying material variances and reporting to the EDFB.
- Regularly review the Trust's sales and purchase ledgers, ensuring the timelines of payments and that the necessary actions are being taken to resolve.
Other responsibilities:
- Support the EDFB to develop and maintain efficient financial processes.
- Ensure the Trust's financial procedures and processes are kept up to date and adhered to by all stakeholders.
- Support the development and integration of financial systems with other operational systems across the Trust to drive efficiencies and streamlining of across Trust processes.
- Assist the EDFB with the year-end accounts' preparation, audit and internal audits throughout the year.
- Preparation of statutory returns as advised by the EDFB.
- Support with the onboarding and training of new schools joining the Trust with financial processes.
- Support other members of the finance team as and when required, building relationships with school leaders and other stakeholders.
STRATEGIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Support the Trust and central shared services to meet its aims and objectives in supporting schools.
- Ensure the strategic and effective use of resources, making recommendations where improvements could be made to achieve greater value for money across the Trust.
- Actively contribute and lead on the delivery of the finance team's Department Development Plan which contributes to the Trust's Development Plan.
- Ensure strong financial governance and compliance with the ESFA's Academy Trust Handbook.
- Provide financial training and support across the finance team and to school staff when required.
DEVELOPING SELF AND LEADING OTHERS:
- To take responsibility for own professional development including maintaining an up-to-date knowledge of developments and related legislation including engaging fully in performance management of self and other staff (if applicable).
- Contributing to effective staff induction and professional development.
- Managing own workload, providing support where necessary and delegating where appropriate.
- To ensure that professional duties are fulfilled, as identified in regular line management meetings and appraisal meetings.