Chief Financial Officer

**YOU MUST BE RESIDING IN THE UK CURRENTLY, HAVE UK BASED EXPERIENCE AND NOT REQUIRE A SPONSORSHIP TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION, PLEASE OTHERWISE DO NOT APPLY AS YOUR APPLICATION WON’T BE PROCESSED**You must meet all the ‘essential criteria’ also for your application to be considered and reside in the area within a commutable distance as this is a role with travel to the site mentioned.Company details and job overview:Based in Central Lancashire, this growing Multi Academy Trust are in a period of growth. Part of the leadership team, this role will work to drive the strategic direction of the Trust, whilst taking the lead on all financial activities. Rewarding and fulfilling, the role will lead an established finance function and comes with a highly competitive salary and Local Gov pension scheme. With Hybrid working options there is the opportunity to add real value. To be considered you shall have experience in the Education Sector, ideally in a multi-site environment. Your new role as Chief Finance Officer:As Chief Finance and Operations Officer, you will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer and the Trust Executive Team to refine and implement the Trust Strategy. Responsible for the strategic oversight of the non-academic aspects of the Trust, you will strategically lead Trust finance and operations staff across the central team and ensure compliance across all of our schools. Working alongside School Business Managers, Headteachers, School Governors, Trustees and key external partners and stakeholders you shall drive productivity and remain focused on enabling the stakeholders. With the privilege of making a key contribution to setting the scene for the future success of the Trust, you will be able to influence the direction of the business and be a key player in the decision making process.With further additions to the Trust due in the coming months, they are seen as a leading education provider, and one which remains innovative in approach.Key Responsibilities:Overview:• Provide day-to-day leadership and management of all teams which report to this post. • Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, equal opportunities, confidentiality and data protection (GDPR), reporting all concerns to an appropriate person. • Maintain high quality working relationships with staff, students and parents/carers that contribute to creating a productive and happy working environment. • Develop excellent working relationships with suppliers and our contractors. • Participate in training and other learning activities, as required. • Attend and participate in meetings, as required. • Perform all other reasonable requests, as required, within the grading of the post. • Respect confidentiality at all times.FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT • Be the Chief Financial Officer for the Trust, ensuring that it meets standards set out in relevant legislation and as advised by our Auditors and Financial Advisors and the Department for Education or relevant funding body. • Oversight of the management of finance operations, responsible for delivering the Trust’s financial and accounting processes and supporting the CEO in meeting their responsibilities as Accounting Officer • Ensure that funding is utilised in line with funding agreements • Ensure that financial governance is strong and appropriate, and that risk management arrangements are in place. • Develop and ensure implementation of the Trust Financial Regulations Handbook and finance policies. • Ensure that appropriate financial systems are in place that allow financial records to be securely maintained and reported accurately, internally and to external partners in line with legislative requirements• Oversight of the preparation of and monitoring of Trust and school budgets, and reporting to CEO and Directors to ensure that all budgetary targets are met, and efficiencies are maximised. • Ensure delivery of statutory accounts and all other returns as required by company, charity and DfE legislation. • Ensure the delivery of accurate and useful management accounting reports to schools and the Trust Board • Develop and advise on operational support for the head teachers. • Lead on any significant capital project including managing any application for capital funding and or distribution of any capital grant. • Ensure long-term financial sustainability, by confirming that proper financial systems are established and effectively monitored, that appropriate action is recommended to address problems identified, and to ensure that the Directors are presented with accurate and timely financial reports.• Develop and maintain a strong and effective relationship with the Department for Education and relevant funding bodies, and ensure that funding is maximised. Develop and implement strategies for the generation of additional revenue and resources for the Trust. PAYROLL • Lead the payroll team to ensure that the Trust workforce is paid appropriately. Experience & Qualifications Required to apply:In order to be considered, you must be residing in the local Lancashire region. Formally qualified (ACA CIMA ACCA CIPFA) you shall have a track record of successful senior leadership and strategy development within a comparable organisation, ideally within an educational setting, this is a clear advantage. Having operated in a senior level post, you shall have a clear demonstrated ability to add commercial and strategic value. With experience of efficient and effective budget, financial, risk and resource management, you shall be proven as a leader who can build effective partnerships and links with internal and external stakeholders. Ideally you will have experience of working effectively with a Board/Governing body with the skills to improve and implement new ways of working to enhance systems and processes This role is being handled by Darren Cadman – Kenton Black Finance