Role Title:
Finance Director
Reporting Line Headteacher Finance Director Finance Manager Finance Clerk
Full time. Salary: Band 8, (29,236- 31,754 p.a.)
Purpose of the role (job statement) The effective and efficient execution of this role must enable the teaching staff and the Senior LeadershipTeam to give the very best of what Stretford High School offers to children. The main purpose of the role is to make the best use of resources through effective strategic financial planning. To be responsible for the efficient and prudent management of school funds through the provision of a comprehensive and accurate financial management service. The Finance Director will be a member of the schools Senior Leadership Team (SLT) To supervise a small professional team and to plan and coordinate establishing and monitoring the budget plan. To continually enhance financial and business systems, providing formal training and high quality financial advice to a range of staff. Principal Responsibilities
To be responsible for discharging the schools responsibility for financial management and achieving financial performance targets, standard accounting practices and relevant legislation To provide clear information, advice, financial analysis, modelling and benchmarking to guide the Governors, Headteacher and SLT, ensuring that there are rigorous processes and controls in place to enable the school to meet its annual operating plan and its regulatory and statutory obligations To make effective business recommendations regarding the strategic development of service the school provides; including utilisation of the schools assets and business activities to ensure the best possible learning environment/outcomes for students. To ensure an effective link between the schools financial plan and the annual school development plan necessary to ensure compliance with all financial and other regulations To support the Headteacher in maintaining financial management systems, consistent with the ethos of the school, that drive excellence in teaching standards and support the attainment of childrens educational and pastoral priorities, including relevant professional learning opportunities Maintain an understanding of current initiatives which would have an impact on the school and plan for and implement new initiatives To work with SLT to identify solutions to complex business situations and appraise; adapting the annual budget and operating plan to each years intake, in line with the long term strategy and direction of the school To manage the stewardship of the schools assets over the long term, consistent with the schools strategic development plan, including anticipating the financial planning for major capital programmes within the overall capital and reserves of the school To take a commercial and business approach to the provision of all services through appropriate tendering of services and balancing service, quality, standards and cost To assist in the implementation of the aims and objectives of the school
To maintain and develop the ethos and character of the school in accordance with the directions given by the Headteacher To take part in the Schools Performance Management system for personal development, to evidence performance and engage in training that will develop the effectiveness of the role To carry out any other duties commensurate with the grading of the post as directed by the Headteacher Additional Specific Responsibilities Income Generation Marketing and Liaison To use commercial intelligence to promote and market the school through a media marketing plan with the local/wider community and seek and secure sponsorship To identify potential funding sources and liaise with funding agencies to secure further funding growth for the school To maximise income generation within the ethos of the school, advising on and managing school investments To act as point of contact with central and other agencies with regard to grant applications, gifts and other donations To ensure effective liaison with all interested parties and agencies involved in delivering successful extended school services To liaise with local businesses for fundraising, arranging vocational experiences and joint projects To ensure effective liaison with other schools and for the schools strategic partners (LCCC, MUFC, TCLT), for example by linking to a learning network and accessing training on a group basis to reduce costs and/or improve accessibility To assess the pipeline of school place demand each year. To analyse source, visit and conversion data and any associated trend. Financial Planning, Management and Reporting To prepare the schools three year financial plan and a detailed annual budget of approximately 5 million To provide detailed management accounts for the budget holders, Governors and Principal and report on the financial state of the school according to an agreed schedule To set objectives for financial management and service support to monitor progress and advise on any necessary remedial actions or VAT/fund recovery To use financial management information, especially benchmarking tools, to analyse trends and identify opportunities for greater efficiency To be accountable for: Accounting procedures Financial reports and Financial Returns Invoicing and fees Debt recovery and associated legal action Rating assessment and VAT liabilities
Finance and Managing Resources To develop appropriate financial regulations and work with budget holders to ensure compliance, providing training and monitoring for academic budget holders where necessary To liaise with auditors, facilitate all audit arrangements and implement audit requirements To prepare annual, costed staffing plans and salary statements for approval by the Governing Body To manage, supervise and develop a small professional financial team to provide value and continuous service improvement Policy development and implementation for: Schools statutory financial policies. Service support policies, systems & procedures Procurement including all insurance bids and contracts, energy supplies and other school provisions
Person Specification Essential-E Desirable D Qualifications
E:Educated to degree level or equivalent or equivalent professional accountancy qualification D: Certificate of School Business Management
Experience E: Significant financial experience in either industry/commerce/public sector or education. E: Experience of 7 figure + budgetary responsibility E: Trained in the preparation and presentation of financial statements. E: Experience of negotiating contracts E: Experience of working as part of a successful team D: Experience of managing, supervising and developing a financial team to provide value and continuous service improvement D: Experience in a school environment or working with schools. D: Experience of leading a training others D: Appropriate Health and Safety qualifications or experience.
Knowledge
E: Understanding of and commitment to equal opportunities ensuring compliance with all relevant
legislation.
E: Strong Literacy and Numeracy Skills enabling the candidate to communicate effectively to different
audiences both orally and in writing including the ability to promote the image of the school. E: Evidence of effective organisational skills E: Evidence of the ability to construct and implement a successful business and service plan. E: Experience of using FMS6, SIMS Finance E: Knowledge of child safeguarding requirements E: Full knowledge of the requirements of financial safeguards, value standards and pupil premium. E: Ability to manage, motivate, support and inspire trust in others E: Competent user of ICT
E; Ability to formulate, monitor, evaluate and review plans and policies.
Skills and Abilities Ability to work well under pressure Problem solving skills to address complex issues Commitment to the aims and ethos of the school Enthusiasm, self motivation, hard work, flexibility and the desire to be innovative Flexibility, adaptability and a willingness to be involved with change A commitment to further training and a willingness to participate in the relevant CPD and lead appropriate training A total commitment to issues of confidentiality Willingness to be engaged in partnership and community activities A positive approach to challenges, which seeks solutions to problems and addresses difficulties Sets challenging targets and builds team spirit To be prepared to work flexibly outside school hours; ie Governors Meetings The ability to support young people in a school environment, form and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries with children and young people
Personal qualities The person appointed, in addition to carrying out key duties particularly assigned by the Headteacher, shallTo take part in the Schools Performance Management system for personal development, to evidence performance and engage in training that will develop the effectiveness of the role JD Created September 2012
