Finance Director Job Description
Salary: Circa £60,000 (depending on qualifications and experience)
Contract type: Full-time, permanent
Location: Wendover – with regular presence across sites in Buckinghamshire, Wokingham and Basingstoke
Responsible for: Central Finance Team and finance leads across the Trust
Main Purpose
The postholder is responsible for providing strategic direction, strong and robust financial management, whilst being a key member of the Trust’s Leadership Team. This role is responsible for ensuring high quality financial administration and management across the Trust, meeting statutory and regulatory requirements and driving the Trust’s strategic objectives in all areas of financial management. In addition, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following areas:
Key Responsibilities
· Direct responsibility for the governance, reporting and analysis of financial performance and overall financial health of the organisation
· Collaborate with the CEO, other Executive Leadership and Trustees in shaping and implementing the Trust’s Strategic Development Plan.
· Support the Executive Leadership Team with financial decision-making through the provision of sound financial advice and analysis.
· Ensure the long-term financial viability of the Trust through robust financial strategic planning.
· Leadership of the Finance Team and all core finance functions including responsibility for a mix of direct and indirect reports.
· Responsibility for the timely, accurate and comprehensive monitoring and reporting of financial performance to all stakeholders. This includes the preparation of the monthly management accounts comprised of a cashflow forecast, Income & Expenditure, analysis of variances to budget, Balance Sheet, KPIs, Capex and a commentary.
· Responsibility for the Annual budgeting process and periodic Re-forecasting requirements
· Responsibility for managing all Financial Risks and ensure compliance with all regulatory and legal requirements (Audit, Tax, HMRC,)
· Responsibility for maintaining a strong system of internal controls
· Oversee the External and Internal Audit Process and deliver the Annual Statutory Accounts
· Oversee the Finance Shared Service Centre ensuring the service delivered to schools is effective, efficient and best in class.
· Oversee the continuous review and improvement of finance processes and policies to ensure they remain relevant and up to date.
· Advise and support the CEO in the financial aspects of their responsibilities as the Trust Accounting Officer.
· Build system-wide financial leadership capacity at all levels through actively developing key partners and teams in understanding their budget and robust school financial management
· Provide ad hoc financial information and reports as requested by the Executive Leadership Team, Trust Board and external funding partners/agencies and other financial stakeholders as required
Specific Responsibilities:
To provide strategic leadership and hold overall accountability for direction, standards achieved and quality in order to:
· provide the leadership and management which enables the Academies to give every pupil high quality education and which promotes the highest possible standards of achievement and well-being;
· oversee and support Schools in securing their long-term financial success by maximising the financial skills and resources held across the Trust;
· build system-wide financial leadership capacity at all levels through actively developing key partners and teams in understanding their budget and robust school financial management
· build and maintain effective, close working relationships with Headteachers
· Lead the internal Payroll function ensuring processed, compliance and regulations are adhered to
The nature of this post will require flexibility to meet urgent work needs as they arise. This may entail some work outside normal working hours. The job description therefore is not intended to be exhaustive. The post holder will be expected to adopt a flexible attitude to the duties to meet deadlines.
Essential
· Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent).
· Significant financial leadership experience in a complex organisation.
· Proven ability to manage multi-million-pound budgets, financial controls, and reporting processes.
· Deep understanding of public sector finance, ideally in education or not-for-profit settings.
· Familiarity with the regulatory landscape for academies including the Academy Trust Handbook.
· Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence, lead teams and build trust across a wide range of stakeholders.
· Analytical, solutions-focused, and committed to the Trust’s inclusive and child-centred ethos.
Desirable
Experience in a Multi-Academy Trust or large educational setting.
Knowledge of PS Financials or other education finance systems.
Experience managing estates or capital development finances.
Additional Information
This job description may be amended at any time following consultation with the postholder. Chiltern Way Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Childcare
• Company events
• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee discount
• Employee mentoring programme
• Enhanced maternity leave
• Enhanced paternity leave
• Free fitness classes
• Free flu jabs
• Free parking
• Gym membership
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site gym
• On-site parking
• Private dental insurance
• Private medical insurance
• Referral programme
• Sick pay

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person
Reference ID: FD-WendoverCampu

Please refer the Job description for details