Finance Manager

Contract: Full time and permanent (some flexible working considered) Some travel within London and Berkshire required - 52 weeks per year

The Bellevue Place Education Trust (BPET) is a family of high-performing primary schools across London and Berkshire. We have a clear vision to deliver the highest standards of education, blended from the best of the state and independent sectors. We strive for all children to Learn, Enjoy, Succeed.

Purpose of the role:

To ensure effective, efficient, and accurate financial and administrative operations in liaison with the Director of Finance. As the Finance Manager at BPET, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing and supporting the financial operations of our schools, ensuring adherence to BPET’s financial processes and procedures. Under the guidance of the Director of Finance, you will contribute to effective financial management across the organisation and the key themes in our BPET 3 Year Strategic Plan, serving as an integral member of the Trust’s back-office support team.

Main Responsibilities:

To be responsible for the day-to-day processing of accounts payable transactions to ensure that BPET’s finances are maintained in an effective, up to date and accurate manner. Co-ordinating and completing administrative routines relating to orders, invoices, payments, income and the receipt of goods and services where appropriate.

To ensure success, you should exhibit extensive experience in processing invoices and sound knowledge of accounting practices. An outstanding invoice processor will be someone with a keen eye for detail and accuracy.

Key Tasks:

• Partner with the central finance team to provide high-quality advice, guidance, and support.
• Provide day-to-day finance support for the schools.
• Manage and operate accounting and budgeting systems, monitoring and reporting on financial performance.
• Prepare and develop monthly management accounts, budget holder reporting, and overall financial statement reporting to Chief Financial Officer.
• Support DoF and Trust Financial Controller in preparing annual budgets and Board financial reports.
• Assist DoF in preparing financial and statistical returns for DFE and ESFA within statutory/regulatory deadlines.
• Manage school accounting function, ensuring efficient operation according to agreed procedures and maintaining procedures.
• Liaise with internal and external auditors regarding audits, accounts, and financial returns.
• Occasionally deputise for Trust Financial Controller at internal/external meetings.
• Provide administrative support and assist with ad hoc projects for Trust team and DoF.

This job description may be amended at any time after consultation with you.

Leadership and Development Responsibilities:

• Provide effective leadership to the finance team, including setting clear objectives, providing guidance, and fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of finance team members, providing regular feedback, coaching, and development opportunities to enhance their skills and capabilities.
• Provide informed and strategic financial advice to senior management, supporting decision-making processes and contributing to the achievement of organisational objectives.
• Ongoing professional development in finance and accounting practices.
• Attendance at relevant workshops, seminars, and conferences to stay updated on industry trends and best practices.
• Participation in continuing education programs to maintain professional certifications.

Purchasing, Income, and Expenditure Responsibilities:

• Oversee requisition, order, and invoice processes to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
• Track income and expenditure accurately, promptly identifying and resolving issues.
• Manage supplier, contract, and fixed asset records on BPET’s compliance system.
• Track and process relevant funding.
• Oversee credit control process, ensuring adherence to BPET procedures and policies.

Accounting Processes and Payroll Responsibilities:

• Undertake month-end processes timely, including processing monthly accruals and pre-payments.
• Support finance assistant in responding to complex queries from budget holders.
• Review and process payroll, submitting to SGW for processing.
• Notify budget holders and/or Headteachers of potential and actual overspend.
• Reconcile monthly payroll vs budget, including casual claims and update budgeting software.
• Journal travel and expense claims to relevant codes.
• Ensure timely completion of all year-end processes.
• Support preparation for and provision of relevant information to BPET’s external and internal auditors.

Budgets and Monitoring Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with Director of Finance to prepare budget forecasts considering value for money and future trends.
• Attend monthly meetings with headteachers and produce monthly variance report for Director of Finance.
• Compile reports and information for monthly budget review meetings.
• Produce and maintain regular budget monitoring reports.
• Assist Director of Finance in evaluating internal controls, identifying solutions and revised controls.
• Provide support as part of central finance team at other schools as required.

This list is not intended to be exhaustive, and the Finance Manager will be required to undertake any other duties commensurate with the general level of responsibility of the post as directed by the Director of Finance.