Finance Manager

• Excellent progression
• The opportunity to be part of the strategic progression within the trust.

About Our Client

Leigh Trust are an ambitious and growing MAT located in Birmingham, with 7 schools situated across the area and ambitious plans to expand their operations.

Job Description

Finance Manager Duties:

• Accurate and timely cash forecasts are prepared, with proactive management and regular reporting of the Trust's cash position to the COO, individual schools, and the Trust Board.
• Cash management is tightly controlled, including efficient invoice payment cycles and timely preparation of monthly bank reconciliations.
• Effective income collection procedures are maintained to minimise debt issues.
• Invoices are processed efficiently.
• The annual Trust budgets are prepared in collaboration with Finance Business Partners to ensure alignment with the Trust's strategic and financial objectives.
• Income and expenditure budgets across the Trust are monitored, with early warnings provided for any potential issues.
• Accurate and timely information is provided to support effective budgetary control, decision-making, and strategic planning.
• The Trust's procurement processes, including appropriate insurances, are managed and improved.
• Effective financial structures and controls are established to support robust financial management, with proper delegation of finance authorities.
• The Trust's accounts are maintained in accordance with the funding agreement, Academies Financial Handbook issued by the EFA, and the Trust's financial regulations and procedures. - Coordinating with both internal and external auditors to ensure their effective operation.
• Representing the CEO in financial matters with the funding body.
• Proactively managing the Trust's relationship with its bankers, ensuring efficient systems for accounting and funding procedures.
• Planning and coordinating tax and treasury management practices and policies, focusing on charitable status and cash management, including quarterly VAT recovery processing.
• Ensuring value for money across all Trust activities, including service delivery.
• Negotiating and monitoring contracts, agreements, and tenders across the schools.
• Supporting the maintenance of the Trust's risk register.
• Leading, managing, and developing staff within the finance function while promoting a strong customer service ethos and high professional standards. Ensuring the finance function collaborates effectively with other Trust functions.
• Continuously improving management and financial systems within the finance function.
• Ensuring robust and proportionate business continuity plans are in place for the finance function.
• Securing bid-based competitive funds through effective use of bidding systems and contacts.
• Assisting the COO with financial due diligence for potential new members of the Trust.

The Successful Applicant

The Successful Finance Manager will be:

• Professionally qualified (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent)
• Commercially astute with exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, capable of making decisions based on accurate and relevant analysis.
• Flexible in managing, planning, and executing daily, weekly, and monthly workloads in a busy environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and build relationships at all levels while working across multiple sites.
• Committed to providing the best possible service to staff and maintaining confidentiality.
• Skilled at balancing strategic planning with operational execution.

What's on Offer

In return you will receive:

• Comprehensive induction and a strong commitment to your professional development and career advancement.
• Access to the organisations Employee Assistance Program for you and your family members, including counselling, advice, and support through their dedicated provider.
• Support from a Wellbeing Champion and a Mental Health First Aider.
• Excellent pension scheme (local government).
• Flexible working opportunities.
• Opportunity to participate in the annual staff survey.
• An ambitious and dedicated Trust Executive Team

Where specific UK qualifications are required we will take into account overseas equivalents. All third party applications will be forwarded to Michael Page.

Ref Code: MPREJN042024-6400239Z
Closing Date: 01/07/2024