Head Of Finance

For this Head of Finance position, you will primarily ensure the Financial affairs of the organisation are conducted within the conditions of the Financial Memorandum with the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and that the College complies with its financial regulations and procedures. 
This is a contract until the end of July 2024 to cover a secondment.
Some of the key responsibilities for this successful person would be but no limited to:
Deputise for and assisting the Chief Operating Officer.
Management of the finance team.
Assist the Chief Operating Officer in preparing the budget, including verification of curriculum planning, assist budget holders in the control and use of their budgets and prepare cash flow forecasts.
Ensure monthly management accounts are produced to strict deadlines.
Monitor cash flow and treasury management.
Monitor and control actual expenditure against allocated revenue and capital approvals.
Regularly meet budget holders, to ensure that budgets are well managed, and to be proactive in taking action to address any variances from budget that occur.
Manage bank accounts, procurement cards, BACS and cheque generation, investments, VAT and other statutory returns.
Liaise with internal and external auditors and to assist the Chief Operating Officer in the preparation of papers for the Finance and Audit Committees.
Ensure the security of all financial records.
Ensure the integrity of the nominal ledger and ensure monthly reconciliations of the bank and other key control accounts are prepared.
Assist the Chief Operating Officer with the production of the annual report and financial statements and returns to statutory and funding bodies.
Ensure that efficient procedures exist for the collection of debts and the payment of creditors
Effectively manage the process for reconciliation of payroll and pensions across the College.
Maintain the College Fixed Asset Register and inventory records.
Lead on risk management, ensuring an effective framework of control is maintained and that risk assurance is effectively operated and reported across the College.
Maintain and develop key relationships with external bodies including regulatory and funding bodies, banks, auditors, insurers and other professional advisors whilst keeping abreast of financial and political developments across the education sector.
Advise and support the College Board, Committees and Executive Leadership team on all aspects of the College finances and risk management.
Support in the development of their finance systems.
Requirements
The successful Head of Finance will be/have:
Be a Qualified Accountant - (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA)
Experience of managing a team and track record of successful people management
You will be working in a senior finance position and relishing the opportunity to work with senior peers
Experience of preparation of Statutory Accounts and liaising with external auditors
Strong leadership skills that inspires confidence in those you lead with ability to motivate, develop and encourage others to participate in going above and beyond
Experience of co-ordinating projects and controlling costs
Excellent communication skills, written and verbal
Excellent presentation skills
Ability to convey financial information clearly and concisely to non-finance staff
Excellent organisational skills which includes the ability to delegate, prioritise and use effective time management
Resilient and motivated to stay positive and focus on key priorities during times of challenge
Commercially minded, able to help transform services, drive change and make efficiencies
Able to manage time effectively and manage competing priorities
Desirable - (But not essential)
Degree or equivalent professional qualification
Qualified to degree level
Experience of financial management in an educational environment
An understanding of a Further Education’s curriculum and the funding methodology
Experience of presenting to committees and Boards
Benefits
37 hours a week
37 days holiday plus 8 public holidays = 46 days
Generous pension package (22%)
BUPA Cash Payment
Hybrid working - around business need and managing a team.  1-2 a week WFH.
Flexible working arrangements
Social events
Learning and development programmes
An inclusive and open workplace
They have big ambitions for the future - and therefore want to speak to the right individuals with the right energy and values to take them there.
Please contact for a confidential discussion