Job Description

This role would be well suited to qualified candidates in the charity sector who are keen to lead a team and develop systems and processes across the entire finance function. Leading a team of 5, you would be responsible for the financial controls along with assisting the COO in the strategic plans for the organization moving forwards.
Key Responsibilities:

• Monitor and review the effectiveness of financial controls to ensure that they remain appropriate at all times
• Work with budget holders to prepare the annual budget for approval by the Finance Committee and Department for Education
• Work with the Chief Operating Officer on general strategic organizational development, service and business planning
• Implement new financial system to meet the increased demands of the School and its reporting
• Ensure compliance with all relevant financial legislation, regulations and guidelines such as SORP, VAT, Charity Commission requirements, etc.
• Prepare quarterly VAT returns and annual corporate tax returns for trading company
• Monitor and manage cash flows to maximize interest receivable
• Maintain strong working relationships with bankers, auditors and investment managers.
• Manage the finance team; monitoring their work, setting targets and carrying out regular reviews
• Assist the COO in the preparation of papers for the Finance Committees termly meetings
• Oversee the processing of donations and grants to ensure they are properly accounted for and that Gift Aid claims are made accurately and promptly
• Ensure an appropriate distinction is maintained between restricted and unrestricted funds and monitor use of restricted funds to ensure that all restrictions are observed
• Coordinate the smooth operation of the monthly payroll and ensure that all relevant requirements relating to PAYE, etc. are complied with.
• Draft annual financial statements and supporting papers in line with the Charities SORP, Companies Act and all other relevant reporting requirements
• Oversee the annual audit ensuring the team prepare all relevant documentation.
• Ensure accurate and timely submission of HMRC returns (RTI, P11D, PAYE Settlement Agreements, etc.)

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Qualified (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) Accountant with experience leading a finance function
• Understanding of charity accounting requirements and of the Charities SORP 2015
• Previous management experience with a focus on developing and training staff
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to present financial information in an accessible format
• Able to interpret and clearly explain complex financial data to non-finance staff, students and parents
• Proactive and flexible attitude