Job Description

This is a key role here with responsibility for managing the operating costs for all service functions. You will work closely with the Principal, the Finance Director Schools, the Director of Operations and the Head of Admissions as well as the Senior Leadership Team. You will be responsible for the line management of the Finance and Payroll team.
The specific responsibilities associated with the post will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Ensure proper accounting and financial records and systems are maintained
• Lead the preparation of management accounts along with detailed and appropriate analysis for business performance improvement
• Ensure financial accounts are produced monthly, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and within agreed timeframes
• Lead the school finance teams
• Inspire colleagues in the finance teams to higher standards and achievements
• Ensure all statutory accounting and tax returns are produced and submitted in accordance with legislation
• Ensure effective internal controls and implement new procedures as necessary
• Manage relationships and liaison with external auditors and tax advisors regarding the statutory accounts and other statutory returns.
• Take decisive actions on approval for day-to-day management as per the delegation of authority and policies and procedures
• Prepare Board papers that aid, assist and lead to efficient and effective decision making
• Work closely with the Europe Regional team and the Central Finance team
• In conjunction with the Finance Director UK and the Senior Leadership Team, produce business plans, annual budgets and quarterly re-forecasts for the schools and business
• Lead the work with budget holders to determine correct allocation of cost budgets across cost Centre’s and budget headings
• Work with the Head of Admissions to generate pupil number forecasts to drive the revenue budget
• Manage the budget and forecast process for the school to Education deadlines using our Education templates
• Ensure that cost efficiency is a key part of the budget process, eliminating waste and ensuring best value for money.
• Ensure the schools maintain costs within agreed budget levels
• Monitor actual spend against budget on a budget holder and account heading basis
• Liaise with school senior leadership team on a regular basis to ensure that they are aware of the budget position and what has been spent to date
• Submit appropriate capital expenditure plans and reports
• Production of cash flow forecasts to aid both the school and cash management
• Ensure that the school is able to produce timely and accurate tuition fee invoices
• Scrutinize and pass for payment all invoices received in the school
• Manage the school payroll
• Administer pension, income protection and private health care schemes for all staff

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Education to degree level or equivalent professional qualification.
• Experience in accountancy software products, preferably Business Dynamics 365, OneStream, and Microsoft Office applications.
• The ability to work to tight deadlines and the ability to gather, analyze, explain, and consolidate data for management reporting
• Experience of developing and working with budgets and forecasts
• Experience of developing and working with cash flow management
• Good cross-cultural, interpersonal and communication skills to interact with diverse nationalities and cultures.
• Ensure adequate controls are in place to safeguard the company assets.
• Excellent analytical skills – with the passion and drive to demonstrate and quantify success.
• Results orientated with the ability to consistently map efforts against identified KPIs.
• Excellent time management skills and flexibility in dealing with multi-functional tasks.
• You’d like to work in a purpose-led sector.