Job Description

The Regional Finance Director will provide the overall leadership and management for all aspects of finance to team in the South London region. The role will be focused on ensuring processes are embedded across all schools; supporting schools new to the network (or with new staff structures) with transition as well as leading, with regard to finance, on strategic projects within the schools.

Key Responsibilities:

• To be a member of the Finance Team, ensuring that the network financial strategies and processes are being carried out at all South London schools, including those planning to join the network
• To be responsible for all aspects of finance at the academies and developing the in-school finance teams to provide a high-level service to their principals and operations leads
• To assist with finance requirements for transitioning new schools to the network, including systems set-up, staff training and implementation of policies & procedures
• To be responsible directly to the Schools Finance Director for the strategic financial management in all schools in the region
• To control, monitor and evaluate the academies’ finances, ensuring compliance with financial requirements and value for money
• To be responsible for salary forecasts, preparing annual plans of the regions’ priorities in consultation with the Principals and Regional Director, and the annual budgets for approval by team and review by the Local Governing Bodies
• To be responsible for managing financial inspections by internal and external audit and other bodies and ensure action is taken on any recommendations made
• To ensure that effective credit controls are in place in respect of income, i.e. catering, lettings, etc.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Experience in the implementation of financial processes, planning and reporting
• Extensive experience in successfully managing and motivating a team
• A highly organized and proactive approach to work
• Professional accountancy qualification, including significant post-qualifying experience
• A record of Continuing Professional Development activities
• Experience and/or knowledge of schools or education finance & administration would be desirable, but not essential
• Knowledge and experience of financial management systems and processes
• Experience of strategic financial planning and supporting decision-making
• Experience of preparing and presenting financial reports and presentations for various stakeholders
• Ability to ensure confidentiality is maintained at all times
• Ability to interpret complex legislation regulations
• Ability to priorities and manage conflicting demands
• Strong organizational, project management and planning skills