Head of Financial Services

Description:

The Role: Head of Financial Services, Thurrock, Essex Based, £60,000 - £75,000

Job Purpose

To deliver robust monthly management accounts and the annual group statutory accounts, with clear audit opinions

Developing and maintaining systems of internal financial control, and pursuing measures to ensure they are adhered to

To deliver finance KPIs set

To develop the finance function, seeking efficiency and effectiveness in all aspects of the finance, payroll and procurement functions;

To deliver Group single and multi-year budgets, plus accurate in-year reporting of forecasts and budget holder actions

To provide technical finance & procurement advice and guidance

To ensure all finance related regulator returns are completed accurately, and submitted on a timely basis

To Support the SLT in producing documentation in line with the Strategic plan.

Principal Duties

Lead and manage the financial services team to ensure high performance and business efficiency.

Oversee the preparation of financial services information for Senior Management and Governor meetings where appropriate.

Responsible for the production of the year-end financial statements adhering to the SORP and other applicable regulations.

To manage and co-ordinate the work of the external and internal auditors.

Maintain an effective budget setting and monitoring process including the Financial and Forecasting Return.

Monitor the financial health, cashflow, balance sheet and Income and Expenditure account including forecasting.

Ensure the financial regulations and procedures are up to date and compliant with the latest legislation and accounting standards. Providing cross company training, advice and guidance.

Supports the design and implementation of the Finance & Procurement strategy across the company.

Implements tight governance and control and continuously improves the groups financial services.

Leads procurement activity and ensures statutory and financial obligations are met and efficiencies achieved in line with the Value for Money (VfM) strategy.

Develops and implements procurement strategies in line with public sector procurement.

Leads tendering and contract negotiations to ensure the effective supervision and monitoring of 3rd party suppliers.

Ensure a robust finance business partnering model is delivered which meets the needs of the organisation.

Prepare the rolling cash flow including actuals and projections and organise the necessary investments to ensure effective treasury management.

Ensure that the company strives to maintain high levels of staff efficiency and achieves good value for money.

Ensure the security of the company’s assets and maintenance of an accurate Assets Register and inventory control.

Ensure that VAT is correctly accounted for in transactions.

Work in partnership with the leadership team to deliver the vision, mission and strategic aims of the company

Contributes to the culture and strategic objectives and works collaboratively with colleagues in other Departments

Participates in relevant and appropriate training and development as required.

Implements remedial interventions when departmental performance is not on track.

Produce up to date financial and procurement regulations in line with governmental changes

Oversee the provision of an accurate and efficient payroll service

Management Responsibilities

Lead and manage all designated areas of responsibility.

Role model outstanding financial service practices.

Implement communication strategies which ensure that key financial information is raised with SLT and shared with all relevant staff throughout the company

Embed a positive staff workforce that is committed to the company’s vision and values, whose culture is one of striving for excellence within their areas and responsibilities.

Set clear expectations by embedding robust performance management processes, in line with company policies and processes throughout all staff employment.

In conjunction with the management team, identify and take appropriate action in relation to poor performance quickly and efficiently in line with company policies and procedures.

Responsible for ensuring staff have 1-2-1 meetings, performance & development reviews and/or probation reviews regularly and in a timely manner.

Lead and manage professional development for staff ensuring they maintain up to date knowledge on all relevant legislation, regulations, awarding body criteria etc.

Identify areas / activities which present a risk to the health and safety of students and staff and take appropriate action to rectify.

Work proactively with the Executive Director of Organisational & People Development and implement and complete relevant compulsory professional training and CPD as appropriate.

Budget Responsibilities

Work with the SLT, and relevant staff to effectively establish and agree company budgets.

Ensure full compliance with company Financial Policies and processes.

Responsible for compliance with procurement of goods and services ensuring value for money and effective utilisation of items procured.

Effective budget management.

General Responsibilities

Create a safe working culture that enables staff to speak up, think innovatively, develop, and share and try out new ideas and processes, and work collaboratively to contribute to improvements.

Maintain, the health, safety and welfare of staff and students through compliance with company policies, including effective risk management procedures.

Embed equality, diversity, and inclusion throughout all aspect of your role, promote key information and challenge unacceptable behaviours and conduct in a timely manner.

In line with GDPR legislation and regulations, take responsibility for the data that you manage and process.

Implement with policies and procedures, ensuring you communicate these with all relevant staff and monitor and track compliance.

Work collaboratively with all academic and support services to support the needs of staff and our students.

Actively chair and engage in a range of cross meetings, as required. 

To carry out any other duties as may be required by the Senior Leadership Team, Executive Board or as may be required or as directed.

The successful applicant will hold a relevant professional qualification in accountancy (eg CIMA, CIPFA, ACCA, ICA) We are seeking an experienced Senior financial professional with proven management of a varied corporate service function.

The successful candidate will possess:

Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a similar role is essential (FE experience not essential)

Experience of production and review of financial reporting I.e. Monthly Management Accounts & Statutory financial statements

Experience of providing financial returns in an regulated sector.

Experience of delivering financial information to non-finance audience.

Experience of writing board papers

Experience of multi-year Cash flow management

Experience of developing appropriate financial systems

Experience of budget setting and 3-year financial planning at organization and departmental level

Up to date knowledge of Procurement & Payroll guidelines

Up to date understanding of Finance and Funding (Income) regulations for FE & HE

The Package

Salary £60,000 - £75,000 depending on level of experience

30 days leave

Pension scheme

Free Eye test and contribution towards glasses

Enhanced sick pay and family (subject to policy terms)

Free breakfast

Free On-site parking

Wellbeing and health support

Cycle to work scheme

Flu Jabs