Director of Finance

Job Description

Director of Finance for prestigious Surrey independent private schoolACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified accountant - All sectors consideredClient DetailsI am pleased to be exclusively partnering with one of Surreys top independent private schools whilst they recruit a Director of Finance candidate on a permanent basisDescription

• Assist the Bursar and Governors in implementing the Schools strategic financial objectives.
• Bring financial risks and opportunities to the attention of the Bursar and Governors and conduct modelling and feasibility studies as appropriate.
• Review and implement changes to the system of financial control and reporting.
• Supply, discuss and consider monthly management information with the Bursar, members of the Senior Leadership Teams (SLTs) and Heads of Departments to enable them to effectively plan and control their responsibilities.
• Prepare papers for, attend and contribute to the dealings of, the Finance and Risk Committee.
• Prepare financial appraisals and reviews of major projects.
• Prepare long term forecasts and sensitivity analysis.
• Undertake competitor analysis and benchmarking studies.
• Retain financial awareness of external changes and development and to provide recommendations and advice to the Bursar, including a thorough knowledge of relevant accounting requirements, such as GAAPs, FRSs and the Charity Commission SORP.
• Proactively investigate and promote ways of improving value for money.

Line management of direct reports and ensuring proper line management of all departmental members.

• Setting objectives, delegating tasks and allocating resources.
• Ensuring annual performance reviews and timely career management are carried out for all team members.
• Advising the Bursar on the optimal structure and resources for the Department
• All accounting functions including nominal, purchase and fee ledgers, fixed asset register and the payroll.
• Oversee the staff and systems delivering all salaries and wages, including PAYE; pension and NI contributions, are paid correctly; ensuring compliance with the regulations for benefits in kind and all other taxation matters.
• The accurate and timely production of management and financial accounts.
• The internal control environment.
• Management and control of fee collection.
• Preparation of the consolidated statutory accounts and ensure all accounts are audited in time for the relevant meetings.
• Preparation of annual budgets and termly forecasts, including cash flow projections for the current and future years.
• Establish, maintain, review and ensure compliance with the Schools Financial Procedures Manual.
• Preparation of internal financial management reports, accounts and briefing papers, including monthly management accounting information to include cash flow statements and forecasts.
• Control of the treasury management function in order to ensure the most efficient and secure deployment of cash and minimise related banking and interest charges.
• Being responsible for, and ensuring compliance with external regulators, including HMRC, the Charity Commission and Companies House.
• Being responsible for accurate and timely tax returns and tax reclaims, with professional advice where necessary, preparing recommendations for mitigating potential VAT and any other tax liabilities.
• Liaising with external auditors on all matters connected with the annual audit of the Schools accounts and other external accountancy advice.
• Overseeing the operation of the Fees in Advance scheme.
• In conjunction with the Bursar, implement the Schools fee remissions policies and schemes.

Profile

• Formal Accounting qualification and experience of working in the commercial, educational or charity sectors.
• Experience of compliance with legislation and regulations relevant to the position

• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.

• Ability to analyse and manipulate financial data

• Competent in the use of IT, notably the MS Office applications and the ability to use modern financial software tools

• Proven experience of managing a team within a complex organisation

• Personal warmth, tenacity and a transparent collaborative style

• can-do attitude with a sense of humour and proportion

• A flexible approach to work, in terms both of responding to changing or unforeseen circumstances and being willing to work outside regular hours as the need arises

Job OfferHybrid working opportunityGenerous pension schemeSchool fee child remission of 50%Life & personal accident insuranceFree meals and parkingEmployee loansMedial support and employee assistance programmeLocal retailer discountsRequired skills

• Director of Finance