Head of Finance

Job Description

Head of Finance- Crosby, Liverpool

• Head of Finance, Organisation demonstrates excellence consistently
• Reputable and forward thinking independent school

About Our ClientMichael Page is working exclusively withMerchants Taylorsan Independent school in Liverpool.For 400 years, this school has endured as one of the finest in the North of England, founded on a commitment to academic excellence and the provision of a nurturing environment that helps every child to achieve their full potential. A name which is synonymouswith excellence, achievement, heritage and culture. Merchant Taylors is well-respected within its local community and within the education sector.Merchant Taylors consists of four schools, Merchant Taylors Preparatory School, Merchant Taylors Girls School, Merchant Taylors Boys School, and Merchant Taylors Sixth Form (from September 2024).Responsible directly to the Chief Operations Officer, the Head of Finance is a key member of the Senior Leadership team.Job DescriptionThe Head of Finance will be based in Crosby and is responsible for leading the finance function for the organisation. It is a position that remains key to ensuring that the organisation is making the best use of its financial resources and to continue todemonstrate their bold ambitious plans, with strong links to purpose, mission and values.The Head of Finance is responsible for the overall financial management and reporting for Merchant Taylors School. To ensure the maintenance of effective financial control and compliance across the school, providing accurate and timely management informationto support strategic decision making. Line management of the finance team as well as providing training/support to academic staff on financial processes. This role also supports the COO in contributing to the overall strategic direction and priorities forthe school as a business and as a charity.Duties will be as follows:

• Provide accurate and timely financial information and reporting for the 3 schools and charitable arm
• Preparing relevant statutory compliance documentation and submissions
• Day to day management of the finance systems and associated processes
• Working in collaboration with schools on financial monitoring, including production of accurate and timely budgets and management accounts for each school
• Act as primary business partner across the Schools Executive Team, Senior Management Teams and budget holders providing monthly, as well as ad hoc support and advice
• Act as business partner to the Manager of the Sports Centre providing this role with support, commercial advice and financial reporting
• Overseeing the accounts payable function, treasury management and payroll functions
• Management and supporting the development of finance team members
• Leading on procurement advice and systems for the organisation
• Complete monthly ledger reconciliations
• Continuous development of financial systems, financial reporting, controls and procedures
• Support costing of services and optimisation of resources using integrated curriculum and financial planning modelling
• Attend Executive meetings and Board meetings as and when required
• Chair the Schools Finance Management Committee which consists of the Head Teachers and other key professional services staff to ensure the effective reporting, monitoring and communication of financial performance, compliance with charity legislation andpolicies and sharing of best practice

The Successful ApplicantYou will be a Qualified CIMA/ ACCA/ ACA/CCAB/CIPFA candidate with a proven track within a similar sized organisation. The successful candidate will be an individual who is looking to excel in an inspiring and changing environment. It is ideal for someonewho wants to run a business, managing income, costs, surplus and cashflow with full P&L responsibility and manage a small, effective team. An excellent opportunity to have a real valuable, impact- where tomorrow is shaped by the plans we make today.Whats on OfferYou will be a part of an established, forward thinking Independent School who have a continued vision to provide outstanding education and inspire all learners to succeed. For four centuries and more, they have continued to differentiate and reinvent themselvesto ensure Merchant Taylors is well-placed for future opportunities. Bold ambitious plans, with strong links to their purpose, mission and values have been hallmarks of centuries of success.

• Competitive Salary
• 37 hours per week
• 30 days annual leave
• Defined Pension contribution
• Required on site most of the week during term time, more hybrid working model out of school term time
• Free staff lunch
• Free gym membership to on-site Sports Centre gym
• Free car parking
• Working hours 8.30-4.30pm (4pm finish on Fridays)

Where specific UK qualifications are required we will take into account overseas equivalents. All third party applications will be forwarded to Michael Page.Ref Code: MPRE0 6 2 0225638485ZClosing Date: 23/12/2022