Management Accountant

Job Description

Post: Management Accountant - City of London Academies Trust (Southwark schools)Accountable to: Director of Finance & OperationsSalary: JE9 SCP 36 - 40, £42,606 - £46,533 per annumWorking Pattern: 35 Hours per week, 52 Weeks a YearLocation: City of LondonAcademy (Southwark)Disclosure level: EnhancedResponsible for: Finance Officer, Finance & Procurement Manager, Lettings Manager Main Purpose The Management Accountant will work in collaboration with finance and business management staff in the 3 academies ofthe Southwark Hub, including the Heads of the primaries where appropriate. The role will also include liaison with external bodies including the ESFA, Local Authority, Auditors, and HMRC. The Management Accountant will also be responsible for the managementof the Trust Lettings Subsidiary Account. To plan, manage and monitor financial systems, producing comprehensive, accurate financial information for all stakeholdersKey Accountabilities Strategic Financial Management Work with the Director of Finance and Operationsto deliver the financial strategy of the group of academies, to facilitate the achievement of the academies objectives and development plans Manage all funding streams, demonstrating a sound understanding of current funding methodologies to ensure incomeis maximised and risks to future funding are identified and managed.Financial Planning and Budgeting Prepare and maintain a 3-5 year rolling financial plan Manage the financial planning processes, ensuring appropriate budgets are set Prepare the annual budgetforecast return and other financial returns as required by the ESFA, DfE and other agencies.Accounting and Reporting Establish and maintain an appropriate common accounting system across the academies, ensuring these meet both internal requirements and therequirements of external bodies, including funding bodies. Produce accurate, comprehensive monthly management accounts for a range of stakeholders, including senior leaders, finance sub committees, Local Governing Bodies and the MAT Board Maintain an effectivesystem of internal control, including monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of the accounting systems and processes in all academies, and ensuring adherence to relevant finance policies and procedures Undertake ad hoc financial analysisas required Prepare the annual accounts in readiness for audit, ensuring that these are adequately supported by the underlying books and records of the academies Assist the Chief Finance Officer (CFO) in discharging their duties on behalf of MAT (South) schoolsEnsure that the academies comply with all relevant laws and regulations and statutory requirements within areas of responsibility.Asset Management Create and maintain an Asset Management plan, working with the Head of Facilities and Director of IT Work withthe IT and business management staff in all academies to maintain a detailed, accurate asset register, ensuring an annual audit of inventories is undertaken.Best Value and benchmarking Promote Best Value strategies in all areas Undertake regular reviewsof value for money, using benchmarking tools and other financial indicators.Income generation Support the academies in seeking and administering new sources of revenue, including the preparation of bids for grants and other sources of finance, and ensuringthe correct treatment of any revenue or capital funding within the accounts.Lettings Line manage the CoLA-S Lettings Manager to ensure income generation is maximised Ensure that financial procedures are followed in relation to the subsidiary Prepare the annualaccounts for audit and Companies House Monthly VAT report for group return Produce monthly management accounts for the Lettings Account, to include all Trust schools as appropriateOther Attend meetings commensurate to the post Undertake other duties commensuratewith the seniority of the role. To work within a framework of best practice governed by the relevant occupational standards to support excellence in teaching and learning To promote the safety and wellbeing of students, ensuring that the Trusts Safeguardingpolicies and procedures are promoted within the academies To be responsible for your own health and safety and that of students and your colleagues, in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and relevant EC directives To adhere to the TrustsEquality policy in all activities, and actively promote equality of opportunity.Safeguarding ChildrenCOLAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to undergo appropriatechecks, including enhanced DBS checks.The above responsibilities are subject to the general duties and responsibilities contained in the Statement of Conditions of Employment. The duties of this post may vary from time to time without changing the generalcharacter of the post or level of responsibility entailed.The person undertaking this role is expected to work within the policies, ethos and aims of the Trust and to carry out such other duties as may reasonably be assigned. The post holder will be expectedto have an agreed flexible working pattern to ensure that all relevant functions are fulfilled through direct dialogue with employees, contractors and community members.English DutyThis role is covered under part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 and thereforethe ability to speak fluent spoken English is an essential requirement for this role.City of London Academy Southwark Person SpecificationOur Values and VisionThe City of London Academies Trust, sponsored by the City of London Corporation, aims to providehigh-quality education for students and pioneer educational innovation. We are driven by the ambition to provide world-class experiences and deliver exceptional educational outcomes for the young people we serve.All City of London schools and academies drawupon the traditions, institutions, heritage and historical successes of London to furnish each of their diverse communities with life-transforming learning experiences. In doing so, we believe that the young people we serve develop into successful, compassionateyoung adults, who make a positive contribution to their local, national and global communities.Our schools are characterised by a common understanding of what makes outstanding schools, based on five key principles, which are known as our Foundations of Excellence.OurStaffOur staff have high expectations, are consistent and driven to provide the best teaching and opportunities for our students. Teachers work in a well-disciplined environment where they are able to teach creative and engaging lessons, and all staff aregiven exciting opportunities to develop and learn from exceptional practitioners.EssentialDesirableQualificationsDegree or Equivalent to Level 6 QualificationsYACCA/ICAEW, CIMA or equivalentYExperience, Skills and KnowledgePreparation of budgets and manag