Chief Financial Officer

Job Description

RM Recruit are working with a Nottingham based multi Academy Trust to recruit a Chief Financial Officer for their Senior Leadership Team. Overseeing a finance team of 11, this exciting role will see you provide leadership and management across all aspectsof finance, as well as contributing to the strategic direction of this commercial and growth focused trust.The CFO is responsible for the continual improvement of the finance operations of the trust, bringing greater efficiencies across this multisite organisation. You will develop strong relationships with all schools to develop a clear knowledge of their needsand how they serve their local communities.Your remit will include, but not be limited to:

• Offer advice and support to the CEO in the financial aspects of their responsibilities as the Trust Accounting Officer.
• Delivery of compliant financial processes against the requirements of the Academy Trust Handbook and be responsible for planning and coordinating all tax and treasury management activities
• Ensure completion and submission of statutory returns to defined timescales.
• Provide leadership to the Board on finance, audit and risk strategy in order to optimise the financial performance and strategic position of the Trust.
• Full contribution to overall Trust strategy and the provision of financial analysis and guidance on all grown activities, general planning and financial targets.
• Develop and oversee the quality of management information, budgeting and forecasting processes ensuring the Trust receives high quality and cost effective financial support services
• Ensure that the Board and Executive Team have regular and accurate information to manage delegated budgets, providing professional advice and assistance as required.
• Developing positive and productive working relationships with external partners such as the ESFA, HMRC, DfE, External Auditors, Companies House, The Charity Commission and Pension Fund Providers.
• Continually review and improve the existing financial systems and policies ensuring they are robust, compliant and support current activities and future growth.
• Developing a thorough approach to internal scrutiny and management of the external audit process, acting as a conduit between Trustees and the audit teams.
• Manage the development of financial reporting systems (including KPI dashboard) and leading on the Trusts approach to risk management and coordinate the strategic risk registers.
• Provision of financial management reports to the Board of Trustees, Finance Committee, Risk and Audit Committee
• The challenging of Trust Senior Leaders to ensure the compliant and best value management of resources
• Exploration of additional funding, revenue/income opportunities and additional commercial opportunities
• Attendance at relevant committee meetings (Finance, Audit, AAB, Board) as required to maintain the presence and input of the finance department
• Ensuring that the MAT Trustees comply with all obligations and responsibilities as set out by the ESFA in the latest version of the Academy Trust Handbook.

The ideal candidate must be ACA/ACCA/ACMA qualified and will ideally have worked in an Academy Trust or wider Not for Profit setting. However, candidates from all sector backgrounds will be considered providing they can demonstrate the experience and acumenrequired for the post. The Trust is open to flexible and hybrid working arrangements providing the CFO maintains a visible presence and all aspects of the role are covered.On offer is a comprehensive benefits package that includes LGPS Pension Contributions (21%) and a generous holiday entitlement.

Keyskills :
BudgetingFinance DirectorFinance TeamFundingSchools