Full job descriptionHead of Finance
Location: Amesbury
Salary: £60,000 – £65,000 per annum
We are working with a well-established education organisation to recruit a Head of Finance to lead its central finance team and support the continued development of its financial operations.
Reporting directly to the Director of Finance, the successful candidate will play a key role in delivering accurate, timely and insightful financial information to support strategic decision-making across the organisation.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced finance professional with education sector experience to take on a senior leadership position, oversee a central finance function and contribute to the ongoing improvement of financial systems, processes and controls.
*Support the Director of Finance & Business with the preparation of monthly management accounts, cash flow forecasts and financial analysis for trustees and other key stakeholders.
*Monitor balance sheet reconciliations, prepare journals and ensure financial transactions are accurately recorded on an accruals basis.
*Maintain the central budget model and trust-level financial assumptions.
*Review and sense-check consolidated budgets and forecasts, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
*Support payroll processes, including checking payroll information and approving proposed payments from the payroll provider.
*Work closely with the Director of Finance & Business on financial analysis, reporting and ad hoc projects.
*Support the monitoring and accounting of grants, ensuring compliance with relevant funding requirements.
*Work collaboratively with Heads and School Business Partners to optimise budgets and forecasts.
*Lead, manage and develop the central finance team, providing effective coaching, guidance and support.
*Ensure compliance with relevant accounting, financial and regularity frameworks.
*Support the development and implementation of improved financial systems, processes and controls.
*Champion the introduction of new tools and technologies to improve efficiency and financial reporting.
*Liaise with external auditors and provide the necessary financial information to support audit requirements.
*Contribute to projects and wider financial improvements across the organisation.
About You
We are looking for a conscientious and commercially aware finance professional who can combine strong technical accounting knowledge with effective leadership and the ability to provide meaningful financial insight.
You will ideally have:
*A recognised accountancy qualification such as ACA, ACCA or CIMA, or equivalent. Candidates with AAT Level 4 and significant relevant experience will also be considered.
*Experience working within the education sector, with an understanding of school funding, staffing arrangements and financial regularity requirements.
*Experience producing monthly management accounts, budgets and forecasts, including balance sheet and cash flow reporting.
*Strong knowledge of month-end processes, reconciliations, journals and VAT submissions.
*Experience managing and developing finance teams, including coaching and supporting staff.
*Experience working with auditors and preparing information for audit purposes.
*An understanding of the financial and regulatory environment within multi-academy trusts.