Job summary

Barclay Meade Finance & Accountancy are recruiting for a Head of Operational Finance

Key skills required for this role

COMMUNICATION, RESULTS FOCUSSED, TIME MANAGEMENT, ATTENTION TO DETAIL, PROBLEM SOLVING

Important

COMMUNICATION, RESULTS FOCUSSED, TIME MANAGEMENT, ATTENTION TO DETAIL, PROBLEM SOLVING

Job description

Job Specification: Head of Operational Finance

Job Purpose: The Head of Operational Finance will play a crucial role in managing internal financial operations and reporting for the Federation, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timeliness. This position will provide financial support and guidance to Head Office departments, schools, and the Federation Senior Leadership Team. The Head oF Operational Finance will work closely with the Financial Controller and Director of Finance (DF) as needed.

Academy sector experience is essential for this role.
Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee all income and payroll processing for schools and the Federation.
• Manage BACS and manual payment processes.
• Review and optimize central financial processing procedures.
• Conduct monthly balance sheet reconciliations for schools and the Federation.
• Maintain and update finance handbooks and related guidance materials.
• Collaborate with the Financial Controller and Systems team to implement month-end timelines.
• Develop and deliver training for Finance Officers, Management Accountants, and Accounts Payable teams.
• Assist in producing and reviewing consolidated monthly accounts.
• Work with partnership teams to integrate proposed adjustments to monthly and year-end accounts.
• Prepare consolidated submissions for the Department for Education (DfE).
• Coordinate year-end papers and supporting schedules for Head Office activities.
• Liaise with Internal Audit and External Auditors.
• Support various Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) submissions and audits.
• Oversee reconciliation and review of monthly inter-academy recharges.
• Review monthly journals including prepayments, deferred income, and academy recharges.
• Identify and evaluate opportunities to enhance value for money.
• Collaborate closely with other departments and hubs within the central federation to streamline processes.
• Perform ad hoc tasks as required by the Financial Controller and Director of Finance.

Experience:

• Proven experience in preparing monthly budgets and providing insightful commentary on management account variances.
• Strong finance background with expertise in budgeting, planning, stakeholder management, financial analysis, and reporting.
• Track record of effectively managing and motivating teams during periods of change.
• Experience in year-end preparation for statutory audits.
• Proficiency in Excel and utilising various software packages for financial reporting.
• Prior exposure to Oracle Fusion is advantageous.

Benefits:

• Continuous professional development opportunities and career progression support.
• Annual performance and loyalty bonuses.
• Generous pension scheme contributions.
• Annual leave, bank holidays, and additional benefits like Christmas Eve off.
• Lifestyle-friendly working arrangements and various employee support programs.
• Access to healthcare plans, employee assistance programs, and exclusive discounts.
• Options for salary sacrifice schemes (electric car, cycle to work, season tickets).

Attributes:

• Strong intellectual capacity and ability to thrive in an intellectually stimulating environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written).
• Detail-oriented with a results-focused mindset, capable of meeting objectives and deadlines.
• Proactive, hands-on approach to work, with a creative problem-solving ability.
• Effective time management skills and a proven track record of motivating teams.
• Passionate about education and committed to the Federation's vision and ethos.

Federation Ethos:

• Enthusiasm for achieving the Federation's vision of success across all levels.
• Motivation to work with children and young people, maintaining professional standards and boundaries.
• Emotional maturity and resilience in handling challenging situations.
• Commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for all.
• Alignment with the aims, objectives, and values
• Willingness to continue personal and professional development, maintaining high standards and expectations.

---

This job specification outlines the core responsibilities, required experience, benefits, and desired attributes for the Head of Operational Finance role. Candidates should possess a strong finance background, exceptional leadership skills, and a genuine passion for contributing to educational excellence and organiSational growth.