Job Description

TITLE OF JOB:

FINANCE OFFICER

LOCATION:

Cranborne Primary School, Potters Bar, EN6 2BA

REPORTING TO:

SCHOOL BUSINESS MANAGER/HEADTEACHER

GRADE/SALARY:

32,061 to 37,280 full time equivalent, but the salary will be pro-rated to approximately 25,000pa to account for term time only working.

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

To take full responsibility for the efficient and secure administration of the school's budget and finances on a day to day basis, reporting to and in liaison with the School Business Manager and Headteacher.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Finance and Accounting

Oversee the operation of the school's finance and budgeting systems; including:

Purchase Ledger responsibilities ensuring that payments are made in a timely and accurate manner, are posted and allocated to the correct budgets in the finance system and are checked for appropriate expenditure and reasonable cost.

Sales Ledger responsibilities ensuring that invoices are raised in a timely manner and the school claims and receives all income due from government grants.

Month end accounting procedures, including a full system reconciliation and monthly budget monitor.

Preparation and submission of year-end accounts - accruals, prepayments, creditors and debtors.

Prepare a realistic and balanced budget for the financial year and forecast future year budgets, providing support, guidance, challenge and information to Senior Leaders.

Maintain and update the IR35 checks.

Support Senior Leaders with the preparation of funding impact statements from a financial perspective.

Accurate and timely submission of financial returns and ensuring regulatory requirements are met. This would include the preparation and submission of the Schools Financial Value Standard (SFVS) and annual benchmarking.

Keep up to date with changes to regulations and guidance.

Oversee the School's bank accounts, including credit cards, and be responsible for banking of all monies.

Responsible for the management of the online booking and payment system and to manage the debt recovery process.

Maintain capital spend and asset information, including the fixed assets register.

Responsible for reconciliation of staffing and payroll records via review of nominal roll and salary monitoring.

Manage and maintain the finance systems and accounts structure, ensuring that all updates are applied, including setting up new budget/analysis codes.

Manage the Fund account, monthly bank reconciliation and prepare year end reconciliation for audit.

Prepare and submit accurate VAT returns in a timely manner, ensuring compliance with HMRC regulations and the school's financial policies.

Act as Treasurer for the Parent Teacher Association (Friends of Cranborne), maintaining accurate financial records, and supporting the preparation of financial reports and submission to the Charity Commission.

Maintain manual and electronic finance records in line with statutory obligations.

Procurement

Ensure that best practice principles are followed in the procurement of goods and services, and all areas of contract renewal, as set out in the Schedule of Financial Delegation.

Maintain and update the contracts register.

Governance

Monitor expenditure against the budget and preparing documentation explaining variances to budgets for Senior Leaders.

Propose revisions to the budget if necessary, in response to significant unforeseen variances and take prompt corrective action.

Advise Senior Leaders if fraudulent activities are suspected or uncovered.

Prepare documentation and reports as required to support strategic decision making.

Attending Governing Board meetings to present financial data.

Responsible for making recommendations for changes to finance systems, processes and policies as appropriate.

Income Generation

Work closely with the School Business Manager to maximise income through lettings and other projects to ensure the future financial security of the school.

Support the Admin Team with responsibility for lettings.

Responsibility for the financial administration of school lettings.

Managing Staff

Train, mentor and coach staff to develop skills and knowledge, ensuring continuous improvement and continuity in service delivery at all times.

Be an excellent role model for staff, always demonstrating good practice.

Deputise for the School Business Manager as appropriate.

Other Duties

Undertake any other reasonable tasks as directed by the School Business Manager or Headteacher.

There will also be an element of working as part of the school office team and this may include:

Responding confidently to telephone enquiries and visitors to the school.

Ensuring the school is presented to children, parents, governors and visitors as a welcoming and professional organisation.

Assisting with pupil welfare matters, including regular contact with children, parents and staff.

Supporting the wider life of the school by attending school events and extra-curricular activities.

The job description will be reviewed as part of the annual cycle of performance management.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: 32,061.00-37,280.00 per year

Expected hours: No less than 30 per week

Benefits:

Company pension Free parking On-site parking
Application question(s):

Do you have school finance experience? Do you have any experience of budget preparation/setting?
Education:

GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Experience:

Finance: 3 years (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person