Finance Manager

We are working with a school in Beaconsfield that is looking for a part time Finance Manager (Interim or Interim to Perm basis)

This will be 3 days per week and can either be on a permanent or Interim basis (would be inside IR35)

• Responsible to: Bursar
• Reports: Finance Officer

Purpose of the Job: To assist the Bursar with the financial management of the School and to deputise for him/her as required.

Assignment Details

1. Accounting and Finance Responsibilities:

• Advise the Bursar and Senior Leadership Team on all financial matters
• In liaison with the Finance Officer, ensure the maintenance of the school’s accounting records, fees ledger, creditors ledger, and nominal ledger in the accounting system as well as salaries and payroll accurately and up to date in accordance with agreed timetables and procedures
• Prepare termly trial balances and financial reports, as well as termly management accounts with appropriate commentary including KPIs, competitor data and scenarios analysis
• Assist the Finance Officer with conducting the monthly bank reconciliations and accounting for petty cash, if required
• Oversee the allocation of fee structures and discounts to pupils, the management of disbursements and the production of bills for parents
• Monitor debtors and instigate all routine correspondence with fee debtors in accordance with the appropriate policy
• Supervise the preparation of creditor payments
• In consultation with the Bursar, control the treasury management function in order to ensure the most efficient and secure deployment of the school’s cash and minimise related banking and interest charges
• Oversee the operation of the school’s advanced fees scheme, calculating discounts and preparing termly statements
• Assist other departments of the school in accounting, budgeting and purchasing
• Ensure that the school’s relationships with third parties such as HMRC, Companies House, the Charity Commission, etc, is responsive and professional
• Prepare the school accounts for audit, including statements of Financial Activity (SOFA) and Balance Sheets in accordance with the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) and liaise with auditors in relation to the operation of the audit
• In consultation with the Bursar, prepare forecasts for the future financial performance of the school including cash flow projections usually over a period of 5 years
• Provide analyses of costs and other statistical records as required
• Prepare financial appraisals / analyses of particular projects
• Advise on taxation matters generally including Gift Aid and where appropriate ensure compliance with regulations for VAT
• Advise on the financial implications of the charitable status of the school
• Deal with the school’s income tax and rating assessments
• Be responsible, in liaison with the Bursar and Facilities Manager, for an accurate and current Fixed Assets Register
• Ensure debtors and creditors are reconciled in a timely manner and variance investigated
• Support the finance assistant in any systems preparation for the go live of VAT on invoicing.
• Ensure the timely submission and payment of VAT following registration from 1 Jan 2025
• Prepare partial exemptions basis calculations for review by a third party in year one of VAT registration

2. Payroll and Pensions

• Arrange for the accurate preparation and on-time payment of all salaries, wages and pension contributions, including PAYE and NI contributions. Comply with regulations for benefits in kind
• Review monthly payroll
• Collect overtime and expense claims for payment through payroll
• Ensure that payroll totals are correctly posted to the general ledger and reconciled
• Ensure that P60s and P11Ds are prepared and issued and that all PAYE and NIC returns are complied with
• Administer the pension schemes for teaching and non-teaching staff including maintaining records and sending periodic returns as required

3. Budgeting and Management Reporting

• In consultation with the Bursar, prepare annual budgets and termly forecasts, monitoring performance
• Prepare rolling forecasts on the basis of actual performance
• Maintain statistical info and prepare ad hoc reports as required

4. Governance

• Assist the Bursar with the preparation and distribution of all papers relating to meetings of the Finance Committee and the Board of Governors
• Act as secretary to the Finance Committee, attending meetings and taking minutes

5. Technical Standards and Control

• Keep up to date with financial development in the educational fields particularly the requirements for reporting under the Charities SORP
• Keep up to date with developments in the field of IT relevant to the school and in financial and administrative management and make recommendations to improve efficiency and cost effectiveness
• Keep the accounting and reporting systems under constant review ensuring that they are effective, clearly described and efficient
• Monitor the operation of financial controls through internal audit and introduce further controls as appropriate to safeguard the school’s funds and other assets