Finance Manager

Responsibilities

• Financial Operations
• Manage the day-to-day running of the Finance Office, ensuring all financial transactions are recorded promptly, accurately, and in compliance with LA and school procedures.
• Operate and maintain the school's computerised financial management system (e.g.FMS or similar.
• Process purchase orders, invoices, payments, receipts, and journal adjustments.
• Prepare monthly bank reconciliations and maintain accurate ledgers for audit purposes.
• Monitor payroll reports received from the LA, ensuring reconciliation with budget and staffing information, and resolve discrepancies promptly.
• To lead and support in the closure of accounts process
• maintain accurate financial records and oversee day-to-day financial controls, ensuring that spending remains within approved budgets and complies with relevant financial regulations and policies.
• liaising with external bodies, such as local authorities, auditors, and funding agencies, to ensure compliance with statutory reporting requirements and funding conditions.
• Budgeting and Reporting
• Maintain accurate budget monitoring records, providing regular updates and forecasts to budget holders and the Headteacher and Governing Board.
• Support in planning, managing, and monitoring the school's budget to ensure financial sustainability and best value for money
• Produce multi-year budget forecasts, including scenario planning to assess financial risks, funding changes, and pupil number fluctuations.
• Allocate budgets to departments and cost centres, ensuring clear accountability and effective use of resources.
• Monitor income and expenditure against approved budgets on a regular basis, identifying variances and recommending corrective actions where required
• Ensure effective cash-flow management and oversee the appropriate use of reserves.
• Income and Cash Handling
• Manage and record all income streams, including parental payments, and school activities.
• Prepare and issue invoices for income generation and monitor debtors, ensuring timely collection and appropriate follow-up action on overdue accounts.
• Oversee petty cash and imprest accounts, ensuring claims are authorised, supported by receipts, and reconciled regularly.
• Ensure safe handling, storage, and banking of all monies in accordance with the school's security and financial procedures.
• Procurement and Value for Money
• Liaise with suppliers and service providers, obtaining quotes and negotiating terms in accordance with the school's Best Value Policy.
• Support the renewal and review of contracts and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with the LA and external providers.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations, procurement thresholds, and audit requirements.
• Compliance and Audit
• Maintain accurate and auditable financial records that comply with LA financial regulations and internal/external audit standards.
• Support the Headteacher in preparing for internal and external audits, implementing recommendations where necessary.
• Ensure the Finance Office operates in line with the CIPFA Code of Practice and the Local Authority Scheme for Financing Schools.
• Maintain confidentiality and compliance with GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
• Support
• Provide financial advice and support to staff and budget holders across the school.
• Maintain effective communication with the LA Finance Team and other stakeholders.
• General
• Keep up to date with changes in school finance regulations, funding frameworks, and local procedures.
• Undertake training as required to maintain professional competence and support personal development.
• Uphold and promote the school's values, policies, and procedures, including those relating to equality, safeguarding, and health and safety.
• Carry out any other duties commensurate with the role and grade as directed by the Headteacher or Finance Lead.

Additional Information

Job Purpose To support the Headteacher and Finance Lead in the overseeing of the day-to-day financial operations of the school, ensuring accuracy, transparency and compliance with the Local Authority's (LA) financial regulations and the school's financial policies.

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