Head of Financial Services

The Role: Head of Financial Services, Thurrock, Essex Based, £60,000 - £75,000

Job Purpose

  • To deliver robust monthly management accounts and the annual group statutory accounts, with clear audit opinions
  • Developing and maintaining systems of internal financial control, and pursuing measures to ensure they are adhered to
  • To deliver finance KPIs set
  • To develop the finance function, seeking efficiency and effectiveness in all aspects of the finance, payroll and procurement functions;
  • To deliver Group single and multi-year budgets, plus accurate in-year reporting of forecasts and budget holder actions
  • To provide technical finance & procurement advice and guidance
  • To ensure all finance related regulator returns are completed accurately, and submitted on a timely basis
  • To Support the SLT in producing documentation in line with the Strategic plan.

Principal Duties

  • Lead and manage the financial services team to ensure high performance and business efficiency.
  • Oversee the preparation of financial services information for Senior Management and Governor meetings where appropriate.
  • Responsible for the production of the year-end financial statements adhering to the SORP and other applicable regulations.
  • To manage and co-ordinate the work of the external and internal auditors.
  • Maintain an effective budget setting and monitoring process including the Financial and Forecasting Return.
  • Monitor the financial health, cashflow, balance sheet and Income and Expenditure account including forecasting.
  • Ensure the financial regulations and procedures are up to date and compliant with the latest legislation and accounting standards. Providing cross company training, advice and guidance.
  • Supports the design and implementation of the Finance & Procurement strategy across the company.
  • Implements tight governance and control and continuously improves the groups financial services.
  • Leads procurement activity and ensures statutory and financial obligations are met and efficiencies achieved in line with the Value for Money (VfM) strategy.
  • Develops and implements procurement strategies in line with public sector procurement.
  • Leads tendering and contract negotiations to ensure the effective supervision and monitoring of 3rd party suppliers.
  • Ensure a robust finance business partnering model is delivered which meets the needs of the organisation.
  • Prepare the rolling cash flow including actuals and projections and organise the necessary investments to ensure effective treasury management.
  • Ensure that the company strives to maintain high levels of staff efficiency and achieves good value for money.
  • Ensure the security of the company’s assets and maintenance of an accurate Assets Register and inventory control.
  • Ensure that VAT is correctly accounted for in transactions.
  • Work in partnership with the leadership team to deliver the vision, mission and strategic aims of the company
  • Contributes to the culture and strategic objectives and works collaboratively with colleagues in other Departments
  • Participates in relevant and appropriate training and development as required.
  • Implements remedial interventions when departmental performance is not on track.
  • Produce up to date financial and procurement regulations in line with governmental changes
  • Oversee the provision of an accurate and efficient payroll service

Management Responsibilities

    • Lead and manage all designated areas of responsibility.
    • Role model outstanding financial service practices.
    • Implement communication strategies which ensure that key financial information is raised with SLT and shared with all relevant staff throughout the company
    • Embed a positive staff workforce that is committed to the company’s vision and values, whose culture is one of striving for excellence within their areas and responsibilities.
    • Set clear expectations by embedding robust performance management processes, in line with company policies and processes throughout all staff employment.
    • In conjunction with the management team, identify and take appropriate action in relation to poor performance quickly and efficiently in line with company policies and procedures.
    • Responsible for ensuring staff have 1-2-1 meetings, performance & development reviews and/or probation reviews regularly and in a timely manner.
    • Lead and manage professional development for staff ensuring they maintain up to date knowledge on all relevant legislation, regulations, awarding body criteria etc.
    • Identify areas / activities which present a risk to the health and safety of students and staff and take appropriate action to rectify.
    • Work proactively with the Executive Director of Organisational & People Development and implement and complete relevant compulsory professional training and CPD as appropriate.

Budget Responsibilities

    • Work with the SLT, and relevant staff to effectively establish and agree company budgets.
    • Ensure full compliance with company Financial Policies and processes.
    • Responsible for compliance with procurement of goods and services ensuring value for money and effective utilisation of items procured.
    • Effective budget management.

General Responsibilities

    • Create a safe working culture that enables staff to speak up, think innovatively, develop, and share and try out new ideas and processes, and work collaboratively to contribute to improvements.
    • Maintain, the health, safety and welfare of staff and students through compliance with company policies, including effective risk management procedures.
    • Embed equality, diversity, and inclusion throughout all aspect of your role, promote key information and challenge unacceptable behaviours and conduct in a timely manner.
    • In line with GDPR legislation and regulations, take responsibility for the data that you manage and process.
    • Implement with policies and procedures, ensuring you communicate these with all relevant staff and monitor and track compliance.
    • Work collaboratively with all academic and support services to support the needs of staff and our students.
    • Actively chair and engage in a range of cross meetings, as required. 
    • To carry out any other duties as may be required by the Senior Leadership Team, Executive Board or as may be required or as directed.

The successful applicant will hold a relevant professional qualification in accountancy (eg CIMA, CIPFA, ACCA, ICA) We are seeking an experienced Senior financial professional with proven management of a varied corporate service function.

The successful candidate will possess:

  • Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a similar role is essential (FE experience not essential)
  • Experience of production and review of financial reporting I.e. Monthly Management Accounts & Statutory financial statements
  • Experience of providing financial returns in an regulated sector.
  • Experience of delivering financial information to non-finance audience.
  • Experience of writing board papers
  • Experience of multi-year Cash flow management
  • Experience of developing appropriate financial systems
  • Experience of budget setting and 3-year financial planning at organization and departmental level
  • Up to date knowledge of Procurement & Payroll guidelines
  • Up to date understanding of Finance and Funding (Income) regulations for FE & HE

The Package

  • Salary £60,000 - £75,000 depending on level of experience
  • 30 days leave
  • Pension scheme
  • Free Eye test and contribution towards glasses
  • Enhanced sick pay and family (subject to policy terms)
  • Free breakfast
  • Free On-site parking
  • Wellbeing and health support
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Flu Jabs

 


Our office opening hours are Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5pm.

Give us a call
01702 46 44 44