Head of Financial Accounting at Michael Page

Excellent establishment with superb reputation

Lovely environment with first class facilities.

About Our Client

My partner client is a fantastic institution, and one of the leading schools of its type in Britain.

In a fantastic location the offer superb facilities for their day and boarding students, a wonderful environment, and a dedicated team of colleagues.

Job Description

As Head of Financial Accounting, you will report to the Director of Finance & Operations, and will partner closely with Senior Management and Department Heads,

The successful candidate will oversee the day to-day financial management and control of the School, it’s trading companies, and other subsidiaries and will work closely with the Head of Financial Planning and Projects in the preparation of the Statutory Report and Accounts

Your team will include a Finance Manager; Payroll Manager; Fees Administrator; Assistant Accountant; and Purchase Ledger Assistants.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Ensure that the Senior leadership team and Governing Council are provided with accurate and timely financial management information as necessary to provide for the efficient and effective financial management of the School.

Ensure that all statutory accounts, other statutory and charity returns, and monthly and termly management accounts are prepared in accordance with the timetables agreed

Prepare papers for and attendance at Finance Committee, Governing Council, Bursary and Partnerships Committee and any other meetings as required

Together with the Fees Administrator ensure that all income due to the School is collected, taking appropriate action with outstanding debts as necessary in accordance with the Debtors Policy.

Prepare and present a fortnightly debtors report

Ensure that the School is prepared for and operates within any applicable legislation including Companies Act, Charity Commission regulations and GAAP / FRS’s and to advise of any significant developments in financial or charitable regulations affecting the School.

Ensure that the School’s accounting records, bank reconciliations, fees, purchase and nominal ledgers, and fixed asset register are up to date and accurate.

Monitor the financial performance of the School, through establishing robust KPIs and managing and advising on financial performance through these KPIs.

Responsibility for the Fees in Advance Scheme and the preparation and discussion of forecasts with fee payers.

Assist in the development of annual budgets for the School in consultation with all budget holders and ensure that those budgets are effectively monitored and managed throughout the financial year.

Ensure that the School obtains value for money on its expenditure and that all trading functions are financially efficient

Development, implementation and documentation of a robust framework of financial policies, controls and procedures.

Responsibility for the annual audit

Ensure that the Finance Department offers a high quality and accessible service to both internal and external customers.

The Successful Applicant

The ideal candidate for this Head of Financial Accounting role will

Be formally Qualified – ACA, ACCA, CIMA

Have strong technical and commercial knowledge gained within a similar organisaion

Have advanced Excel skills and be able to use and develop accountancy software packages

Have working knowledge of forecasting models

Experience in the education sector would be advantageous but is not essential

What’s on Offer

Attractive base salary of up to £85,000

The school are open to candidates who are interested in a 4 dpw arrangement for a pro-rata salary

There is also a range of additional benefits including:
Pension

Free membership to sports facilities

Free meals