Department: Resources

Job Title: Finance Manager

Responsible to: Vice Principal, Finance & Resources

Date: May 2017

Responsible for: Finance team

Purpose of job:

• To effectively and efficiently manage the College’s finance and accounting functions ensuring full compliance with all financial regulations and policies

Responsibilities

A Reporting

• Preparation and presentation of annual Financial Statements and the subsequent Finance Record for the regulatory body (ESFA).

• Prepare and present the Financial Statements for the College’s subsidiary companies (currently only one)

• Preparation and presentation of monthly Management Accounts and forecasts (including Income & Expenditure, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow statements)

• Preparation and presentation of the College’s annual budget and the financial plans and forecasts required by funding bodies.

B Compliance

• Ensure compliance with the Colleges Financial Regulations and Policies and Procedures

• Ensure compliance with all statutory financial reporting requirements including HMRC, as well as those of the financial regulatory body.

• Ensure that the College complies with all funding body financial and audit requirements

C Controls & Value for Money

• Ensure that robust budgets are established which are relevant to the prevailing organisational structure and responsibilities in the College; that effective budgetary controls are in place and that budget holders and management receive regular and timely reports on performance against budgets and prior periods

• Ensure the College has effective controls over its assets including capital acquisitions, disposals, asset registers and insurance.

• Manage the cash resources of the College, providing reliable cash flow forecasts and ensuring effective management of treasury operations.

• Ensure the collection of all debts in a timely manner and ensure payment of suppliers within the agreed terms.

• Ensure there are effective procurement procedures in place which provide value for money. To agree appropriate payment terms with suppliers.

• Agree with the Vice Principal, Finance & Resources service level standards for the activities of the finance department and regularly monitor progress against these.

D Specific Responsibilities

• Ensure that the College’s pension arrangements are properly administered, completing returns and paying over deductions in line with the requirements of the managing schemes.

• Oversee the College's insurance arrangements, liaising with external advisors/brokers and ensuring that claims are processed promptly and providing advice on cover.

E Risk Management

• Assist the Vice Principal, Finance & Resources in compiling and keeping up-to-date the College’s strategic risk register.

• Prepare the College’s Audit Action Plan and monitor and report on the required actions.

• Monitor and report against all outstanding management actions arising from audit reports.

• Undertake sensitivity and risk analysis of the College’s financial plans and forecasts.

F Relationships and Management

• Regularly review and update the Financial Regulations and all Policies and Procedures relevant to the Finance function.

• Work closely with the Director of Learner Services, Planning & Diversity and all other relevant staff to ensure that all funding streams are properly accounted for and considered in reports, plans and forecasts.

• Work effectively with Heads of Curriculum Areas and other service area heads and budget holders to ensure that challenging yet realistic budgets are set and actively monitored throughout the year.

• Manage the process of scheduling internal audits and receiving and presenting the internal audit reports.

• Work effectively with all auditors and ensure that actions arising from audits are monitored.

• Work effectively with other College advisors (brokers, actuaries, payroll, valuers etc.) as required.

• Attend meetings and prepare and present reports for the College’s Audit and Finance/RF&HR (Remuneration Finance & HR) committees.

• Attend and participate in the College’s regular management meetings (PPM)

• Advise and assist the Vice Principal, Finance & Resources and other College managers on financial and accounting matters.

• Organise, manage, motivate and lead other College Finance staff ensuring that they receive suitable staff development to meet the skill needs of their roles.

G General

• To safeguard children and vulnerable adults from harm and to report concerns in accordance with the College’s internal referral arrangements.

• To deal professionally with colleagues and external partners as required.

• To ensure the confidentiality and security of all the College’s documentation and information.

• To attend training/refresher courses and meetings as required by the Line Manager

• To co-operate and take part in the College’s appraisal scheme.

• To carry out other such appropriate duties that maybe reasonably required to successfully carry out the role.

Requirement

Essential

Desirable

Proposed

Selection

Method*

Experience

• Working in the FE sector/an FE college

• Production of Financial Statements and Management Accounts

• Working with auditors and other professional advisors

• Cash flow reporting and management

Y

Y

Y

Y

A

A/I

A/I

A/I/T

Education/Training/Qualifications

• Qualified (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA) or equivalent

• Post qualification experience

• Evidence of continuing professional development

Y

Y

Y

A/I

A/I

A/I

Specialist Knowledge

• Accounting standards (SSAP, FRS, SORP)

• ESFA planning and reporting requirements

• Computerised accounting systems

• Insurance arrangements

• Pensions (LGPS/TPS)

• Treasury management, bank loans and cash management

• Procurement

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

A/I

A/I

A/I

A/I

A/I

A/I

A/I

Skills

• Able to lead and motivate staff

• Provide timely and accurate accounting information

• High level of analytical skills

• High level of computer literacy

• Ability to identify opportunities for improving efficiencies and enhancing value for money

• Well-developed interpersonal skills

• Presentation skills written and oral

• Able to draft policies and procedures

• Suitable to work in an environment where children, young people & vulnerable adults are present

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

A/I

A/I

A/T

A/I

A/I

A/T

A/T

A/I

A/I

Qualities

• Able to establish and maintain good working relationships with work colleagues and learners

• Ability to effectively manage relationships with external professionals

• Willing and able to meet tight deadlines

• Honesty and integrity

Y

Y

Y

Y

A/I

A/I

A/I/T

A

Working arrangements and availability

• Willing to work outside of standard hours when the work requires

• Willing to travel between sites and attend conference and meetings on day visits

• A current driving licence

Y

Y

Y

A/I

A/I

A