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