Elstree School. Woolhampton, Reading, Berkshire. RG7 5TD

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1 Woolhampton, Reading, Berkshire. RG7 5TD Candidate brief for the position of Bursar To Commence April 2016

2 Contents The The Role Responsibilities The Person Remuneration Candidate brief - Bursar to commence April 2016

3 The Set in 150 acres of stunning parkland in rural West Berkshire, welcomes boys aged 3-13 years and girls aged 3-8 years. From Year 4 onwards, boys can choose to board in this happy, secure and purposeful environment. It is an idyllic place for children to be nurtured and inspired. Within this setting, the school offers spacious play areas, two new state-of-the-art Science laboratories, well-equipped Music, Art, DT, and IT facilities as well as a Sports Hall and recently opened full size All Weather Pitch. has recently been awarded Tatler Prep of the Year, in recognition of the outstanding all-round education provided. From Year 4, caters for boys only as boarders, flexi boarders and day boys. This is in the belief that from that age, boys who are taught on their own have a better focus, are more creative and benefit hugely from sport every afternoon. At we are academically ambitious and provide a first class all-round education. Our boys are taught in small classes (average is 13) and go on to the top public schools; we are immensely proud of the strong Common Entrance and Scholarship record. The emphasis is on building confidence, developing talent and maximising potential. Our recent ISI Inspection Report (March 2015) stated is highly successful in meeting its aim of providing a first class all-round education, while embedding the values of hard work, kindness to others and making the most of opportunities. This is thanks to an excellent curriculum and extra-curricular opportunities and to excellent teaching, which inspires and motivates pupils to want to learn. 3 Candidate brief - Bursar to commence April 2016

4 As part of this all-round education, most boys learn a musical instrument and 90% of children participate in an orchestra, band or choir. All take part in at least one school play each year, either on stage or behind the scenes, and every boy gets the opportunity to represent his school in sports fixtures. Day and residential trips are organised for every year group, including trips to Normandy and Paris for Years 5 and 7, and a Year 8 Geography field trip to Dorset. It is so easy to complicate education. Whilst it is vital to embrace the challenges of the 21st Century, we must never lose sight of the importance of giving children a proper childhood. Creativity, teamwork and tolerance go hand in hand with a hunger and curiosity to learn and a strong will to succeed. Whilst s facilities and approach have modernised hugely in recent years, the aim is still to embed the important values of hard work, kindness to others and making the most of opportunities. Academic achievement coupled with the chance to be involved in sport, music, art and drama, ensure that remains a preparatory school in the broadest sense of the word. At, our aim is two-fold. Firstly we wish to find out how a child is intelligent rather than how intelligent a child is. This broad and holistic approach fits into our ethos that we wish to find, nurture and develop talent and prepare children for senior school education and life beyond. The second key element is that effort is king. Every child is encouraged to have a go at a very broad range of activities and all of their achievements are celebrated, whatever the field. Thus they grow up within a happy and productive environment where their teachers aim to ensure that each pupil is given the opportunity to shine in an area of school life which builds confidence and high self-esteem. 4 Candidate brief - Bursar to commence April 2016

5 The Role This is an exciting opportunity for a well-qualified individual to join the school as Bursar. The role of the Bursar is pivotal to the success of the school being responsible to both the Head and Governing Body. In effect the Bursar is running the school as a business and is accountable for that. Responsibilities are wide ranging, and include finance, estate and facilities management, HR, Health & Safety, catering, legal and governance. The Bursar is supported by a small team to manage all these functions. However, the fundamental requirement is to have a sound grounding within finance. For a Bursar, no one day is ever the same and there is a need to be able to multitask, and engage in the operations of a prestigious prep school. It is hoped that applicants will immerse themselves with school life, and be supportive of the ethos of the school. The Bursar will work closely with the Head and Governors in the effective provision of support services to a successful day and boarding school of 260 pupils. 5 Candidate brief - Bursar to commence April 2016

6 Responsibilities Finance and Accountancy Advising on general financial policy within the school. Preparing annual estimates of income and expenditure to include the preparation of departmental budgets within the school, the latter in consultation with the Head and Heads of Departments. Monitoring income and expenditure in relation to budget and presenting regular management reports to the Governing Body. Keeping the accounts of the school and preparing Statements of Financial Activity (SOFA) and balance sheets in accordance with the charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) in conjunction with Haysmacintyre, the school s accountants. Maintaining cash flow projections for the current and future years. Preparing pupils' bills and collecting all fees and extras, monitoring debtors list. Payment of all salaries and wages, including PAYE, Pension and National Insurance Contributions. Compliance with regulations for benefits in kind. Administering pension schemes for teaching and non-teaching staff. Involved in special appeals for capital projects or endowment funds. Preparing 5 year forecasts for the future financial performance of the school. Preparing financial appraisals of particular projects. Advising on taxation matters generally, including VAT and Gift Aid. Advising on the legal and financial implications of the charitable status of the school. Operation of an Advanced (Composition) Fees Scheme. Advising on scholarship and bursary funds. Arranging independent assessments of parents' income and assets prior to presenting applications to the Governing Body. General Management and Administration Acting as Clerk to the Governing Body. Ensuring compliance with all relevant aspects of employment law including employment protection, equal pay, minimum wage, Working Time Directive and discrimination on the grounds of sex, race or disability. To act as the Head's adviser on employment matters including disciplinary procedures. Ensure that the school has appropriate disciplinary and grievance procedures. Ensuring that all staff have contracts of employment and keeping the school's standard contracts up to date as new legislation takes effect. 6 Candidate brief - Bursar to commence April 2016

7 Formulating, monitoring and implementing the school's policy to comply with the requirements of Health and Safety legislation. This includes acting as the Chair of the Health and Safety Committee. Ensure risk assessments are in place where appropriate and monitor all departments to ensure that they are carrying out risk assessments. Ensuring that the school has adequate insurance cover at all times. Overseeing the purchasing of all goods and services for the school. Arranging for staff accommodation and dealing with the letting of property to school employees and third parties; ensuring that the appropriate leases and licences to occupy are signed by the tenants. Letting of school premises to outside organisations. Advising on and taking the appropriate security measures within the school. Ensuring the contracted out Catering Service meets school requirements; liaising with school caterers for the organisation of catering at special school functions. Ensuring the Housekeeping department keeps the school premises clean and tidy. Ensuring the school laundry provides the school with a satisfactory service. Management of the minibus fleet. Responsible for managing contracts for IT and office equipment. Involvement in the school s marketing and development. Buildings Maintenance of school buildings ensuring all Health and Safety and Fire regulations are met; Preparation of maintenance schedules and keeping of records. Drawing up outline specifications for new buildings, obtaining tenders, planning permission, liaison with school architects and builders Manage any new build contracts Grounds Upkeep of playing fields, gardens, all weather surfaces. Management of agricultural tenancy General Acting as a key member of the s Senior Management Team Advising the Head and Governing Body on all business matters relating to the school. 7 Candidate brief - Bursar to commence April 2016

8 The Person The Governors and Head are seeking to appoint a high calibre Bursar who has both excellent finance and general management skills. Linked to this the candidate will have vision, empathy and a high level of personal integrity and ethics. The successful candidate will be working with all areas of the community including teachers, support staff, the local community and of course parents. There is a need for an open management style combined with good judgement and excellent communication skills. Candidates could come with a wide ranging background including business, finance, other schools or charities, industry or areas where experience gained can be transferred into a collegiate, collaborative yet academic community. 8 Candidate brief - Bursar to commence April 2016

9 Experience A proven track record of leadership and financial management in a complex organisation. Strong business acumen within a commercial operation A proven ability to explain financial realities in a clear manner to be able to assist the Head and the Governing Body. Staff and performance management. Working in a role with continual change and with an ability of being able to multitask. Experience of financial planning combined with an ability to think strategically. An awareness and ability to understand the management of the estate and building projects. A sound understanding of administration and a track record of making efficiencies. A recognition of the importance of working with a regulatory frame work. Experience with a detailed orientated environment while at the same time being able to see the big picture. A track record of working with diverse stakeholders. Qualifications While a professional financial qualification (ACA/ACMA/ACCA) is desired, other qualifications, or qualifications by experience are welcome so long as there is a good knowledge of finance Personal Self-motivated Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing. An ability to write reports for the Governing Body. Happy to work within a collegiate environment. A committed team player. A strong sense of personal accountability with high standards in all work related matters. An ability to explain financial and commercial issues to non-financial people. A flexible approach to changing situations, and an ability to deal with that change in a friendly caring manner. A recognition and respect for the academic fraternity. An ability to remain calm and prioritise important tasks. A good attention to detail. Computer literate and confident user of IT solutions 9 Candidate brief - Bursar to commence April 2016

10 An excellent listener with the ability to take clear decisions based on the information received. A general quality of fairness, quality and integrity within all areas of work related issues. An ability to buy into the school s ethos and be able to promote that. A commitment to the importance of safeguarding for children. A good sense of humour. Remuneration The successful candidate will receive an attractive salary and benefits package according to experience and expertise. How to Apply If you are interested in applying for this post, please complete the application form in full and return to the by Friday 23 rd October Please also include a covering letter detailing why you feel you are suitable for this role and a curriculum vitae but this will not be accepted in place of the application form. First interviews will be held on 5/6 November and final interviews on the 13 November. Your application may be submitted by to recruitment@elstreeschool.org.uk or by post to the following address:- Recruitment, Woolhampton, Reading, RG7 5TD 10 Candidate brief - Bursar to commence April 2016