THE CASTLE PARTNERSHIP TRUST Executive Headteacher: Sarah Watson

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1 THE CASTLE PARTNERSHIP TRUST Executive Headteacher: Sarah Watson THE CASTLE SCHOOL Wellington Road, Taunton, Somerset TA1 5AU Tel: COURT FIELDS SCHOOL Mantle Street, Wellington, Somerset TA21 8SW Tel: WELLESLEY PARK PRIMARY SCHOOL Homefield, Wellington, Somerset, TA21 9AJ Tel:

2 Job Description Job Title: Reports to: Trust Finance Manager and Operations Manager for Court Fields School Trust Business Manager Grade: Support Staff Grade 8 (points 41 45) Working time: Disclosure Level: 37 hours per week. Working all year round (holidays expected to be taken during school holidays). Enhanced Main Purpose of Job To support the high standards of teaching, learning and achievement for all students in the Trust by providing effective leadership in the area of financial management. To provide Court Fields School with day to day operational and business management support, being the lead professional for support staff in the school. Main responsibilities Finance for the Trust: Provide high quality strategic financial planning information to ensure that The Castle Partnership Trust (TCPT) makes best possible use of its resources and is able to provide the best outcomes for its children. Manage all matters relating to Finance, across all schools and nurseries in the Trust. Responsible for the development and implementation of the Trust s Finance Policy and procedures ensuring that they comply with Standing Orders and Financial Regulations including the Academies Financial Handbook and the Charities Commission s Statement of Recommended Practices (SORP) and Internal Financial Controls for Charities. Ensure best value by overseeing, developing and monitoring comprehensive systems for budgeting and financial planning and control, including financial monitoring, cash management and credit control within limits agreed in the Scheme of Delegation and Finance Policy. Working with the Trust Business Manager and the Heads of each school, prepare draft school budgets, for a three-year period, in line with the School Development Plans.

3 Ensure procurement rules are followed in respect of all orders and contracts ensuring best value at all times in line with the Finance Policy. Lead and support finance staff in each school to ensure complete, accurate and timely financial recording and reporting. Preparation, completion and publication of statutory returns to ensure compliance with financial and regularity obligations. Monitor expenditure in each school and across the Trust to ensure robust budgetary control, highlighting any variances to the Trust Business Manager as appropriate. Complete Month End procedures and produce timely Financial Reports for Directors, Heads and Budget Holders in line with the Trust s Finance Policy and the Academies Financial Handbook. Attendance at Board or Committee meetings as appropriate. Oversee the Fixed Asset Register and Equipment Register in line with the schools Finance and Accounting Policies. Ensure the accurate maintenance of all accounts including petty cash, investment and current bank accounts. Ensure appropriate audits and responsible officer reviews are carried out for the Trust and that any recommendations are followed up promptly. Ensure tax obligations are discharged correctly and effectively. Lead on financial year end procedures across the Trust, including preparation of the annual accounts, co-ordinating audit arrangements and liaising with the accountants to ensure timely and accurate accounts. Ensure the effective management of the Trust s budget including undertaking benchmarking activities and expenditure/income reviews. Manage the Trust s cashflow and ensure that investment opportunities are maximised in accordance with the school s investment policy. Identify and support projects to increase the resources available to the Trust, including assisting with submission of bids to potential funding/resource providers. Lead on procurement projects eg for significant equipment, leases, energy, communications etc to ensure best value.

4 Operational/Business Management for Court Fields: Through the provision of effective business management support, the postholder will underpin the high standards of teaching, learning and achievement for all students within the aims of the school. As part of the Senior Leadership Team, manage and direct the following day to day functions to ensure the smooth running of Court Fields School: School administration Procurement and contract management Information management and IT Human resource management Health and safety Premises Catering Finance (covered within Trust role above with more detailed involvement at Court Fields) Oversight and co-ordination of these functions across the school to ensure they are efficient and effective. Provide information and guidance to the Head and Governors to support their decision making. Routine monitoring and review to continually seek to improve and develop. Line manage and provide leadership for support staff working in the school on the functions for which you are responsible. Oversee the management and delivery of building projects on the school site, ensuring minimal impact on staff and students. Make arrangements to ensure that insurance cover is in place and covers risks adequately. Make claims against insurance policies where needed and provide relevant information to defend any claims made against the school. Accept delegated responsibility for health and safety management in the school, carrying out risk assessments with other staff and leading site security and health and safety across the site. Ensure proper maintenance, servicing, inspection and repair of school buildings and facilities. Ensure up to date, comprehensive staffing records are maintained and that staff payments and deductions are made accurately and promptly via payroll. Ensure that HR, finance, IT, premises and catering policies and procedures are followed consistently. As part of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), prioritise child safeguarding above all else and ensure robust safeguarding and child protection procedures are in place and followed at all times. Undertake student supervision at lunchtimes as part of the SLT duty team.

5 Qualifications, training and experience Essential Desirable Assessed by Certificate or Diploma in School Business Management or equivalent professional qualifications Significant experience in a relevant finance role Application Business Management experience in a school or similar environment Experience of financial management and SIMs finance Experience of strategic planning Application and Ability to negotiate, manage and monitor contracts, tenders and agreements and ensure best value in purchases. and Ability to secure bid based competitive funds by the use of bidding systems and contacts. Knowledge Skills and Understanding Clear understanding of a school s management and operational structures and lines of communication, its policies and codes of practice. Awareness of current trends and developments in education policy, nationally and locally Knowledge of project management & income generation Knowledge of school finance practice and procedures High level ICT skills including a good working knowledge of all MS Office programmes Some knowledge of aspects of premises management Application and, and, and Application, Ability to analyse and draw conclusions. Ability to prioritise workload Good communication, negotiation and persuasion skills. Excellent organisational skills Excellent communication skills with a range of audiences, including colleagues, team and parents. Leadership skills to ensure motivation of the team, good financial infrastructure and business development management., and

6 Attitudes and personal Qualities Strategic thinker Be innovative in all aspects of the role, to find more efficient/effective ways of doing things. Proactive in driving own professional development in keeping abreast of developments in all aspects of education business management Commitment to supporting the ethos of the school and to whole school improvement and Good interpersonal skills Ability to gain and build on the respect and trust of established team Well organised, methodical and calm under pressure Integrity, loyalty, reliability and high standard of professionalism A positive and enthusiastic outlook Resilience. Stamina and appetite for hard work Self awareness, and a good sense of proportion and sense of humour A general affiliation with public service and the desire to do well for the young people in our care. Absolute integrity and an intense understanding of the importance of safeguarding., references and letter and interview