LEEDS CITY COLLEGE GROUP DIRECTOR OF FINANCE CANDIDATE PACK

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1 LEEDS CITY COLLEGE GROUP DIRECTOR OF FINANCE CANDIDATE PACK

2 DEAR CANDIDATE Thank you for your interest in the role of Group Director of Finance at Leeds City College. This is an opportunity to join the Senior Leadership Team and be part of one of the largest further education institutions in the country. Situated in the fastest growing city in the UK with a thriving economy to match, you will be part of an inspiring institution that is paving the way to develop the workforce of the future. As Group Director of Finance, you will play a pivotal role in working in partnership with our senior leaders across the College and Group. You will be supported by an enthusiastic and committed Financial Services team who will welcome your visionary leadership. The college is part of the Leeds City College Group, which also consists of Keighley College, Leeds College of Music and the White Rose Academies Trust. Last awarded with an Ofsted grade of good with outstanding features, you will be working at one of the fastest improving and innovative colleges in the country. We aspire to grow further and be the region s leader in vocational and academic education. This is reflected in our recently completed 40m Printworks Campus development and our exciting 60m campus at Quarry Hill, creating learning environments where every student can achieve their full potential. We work closely with the Leeds Enterprise Partnership and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to provide learners with courses and apprenticeships to bridge the skills gap and meet regional market demand. As we continue to grow, so does our need to recruit exceptional innovators and leaders in their chosen fields. We are seeking talented trailblazers with pioneering ideas to revolutionise our systems and procedures. Someone who will effect change and is not afraid to challenge the norm. You will collaborate in an environment where vigour and inspiration radiates from everyone. A college where senior leaders and managers commend the high performance of staff, a place where we celebrate each individual and encourage them to be the best. If that s motivated you to read on, then let me say a little about the Senior Leadership Team you could be joining. The senior team are independently motivated, corporate minded and share a vision of creating a remarkable place to learn and work. GROUP DIRECTOR OF FINANCE 2

3 DEAR CANDIDATE CONTINUED The senior team are unique as they work hard at understanding each other, communicate honestly and openly, take a mature view of conflict to resolve and generate new ideas and understanding together and have a sense of pride and ownership of being part of this team. There is trust, respect, encouragement and support for each other and ultimately, they are driven to succeed. If you can see yourself being part of that kind of team, and you have the skills and experiences that can make the difference, then I very much look forward to finding out more about you. If you would like an informal discussion about this new opportunity then contact: Natalie Ward, PA on Lydia Devenny Deputy Chief Executive - Services GROUP DIRECTOR OF FINANCE 3

4 THE LEEDS CITY COLLEGE BRAND VALUES Our values shape and reflect the beliefs and behaviours of all our staff and students. + Aspirational WITH heart + Down to earth WITH huge ambition + High performing WITH soul + Everyone together WHILST championing the individual GROUP DIRECTOR OF FINANCE 4

5 RECRUITMENT & SELECTION PROGRAMME The following is an indicative programme and process for the recruitment and selection to this position for candidate s information. Recruitment & selection programme Advert Wed 26 September 2018 Closing Date 12 noon Wed 10 October 2018 Short Listing By Mon 15 October 2018 Selection Process Thurs 25 October 2018 Selection process will include: d PANEL DISCUSSIONS with internal stakeholders d PRESENTATION d ONE TO ONE with the Deputy Chief Executive - Services d WRITTEN EXERCISE d PSYCHOMETRIC ASSESSMENT (on-line) d PANEL INTERVIEW Applications Applications are welcomed by submitting a CV along with a cover letter that details your suitability for this position, your interest and motivation for working with Leeds City College and the Group along with an indication of your current (or most recent) level of remuneration. Your CV and cover letter should be submitted to natalie.ward@leedscitycollege.ac.uk no later than 12 noon on Wednesday 10 October GROUP DIRECTOR OF FINANCE 5

6 JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title: Department: Location: Salary: Group Director of Finance Financial Resources Park Lane Campus (subject to change) Fixed point between 60,000-70,000 per annum Purpose of the role To ensure the successful delivery of the group s strategic aims through the effective leadership and management of the Financial Resources functions of the Leeds City College Group. To ensure the financial stability of the group, ensuring sufficient funds are available to invest in the student experience and deliver value for money. Reports to: d Deputy Chief Executive - Services Staff responsibilities for: d Financial Resources Team The Group Director of Finance will provide professional leadership and management of the Finance Directorate to ensure a strategic, consistent and coherent finance service that demonstrates high standards of performance and customer service. GROUP DIRECTOR OF FINANCE 6

7 JOB DESCRIPTION CONTINUED Main duties & responsibilities d PROVIDE leadership and management of the Financial Resources function and ensure the group is able to deliver on its strategic plan through excellent stakeholder relationships. d PROVIDE meaningful, relevant and timely performance information to stakeholders regarding the group s financial performance to enable effective decision making. d MAINTAIN up to date knowledge and understanding of all relevant legislation and best practice to ensure financial and legal compliance and be the finance specialist on the Senior Leadership Team. d ENSURE that financial processes are tailored to support the efficient and effective use of resources. d DEVELOP positive and collaborative relationships with other members of the college s senior leadership team, and wider group stakeholders.. d DEPUTISE for the Deputy Chief Executive - Services at internal and external meetings, as required. Financial & budget management d LEAD on the preparation of the group s revenue and capital budgets for approval by the Governing Body, and to ensure that appropriate financial information across the group is accurate, accessible and effectively communicated to all relevant parties. d CONTINUE to develop the system of forecasting, budget management and reporting which enables the group and its managers to run the business effectively. d CONTRIBUTE to the development of the business planning and performance review process, resulting in robust business plans and an effective performance management framework. d IMPLEMENT effective systems of budgetary control, including overall responsibility for the preparation of monthly management accounts for submission to the relevant boards, committees and to budget holders. d DEVELOP the culture of autonomy and accountability with budget holders. d MANAGE specific budgets associated with the role of Director of Financial Resources. GROUP DIRECTOR OF FINANCE 7

8 JOB DESCRIPTION CONTINUED Audit d ENSURE that the financial system and practices meet all audit requirements, achieve clean audits and that the financial operation of the group satisfies all necessary and relevant accounting conventions and standards. d ENSURE the timely production of year-end accounts in co-operation with the groups external auditors. Procurement d OVERSEE the arrangements for preparing tender documents such that it complies with procurement regulations and best practice. d ENSURE the effective operation of the procurement function and that it is managed to achieve outstanding value for money. Internal control d ENSURE that the group s financial regulations are up to date to meet all regulatory requirements and to ensure that all relevant staff receive adequate training to understand and comply with the regulations. d MAINTAIN the financial policies and procedures which to balance the need for compliance with regulations and efficient processes and safeguard the group. d ENSURE the group s accounting systems are effective, accurate, up-to-date and properly administered to provide an effective system of financial control. Financial accounting & treasury management d ENSURE that income due is collected without undue delay d INSURE that income and expenditure is recorded accurately d CLOSE monitoring of the compliance with banking covenants d EFFECTIVELY manage the cash position, ensure that the treasuring management policy is maintained, up-to date, and adhered to. d ENSURE that the group responds in a timely and accurate manner to all requests for financial returns including those from funding bodies, HMRC and pensions agencies. GROUP DIRECTOR OF FINANCE 8

9 JOB DESCRIPTION CONTINUED General d CO-OPERATE in any staff development activities required to effectively carry out the duties of the post and to participate in College staff review and development schemes. d COMPLIANCE with all College policies and procedures. d COMPLY with all legislative and regulatory requirements. d PROMOTE a positive image of the College. d PERFORM any other duties commensurate with the level of the post, which may be required from time to time. Corporate responsibilities d CONTRIBUTE to the strategic leadership of the College and Group and shaping the vision; d As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, to take COLLECTIVE responsibility with colleagues for delivering strategic objectives; d ENSURE the responsibilities of the post are carried out in a way that reflects the standards, vision and values of the college; d SET, monitor and deliver on key performance indicators across the College, aiming to deliver continuous improvement; d INSPIRE and motivate staff, developing and managing team members (direct and indirect) effectively and enabling them to give of their best; d DELIVER value for money and manage resources effectively and efficiently, ensuring that targets (financial and non-financial) are met; d PROMOTE the College and Group to employers, sector bodies, schools and the local community, developing effective partnerships with employers, the funding agencies and other representative bodies; d PROACTIVELY promote Safeguarding practice and Equality, Diversity and Inclusiveness. GROUP DIRECTOR OF FINANCE 9

10 PERSON SPECIFICATION The specific qualifications, experience, skills and values that are required for the role are outlined below. Qualifications d Professional, academic or technical qualifications at degree level or above. d Professionally qualified accountant (ACA/ACMA/ACCA/CIPFA). d Up to date record of continuous professional development. Experience & skills d ABILITY to provide high-level strategic advice and guidance to the Chief Executive and Deputy Chief Executives, Senior Leadership Team and the colleges as a whole on a wide range of finance and procurement issues. d EXPERIENCE of financial planning for a complex organisation, including management of financial and accounting services. d ABILITY to negotiate and influence effectively across a wide spectrum of political, social and business areas. d EXPERIENCE of successfully managing a large budget with complex income and expenditure streams, delivering to financial targets and making best use of limited resources. d ABILITY to identify the strategic agenda for service delivery and to identify and implement business processes and systems to effect improvements in service. d COMMAND and use of relevant professional /technical knowledge and job-related knowledge and skills. d Significant and sustained EXPERIENCE as a finance professional at a requisite level of seniority (Director or Deputy Director). d MANAGEMENT and leadership skills at a senior level - both strategic and operational. d ABILITY to motivate, inspire and influence a large and diverse workforce by example and persuasion. d ABILITY to develop and project a positive image of the College through personal, written and oral skills. d ABILITY to recognise, develop and effectively promote new opportunities for the College. d STRONG, evidenced project management experience. d TRACK RECORD of advancing equality, diversity and inclusion. d ABILITY to analyse data and use management information systems. GROUP DIRECTOR OF FINANCE 10

11 PERSON SPECIFICATION CONTINUED Personal attributes d STRATEGIC thinker. d PERCEPTIVE with excellent judgement. d OUTSTANDING commercial awareness and insight. d ABILITY to work in uncertainty. d SELF-RELIANT and resilient. d PROFESSIONAL and value led with integrity, inclusivity and respect for diversity. d MOTIVATION to work in an educational environment and an ability to form personal boundaries with young people and vulnerable adults. d WILLINGNESS to use authority and maintain student discipline in an educational environment. d COMMITMENT to work in partnership with others for the benefit of students. d SOCIAL CONFIDENCE and the ability to represent the College effectively with outside agencies, employers and other bodies. d Strategic VISION as well as an eye for detail. d The qualities of an INNOVATOR. d Ability to TRAVEL between sites and to meet external commitments. d Ability to work FLEXIBLY and when needed outside normal College working hours. d WILLINGNESS to travel nationally and internationally on College business. d CLEAR DRIVE and ambition to ensure that the College becomes an outstanding provider of education and skills. GROUP DIRECTOR OF FINANCE 11

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13 Printworks Campus Hunslet Road Leeds LS10 1JY Park Lane Campus Park Lane Leeds LS3 1AA Technology Campus Cookridge Street Leeds LS2 8BL University Centre Park Lane Leeds LS3 1AA Joseph Priestley Centre, Beeston Burton Avenue Leeds LS11 5ER Deacon House Centre Seacroft Avenue Leeds LS14 6JD Enfield Centre Enfield Terrace Leeds LS7 1RG Keighley College Bradford Road Keighley BD21 4HQ For more contact details, including maps, directions, travel information and contacts for all of our community centres, please go online at: leedscitycollege.ac.uk/contact