VACANCY INFORMATION PACK FINANCE MANAGER

Transcription

1 VACANCY INFORMATION PACK FINANCE MANAGER

2 ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT Downe House employs over 400 staff in a wide variety of teaching, pastoral and support roles. Whether you are a member of the academic, pastoral or support staff, Downe House is a very special community to be a part of. Our support teams play an important role in the lives of the girls; in their education, wellbeing and care. The School is a busy place, and the support staff ensure that the site runs smoothly, efficiently and with a great sense of pride and purpose. The Finance and Administration Departments exist to provide high quality services and support to pupils, parents and staff. In an organisation as complex as Downe House this takes many forms from replying promptly to enquiries, ensuring accurate record keeping, dealing with auditors and inspectors, the list is endless. In the Finance Department (The Bursary), we aim to operate as efficiently as possible combining best practice, tight budget controls and obtaining best value from finite financial resources. At the same time we never lose sight of the fact that Downe House is a School and a Charity. It is our aim to ensure that Downe House moves forward and remains at the forefront of boarding education. As part of our strategy to achieve this, the School has focused on strategic projects such as the recent refurbishment of Holcombe, York and Darwin houses, the building of the new Lower School Houses, and improvements made to the dining facilities and surrounding area on the ground floor of Willis House. Now we would like to add the Centre for Learning to this list of achievements and work on site is currently underway. The building is due to open late 2018/early All these projects form part of our 10 Year Vision and we are now starting to plan the next phase of our development. Artist s impression of the Centre for Learning (due to open late 2018)

3 JOB DESCRIPTION JOB TITLE Finance Manager LINE MANAGER Finance & Administration Bursar RESPONSIBLE FOR Payroll Officer 3 x Finance Assistants PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES To work within the busy Finance Department providing management support and supervision to a small team and ensuring best practice, compliance and efficiency. MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES To manage the School s financial accounting, monitoring and reporting systems under the guidance of the Finance and Administration Bursar. To provide day-to-day management supervision and support to the School s finance team. To manage the performance of staff in the team, to meet regularly and to carry out annual performance reviews (appraisals). To ensure that the team are developed and trained as required. To review finance systems and processes and to recommend improvements for streamlining efficiency. To assist the Finance and Administration Bursar with the preparation of annual budgets and ongoing monthly budget control. To provide and interpret financial information and to produce accurate financial reports to specific deadlines. To assist with the preparation of year-end statements and working papers. To oversee the Payroll function and to have a good understanding of the day-to-day processes. To oversee the billing system. To oversee the purchase ledger ensuring that all invoices are correctly authorised. To monitor and interpret cash flows and predict future trends. To conduct reviews and evaluations for cost-reduction opportunities. To conduct a review of the monthly nominal ledger reconciliations. To assist with the formulation of strategic and long-term business plans. To research and report on factors influencing business performance.

4 To keep abreast of changes in financial and sector-specific regulations and legislation. To develop external relationships with appropriate contacts, e.g. auditors, solicitors, bankers and statutory organisations such as the Inland Revenue. To develop appropriate internal working relationships across the School to assist and promote the team. To get involved with the wider School community and life of the School where possible. To promote the ethos of the School with all stakeholders including staff, pupils, parents, governors and business partners. To ensure up-to-date knowledge by attending CPD opportunities. To attend meetings and INSET as required. To undertake other reasonable tasks relevant to the needs of the School as the need arises. SAFEGUARDING AND CHILD PROTECTION Downe House is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment and adhere to, and comply with, the School's Safeguarding and Promoting the Welfare of Children policy and procedures at all times. HEALTH AND SAFETY All staff at Downe House are required to remain vigilant, observe all relevant Health and Safety policies and procedures, take reasonable care of their own and others Health and Safety, report all accidents and incidents, raise concerns through their line managers, and address minor physical problems by reporting them as maintenance requests through the School s internal IT reporting system (MERLIN). EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY Staff at Downe House are expected to promote equality of opportunity for all girls and staff, both current and prospective, and to support an environment that values diversity. PROMOTING BRITISH VALUES Downe House recognises the importance of placing emphasis on fundamental British values in the curriculum and all other aspects of School life. These values reflect the ethos of the school and all members of the community have a role to play in delivering the values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. All subject areas, and all non-teaching staff, are responsible for promoting these values when opportunities arise. CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD) Downe House is committed to providing Continuous Professional Development opportunities to all our staff. We have a healthy training budget for both external and internal study and regularly organise engaging and topical training events, which staff are invited to attend. We set aside specific times for training and offer a wide range of development opportunities to staff, whatever their role. All new staff also participate in a detailed induction programme to ensure that they are supported during the important first few weeks in post.

5 DATA PROTECTION All staff at Downe House have a responsibility to ensure that data they are responsible for is accurate and appropriate to the needs of the School, and that they are responsible for ensuring any personal data processed for any purpose or purposes in connection with their role at the School, shall not be kept for longer than is necessary for that purpose or those purposes in accordance with the Data Protection Act Note: This job description is not a comprehensive definition of the post. It will be reviewed as part of the cycle of appraisal, and it may be subject to modification or amendment at any time after consultation with the holder of the post. Further guidance on the duties and responsibilities of members of staff can be found in the Staff Handbook and on Merlin.

6 PERSON SPECIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ROLE ESSENTIAL Strong all-round accounting experience Good commercial and business awareness High numeracy and sound technical skills Excellent communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal Good interpersonal skills with gravitas to liaise with senior managers and staff Able to work as part of a team and to build strong working relationships Ability to manage a team and lead and motivate others Good understanding of payroll Excellent IT skills Strong attention to detail and an investigative nature Able to work flexibly in a changing environment Experience of working to tight reporting deadlines Able to make quick but rational decisions Strong negotiation skills and the ability to influence others Excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritise Excellent IT skills A sound understanding of audit procedures An interest in education and a commitment to the ethos of the School Flexible approach to working hours as required due to the nature and seniority of the role. A commitment to personal development and CPD. Positive and proactive approach. DESIRABLE Qualified or studying towards a recognised Accountancy qualification Experience of preparing management accounts and balance sheet Experience of dealing with Data Protection compliance. An awareness of compliance and regulatory requirements (e.g. Charity Commission returns)

7 TERMS, CONDITIONS AND BENEFITS Downe House offers a range of benefits and competitive terms and conditions as outlined below. Salary You will be paid on the Downe House pay scale and your salary will be agreed by the Headmistress. The salary for the post will be between 35,000 and 45,000 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications. The School normally reviews salaries on an annual basis and any pay awards agreed by the Board of Governors are implemented annually in September. Salaries are paid by direct transfer into your bank account by the Bursary on the last Friday of the month. Working Hours This is a full-time post working 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday with a one-hour unpaid lunch break. Due to the nature and seniority of the role, flexibility/additional hours will be required from time to time. Probation period During your first 6 months of employment you will be on a probation period. This period is designed to give both you and the School the opportunity to assess your suitability for the role. You will meet with your line manager (Finance and Administration Bursar) on a regular basis to receive feedback on your progress and discuss your training and development needs. Notice period Your notice period during the probation period will be two weeks on either side. On successful completion of your probation period this will increase to two months on either side. Pension After successful completion of 3 months employment, you will be automatically enrolled into the School s Group Stakeholder Pension Plan with Aegon Scottish Equitable to which the School will contribute the equivalent of 9% of your salary if you contribute a minimum of 3% of your salary. Lower contributions are also available in line with statutory guidance.

8 Holidays You will be entitled to 25 days annual leave per year plus public holidays that fall within the School holidays. In addition there may be additional holiday during the Christmas period if the School closes between Christmas and New Year. This will normally be three additional days and you will not be required to use your annual leave entitlement. It should be noted that this Christmas holiday is non-contractual and cannot be guaranteed. Sick Pay On successful completion of the 6 month probation period, you will be eligible for sick pay under the School s occupational sick pay scheme. This will be as follows Up to two weeks full and two weeks half pay during your first year of employment. Up to one month full and one month half pay in your second year of employment. Up to two months full pay and two months half pay in your third year of employment. Up to three months full pay and three months half pay in your fourth year of employment onwards. Under Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) the first three days of any absence count as waiting days, and do not qualify for sick pay. However, under the School Sick Pay Scheme employees will be paid in full during the waiting period providing that : During the first year of employment, no more than an accumulative total of 5 working days of sickness have been taken. After one years service, no more than an accumulative total of 10 working days of sickness have been taken in a rolling 12 month period. After 5 or 10 accumulated waiting days as noted above, additional waiting days (3 days) will be unpaid. Meals and Refreshments During term time we provide freshly prepared, nutritious meals in the Main Dining Hall and the Sixth Form Dining Hall, and a wide choice is normally available. Meals and refreshments are available during your working day and are free of charge. Parking There is plenty of free on-site parking available. Smoking Smoking is not allowed in any of the School buildings or on the School site. A designated smoking area is situated on site next to the Estates Department and this is the only area in the School grounds where staff are permitted to smoke.

9 Disclosure and Barring Service checks (DBS) Due to the nature of your role working in a boarding environment with young people, you will be required to undergo an Enhanced Level DBS check. During your employment it will also be important for you to keep us fully informed of any changes that take place that could affect your DBS status. Staff Facilities and Social Events Various sports facilities are available on site that can be used by staff at agreed times during the week. Activities include swimming, gym, tennis and squash. We also offer a number of discounts at local gyms and sports facilities. In addition, you will be invited to a number of school social events and functions that run throughout the year. Induction and Staff Training and Development At Downe House we are committed to the professional development of all our staff. You will receive initial induction training when you first join us, with ongoing support and guidance. Following induction, you will be encouraged to demonstrate continuous professional development by attending appropriate internal and external training courses, seminars and conferences. We look forward to receiving your application. If you require any further information then please do not hesitate to contact the HR Department on Alternatively please the HR Director, Kate Tuttle on tuttlek@downehouse.net