INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES APPLYING FOR THE ROLE OF BURSAR

FINTON HOUSE SCHOOL INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES APPLYING FOR THE ROLE OF BURSAR

The School Finton House School was founded in 1987 as a non-selective, all-inclusive, independent co-educational preparatory school for up to 320 children aged 4-11 years. The Lower School is the children from Reception to Year 2 (age 4-6), the Upper School is the children from Year 3 to Year 6 (age 7-11). As a charitable trust, Finton House ensures that the education of the individuals comes first and the teaching is geared to the development of each child. Ethos and Values Finton House provides an inspiring education, based on the belief that happiness, kindness and confidence are the foundations of success. At Finton House: Everyone feels safe, happy and valued; Boys and girls of all abilities, including both the most able and those with special educational needs, are nurtured and challenged to make excellent personal and academic progress; The education is broad, embracing technology as well as using the outdoors, allowing children to discover their own strengths and passions; Children learn how to lead a healthy life in order to flourish in a rapidly changing world. Mission and Aims and Strategy The School s aim is to provide an all-round education where children are nurtured and guided through a range of quality learning experiences, leaving us at the end of Year 6 as confident, caring and responsible young people with a love for learning. Our highly successful record of entry into secondary schools at 11+, including a high percentage of scholarships and awards, is something of which we are very proud. Pupils of all abilities thrive at Finton House, including those with special needs. The unique atmosphere at Finton is largely due to the high order of teamwork displayed by all members of staff and we seek to maintain or develop this at all times. Additionally, we aim to provide staff with continual professional development both to enhance individual skills and knowledge as well as realise the school s strategic development plan. The success of the school and the well-being of its staff depend very much on co-operation, trust and respect between all levels of staff.

The Role The Governors and Head are seeking to appoint an individual with strong leadership, financial, commercial and project management skills to join the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) as the next Bursar. The role of School Bursar is the most senior non-academic position in the School and is regarded by the Board of Governors as an important strategic appointment. As a member of the School s executive, the overall responsibility of the Bursar is to lead and manage the major non-academic functions with the exception of marketing and admissions. This includes finance, buildings and grounds management and maintenance, catering, payroll, HR, IT, Legal, Company Secretarial and regulatory compliance. The Bursar reports to the Head directly. However as a key member of the SLT, (s)he remains accountable to the Governors, notably on financial matters where (s)he would be expected to have a close liaison with the Finance Committee. The individual will play a major role in the School s strategic direction, closely working with the Head and Governors to develop, implement and evaluate the School s strategic development plan. Qualifications in accounting, finance or management are important, as is having the appropriate level of experience, the emphasis being placed on having the right mix of skills and personal qualities. The Bursar is also responsible for supporting the educational aims of the school through the effective management of the school s resources and facilities. We understand this is a very broad role, but will be undertaken alongside other members of staff. The successful candidate is expected to develop the role further, along with the functions which this role will manage. The School is keen to consider applicants from a range of professional backgrounds. The post is available from 1 st July 2018, but we are prepared to wait for the right person to complete a notice period elsewhere. Remuneration The salary will be generous and commensurate with the successful candidate s previous experience. A contributory pension scheme. 30 days annual leave as well as the statutory bank holidays. Private medical insurance paid for by the School. Life cover. School fee discount for any children of the Bursar at the school. Lunch free of charge in term time. Payment during a period of sickness will be no less favourable than that applied to teaching staff.

Application Process Interested candidates are invited to contact our recruitment advisers RSAcademics by email or telephone to arrange a confidential discussion with: Imelda Napier imeldanapier@rsacademics.co.uk 07769 703304 David Stephens davidstephens@rsacademics.co.uk 07739 457000 The deadline for receipt of applications is 10am, Tuesday 12 th June An application form can be downloaded from www.rsacademics.co.uk where the post is listed under current vacancies at http://www.rsacademics.co.uk/vacancies/bursar-finton-house-school Candidates should complete their application form electronically and email it to RSAcademics, together with a CV and short covering letter, addressed to the Head Ben Freeman, explaining their reasons for applying and their suitability for the role. Please email the completed application form, CV and covering letter (as PDF files please if possible) to Hilary Battye: applications@rsacademics.co.uk Hilary can also be reached by calling the Head Office on 01858 467449 The process is as follows: All applications will be acknowledged by email. If you have not received acknowledgement that your application has been received within two working days of sending it, please contact RSAcademics by telephone. Selected candidates will have a preliminary interview with David Stephens in London on Monday 18 th or Tuesday 19 th June. Long list interviews will then be invited to meet with the school s selection panel (comprising a combination of a small number of Governors and the Head) will take place at the school on Tuesday 26 th June. Candidates invited for interview will be requested to bring proof of identity and qualifications on the day of interview. Short list interviews will take place at the school on Tuesday 10 th July. Finton House is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. A formal written of employment will be conditional an enhanced DBS check, references which are satisfactory to the school and the successful candidate providing original documentary proof of qualifications stated on the application form A formal written offer of employment from Finton House School is conditional on a DBS clearance at enhanced level, references which are satisfactory to the School and the successful candidate providing original documentary proof of qualifications stated on the application form.

JOB DESCRIPTION FOR SCHOOL BURSAR JOB TITLE Bursar and Company Secretary JOB DESCRIPTION The principal requirements of the job are to be responsible for the accounting and financial planning, maintenance and improvement of the School s buildings and external play areas, HR, payroll and legal administration, oversight of IT, catering, maintenance, cleaning, company secretarial, regulatory compliance and the Central Register. The Bursar will also act as Company Secretary to the School. KEY SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS REQUIRED A commercial person with an ability to set long and short term strategies, including financial forecasting and budgeting with department heads across the school. Strong leadership in strategic implementation, cost control and financial management. Good financial, accounting and commercial skills and a clear understanding of setting and/or managing budgets and producing management accounts. Ability to manage selected non-financial areas of the school (e.g. catering and maintenance departments and special projects such as building works) potentially involving a wide range of day-to-day issues. A strong interest in high quality education. The bursar will be a member of the School's Senior Leadership Team, participating in education meetings and supporting the educational objectives. A skilled communicator (oral and written) with the ability to engage with a wide group of stakeholders with tact and diplomacy and, as necessary, with sensitivity to confidentiality. Strong IT skills. A hard-worker with energy, flexibility and commitment, maintaining confidence and calm. RESPONSIBLE TO: The Bursar reports to the Head directly but will be required to have a close liaison with the Governors Finance Committee, as required. MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBLITIES Finance team and Admin staff (excluding Admissions and marketing staff), IT Manager, Catering Manager and Maintenance Team.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES To be fully conversant with, to keep up-to-date and to follow guidelines as set out in the school policy documents, with particular responsibility for the Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, Staff Handbook, and Health and Safety Policy. To be fully conversant with and to follow guidelines as set out in any relevant regulatory requirements such as ISI, DfE, and Health & Safety at Work. To attend courses to develop professional skills and remain up to date with best practices to ensure high standards of management and administration. To undertake such additional duties as might be reasonably requested by the Head or other authorised person. MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES Currently, production of management accounts, budgets, forecasts and assessment of strategic options from a financial perspective are outsourced to the school s accountants. The successful candidate will be responsible for bringing these in-house and recruiting the necessary resource to assist if necessary. Whilst an accounting qualification would be helpful, more important is having the management experience and skills to run the School s financial affairs in a cost -conscious and efficient manner. Strong Excel skills are required in the production of robust and reliable numbers that the Head and Governors can have confidence in.

Liaising with the Governors, in particular the Finance Committee in developing (when required) and implementing the School s finance strategy. It is anticipated that the School will undertake further major capital projects and the Bursar will be responsible for the successful planning and delivery of these from both a financial and operational perspective. Responsibility for fee billing and collection, staff payroll, cost control and management of pension provision. Responsibility, with the Head, for recommending the appropriate fees to charge, to the Governors, maintaining the School s strategy on fees. Responsibility, with the Head, for recommending staff pay levels and, as required, other benefits, to the Governors, maintaining a continued focus on strong cost-control. Responsible for financial implications of the School s activities on its charitable status (recognising changing criteria). Liaising with fund-raising committees from time-to-time in the planning of charitable events, ensuring the School participates in a meaningful but measured way. Leading the process of assessment of parents' income and assets prior to making bursary awards. BUILDINGS, ESTATES AND GROUNDS Planning and managing the available space to ensure the school operates efficiently, effectively and safely on a daily basis, making best use of the facilities to provide pupils and staff with an excellent in-class and extracurricular offering. Overseeing the internal Maintenance Team and any external suppliers, such as cleaners, for ongoing maintenance of all School buildings, fixtures and fittings, facilities, playgrounds and playing fields in a timely and cost effective manner. Liaising with the trustees of TFT, who control the School s principal playing fields, and in particular the School s appointed trustee, ensuring good relations are maintained. From time-to-time, manage the appointment of a new School-appointed trustee. Ensuring that TFT comply with the conditions of the School s arrangements with them. Management, in liaison with other staff, of the School s IT infrastructure and external IT contractors. Overseeing the Catering Team, currently outsourced, to ensure a high quality catering offering is maintained cost-efficiently. Identifying, scoping and sourcing services to manage a wide range of minor repair works and major refurbishment projects as well as planning any future construction work, perhaps even extending the School s facilities to a second site. Leading effective procurement of all services and products required by the School, in maintaining the excellent current facilities (including specific areas for art, DT, science, and special needs).

GENERAL MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Working with the Head to ensure compliance with all relevant aspects of employment law including employment protection, equal pay, minimum wage, Working Time Directive or discrimination on the grounds of gender, race or disability. Ensuring that all relevant staff have contracts of employment and keeping the school's standard contracts up-to-date as new legislation takes effect. Management of the Central Register, ensuring it is fully compliant at all times. Ensuring that the requirements of Health and Safety legislation are complied with. Carry out risk assessments where appropriate and monitor all departments to ensure that they are carrying out risk assessments. Take professional advice as required. Ensuring that the School has adequate insurance cover at all times to include employer's liability, buildings and equipment cover, personal accident, travel insurance and other relevant cover. Professional advice should invariably be sought. COMPANY SECRETARY Agreeing and scheduling dates for Board and Finance Committee meetings. Attending all Board meetings. Attending all Finance Committee meetings. Liaising with Governors as necessary in relation to induction and training. Maintaining and reviewing the School s Risk Register. Completing all reporting and submissions to Companies House and the Charities Commission. Monitoring adherence to all Charities Commission requirements and managing any required correspondences. Liaising with the Clerk to the Board, in particular in agreeing and circulating agendas, Board packs and minutes of Board and Finance Committee meetings.

HOURS OF EMPLOYMENT AND HOLIDAYS TERM TIME: Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 5.00pm. During term time school lunch is available free of charge. SCHOOL HOLIDAYS: 9.00am to 4.00pm. Holidays may not be taken during term time or in the first or last week of the three main school holidays (with the exception of the last week of the Christmas holidays by prior arrangement). There is an entitlement to take 30 days holiday each year outside of these times plus the eight Public Holidays. Elements of this job description may be re-negotiated from time to time at the request of either party and with the agreement of both. Founded in 2002 by Russell Speirs, RSAcademics specialises in schools, in the UK and internationally, advising on marketing strategy and research, leadership consultancy and the search and selection of Heads and senior staff. Comprising a team of the best schools marketing professionals and respected former school leaders, RSAcademics provides a high quality service to schools with rigour, experience and warmth. Please visit www.rsacademics.co.uk for more information.