We are looking for a Director of Finance to join our established Senior Leadership Team and help us maintain our strong financial base from which to meet the needs of our students and wider community. You will be an ambitious, forward thinking, qualified accountant with excellent communication skills. You will be prepared to work both operationally and at a strategic level. We also see this role as instrumental in developing our business activities through our recently set up trading company.

You could be someone with experience of working in the Academy or college sector, or somebody with a commercial background who wants a job which has a positive impact on the community. We would welcome your application with a view to joining our friendly and dynamic team.

You will receive a competitive remuneration package and we are open to considering options for flexible/hybrid working.

Purpose of Job:

To lead and manage all of the North Hampshire Education Alliance (NHEA)’s financial affairs in accordance with the Trust’s Mission and values. NHEA is a Multi Academy Trust (MAT) consisting of Queen Mary’s College (QMC) and QM Leisure Ltd.

Overview:

Queen Mary’s College is an inclusive, high achieving Sixth Form College with over 2000 students and has an annual turnover of c£13m. QMC provides a wide range of qualifications and opportunities; students study A-levels and Applied General vocational qualifications at Level 3 as well GCSEs and foundation learning. As an Ofsted ‘good’ with outstanding features, we are recognised as a great place to study and work.

Accountability to:

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Queen Mary’s College Principal.

Line Management Responsibility for:

The Finance Team (3 FTEs) and Business Development Manager

Membership of:

Senior Leadership Team (SLT).

Key Outcomes:

• Financial security and resilience.

• A well-informed & confident SLT, Trust board, QM Leisure Ltd board and Local Governing Body (LGB).

• An effective integrated Finance Team.

• An efficient financial system used consistently and confidently across the Trust.

• Transparency of the Trust’s use of finances, providing clarity and support to staff across the Trust.

• Confidence of the DofE and ESFA that the Trust is financially viable and providing value for money.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Day-to-day management of the Trust’s financial systems that will include:

- Preparing the 3–5-year financial forecasts and plans.

- Raising financial awareness about the use of financial procedures, including business planning.

• Strategic financial planning and budgetary control, including the development and maintenance of a comprehensive budget model covering income and expenditure, balance sheet and cash forecasts.

• Preparation of monthly management and annual statutory accounts, reports and returns as required by the CEO, Trustees, QM Leisure Ltd board, LGB and external funding agencies.

• The provision of clear financial information and appropriate trading accounts for budget holders necessary to ensure achievement of the Trust’s objectives.

• Ensuring that all financial practices are organised efficiently and effectively and are fully documented to withstand external scrutiny from auditors and others.

• To develop the Trust’s financial management system including the implementation of any additional relevant modules.

• To produce and develop benchmarking and Integrated Curriculum Financial Planning (ICFP) analysis and reports on an annual basis.

• To assess and contribute to the development of new business opportunities across the Trust, including preparation of grant applications and business plans as required.

• Ensuring the Trust remains compliant with the terms of its loan agreement, surplus funds are invested in accordance with the Treasury Management Policy, and appropriate banking facilities are in place.

• Maintenance of a fixed asset register, including plans, registers and valuation of land, buildings and equipment.

• Oversee risk management, insurance portfolio and relationship with internal & external audit and the Trust’s bankers.

• Preparation of appropriate papers for presentation to meetings of Trustees, QM Leisure Ltd board, Governors, Audit and Finance Committees.

• Management of Trust contract arrangements and operational lease agreements.

• Ensuring that the Trust complies with best practice and legal requirements in respect of all accounting processes, internal control framework, HMRC, pension requirements, charity sector regulations, and the Academies Handbook.

• Ensuring that financial records are confidentially stored and processed in line with GDPR requirements.

• Such other duties as may reasonably be required and are commensurate with the post.

Please see job description attached for further information.