Trust Management Accountant

The YES Trust is looking for a highly motivated, committed and forward-thinking individual to join the central Trust Team, following the promotion of the existing post holder. The successful candidate will work with an experienced, highly motivated central finance team including the CFO and Financial Controller, leading the finance and accountancy functions of the Trust. This is an exceptional opportunity to join growing and ambitious Trust, whose aim is to transform the lives of some of the most vulnerable pupils in the country.

This role will be challenging and extremely rewarding for the right person, who will have a key role across finance within the organisation. Work will be varied and will cover all areas of Academy trust finance including transaction processing, financial reporting, reviewing and updating school budgets, strategic financial planning, producing statutory returns, involvement with annual audit processes, carrying out period end processes, and many more.

This role may suit an experienced finance officer or management accountant looking to make the next step in their career, or someone with excellent private sector financial skills and knowledge looking to move in to a career in the education sector. With the planned growth of the Trust, there is also further scope for progression with this role for the right candidate.

Reporting directly to the Financial Controller, you will lead on the provision of high level strategic and operational financial services across the Trust, including supporting Office Managers and headteachers in our schools. You will also lead on the finance aspects of transfers of new academies and the associated due diligence process that growth will require.

If you feel that the YES Trust may be the right place for you, I hope you will consider applying for the post. I will be more than happy to have an informal conversation if you have any further questions please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Trust Management Accountant Job Description

Salary Band – £43,386 - £49,619

Holiday Entitlement – 32 Days plus statutory bank holidays

Flexible and mobile working hours available, but candidate expected to be able to travel to Trust Office and all Trust schools.

Reports to: Financial Controller

Purpose of the Role:

To oversee and develop the financial management of the Trust and its Academies. Duties will be varied and will anything from basic processing tasks, to strategic financial planning with senior and executive leaders.

Main responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

• To advise on adaptations and have deep understanding of all Trust Financial Policies, and support Headteachers, Office Managers and admin staff with their implementation

• Processing of purchase invoices, sales invoices, credit card receipts and statements, BACS payments, producing and reconciling financial reports including bank reconciliations, debtors and creditors reports, balance sheets and various other financial procedures

• To work with, train and support academy admin teams, including Office Managers, in their roles and ensure finance functions are being carried out consistently and to a high standard in all settings

• To assist in overseeing the Trust’s budgeting system and ensure executive and senior leaders have accurate and readily available financial information at their disposal at all times

• To lead on aspects of financial reporting, taking in to account the requirements of the Academy Trust Handbook, Academies Accounts Direction and other rules and regulations relating to Academy Finance

• To support leaders and school office staff with all aspects of budget planning, financial reporting and procurement

• To help administer the Trust’s monthly payroll, working alongside the Trust’s existing payroll provider, HR Manager and Director of Business

• Posting journals to adjust spend, internally re-charge for goods and services, capitalise items, and other agreed adjustments

• To keep the Trust’s Asset Register up to date and provide calculations for depreciation and Net Book Value of Trust assets

• To assist in completing and developing month and year end processes, including posting adjusting journals, accruals, prepayments, bank reconciliations, balance sheet and TB reconciliations, etc.

• To think strategically about all aspects of finance across the Trust and advise the ELT and Trustees on financial matters and their impact on the Trust

• To work closely with auditors for both internal and external audit requirements, and assist the Director of Business and Financial Controller with the production of the annual, audited accounts

• To provide reports to Executive leaders and the Trust Board on Financial Key Performance Indicators

• To assist the Financial Controller, Director of Business, Headteachers and Office Managers with the annual budget planning process

• To promote effective financial management throughout the Trust, that strikes the right balance of efficiency and compliance/fraud prevention.

• To undertake regular reviews of Trust financial policies and procedures and ensure that these are synergised throughout the Trust and submit to the Trustees for formal approval.

General

• To comply with and assist with the development of policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person.

• To be aware of and support difference and ensure equal opportunities for all.

• To contribute to the overall ethos/work/aims of the Trust.

• To attend meetings within the Trust, at its academies and external events as required.

• To share expertise and skills with others.

• To participate in training and other learning activities and performance development as required.

• To recognise own strengths and areas of expertise and use these to advise and support colleagues.

• To maintain confidentiality always in respect of school-related matters and to prevent disclosure of confidential and sensitive information.

• Other duties commensurate with the grade of the post as directed by the Director of Business or Financial Controller.

• To ensure strict confidentiality in all areas of work.

• To work and process personal and sensitive information in accordance with Data Protection Act 2018 including the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) 2018.

• To understand and comply with the statutory guidance regarding safeguarding of children, ensuring the safeguarding and promotion of children’s welfare at all times, reporting any concerns to the relevant Designated Safeguarding Officer immediately. Additional Information

• The post holder will work across the Trust and spend time at each of the schools, when required.

To undertake any such duties commensurate with the post as directed by the FC / CFO / Executive Team