Deputy Finance Director

We are looking for a Deputy Finance Director for one of our great clients.

Location:

Flexible with regular visits to Cambridge

The Role:

To manage the efficient day to day operation of the finance function, specifically in relation to:

1. Staff management
2. Systems
3. Sales Ledger / Sales Admin
4. Management Accounts
5. Reporting and Statutory accounts
6. Purchase ledger
7. Capital
8. VAT

To consistently comply with financial regulations, policies and procedures and to assist in the implementation and operation of the financial regulations and policies business wide.

To deputise for the Director of Finance if they are unavailable.

Principal Accountabilities

Staff Management

Line manage:

• Senior Credit Controller (2 staff)
• Sales Administrator
• Senior Management Accountant (4 staff)

To manage the staff within these functions, identifying staff development needs, organising the appropriate training, and deploying staff as appropriate to ensure adequate cover arrangements and compliance with the service level agreement.

Systems

Ensure the timely and accurate development and use of the college financial

reporting system

Responsible for specification and implementation of the new reporting module if required or developing reporting in the existing system.

Develop training guides for users (Finance specific and for non-finance colleagues, e.g. budget holders).

Provide training to the business (with support).

Train other team members to provide Symmetry support and backup.

Oversee set up of new users as required and ensures leavers are removed from the system.

Oversee the setting up of new account codes as necessary.

Ensure that access to the system is appropriate allowing for adequate segregation of duties and compliance with signing limits and financial regulations

Ensure procedure manuals are created for systems administration for ease of backup and training

Key liaison with IT and Symmetry regarding system performance, upgrades, data cleanse, back-ups, data integrity

Ensure chart of accounts is appropriate for the business

Ensure audit trails of changes to the system including user rights / access are in place and authorised

Build system reporting in line with business requirements, ensuring flexibility, speed and accuracy

Ensure time tables are in place for month end, year end and ensure close down procedures are documented and adhered to – with regards to systems

Highlight system improvements internally and with authorisation with Symmetry (being part of an external user group for example)

Sales Ledger:

Oversee sales ledger management.

Ensure aged debtors are reconciled.

Develop and monitor KPI’s

Ensure the bad debt is kept to a minimum.

Ensure financial regulations are adhered to.

Oversea Sales administration to ensure there are no issues between the MIS and Finance systems.

Management Accounts:

Oversee the month end close to ensure all close downs are complete and accounts are accurate.

Review and sign off all balance sheet reconciliations and ensure anomalies are reported to the Director of Finance and any required amendments are processed.

Responsible for the review of detailed annual budget file and reconcile to the top level budget.

Oversee the monthly forecasting process and ensure large variations are investigated and correct.  Update the forecast file for funding forecast changes.

Reporting and Statutory accounts:

Prepare the annual financial statements and Members Report.

Prepare the financial returns required by the ESFA

Purchase Ledger:

Oversee Purchase Ledger Management

Ensure Aged Creditors are reconciled

Ensure Supplier reconciliations are up to date

Develop and Monitor KPI’s

Capital:

Control capital expenditure in line with authorised capital budget

Control fixed asset register

Monthly reconciliation of fixed assets to the nominal ledger

Prepare (1-3 year) budgets for depreciation and reforecast in year

Monthly reconciliation of Deferred Capital Grants received and released

Ensure asset register is up to date and reflect disposals

Manage the capital bid process each year for SMT approval ensuring essential   replacements are considered by working with budget holders

VAT:      

Review and check of the VAT returns

Keep up to date with the latest changes that will impact on the College

Other:

Any other duties as may be required by the Director of Finance

Requirements:

• Offers are subject to an enhance DBS check which will be carried out every 4 years 
• ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA Qualified (AAT or partial qualification will be considered)
• Experience working in the finance function of an education provider
• Management Experience
•  

Benefits: (dependant on role)

• Gym Membership
• Discounted Hair & Beuty Treatments
• Discounted CPD
• Health Care (Buy In)
• Onsite Parking (with EV Charging)
• Highstreet and Online Discounts
• Subsidised Coffee Outlets
• Contributary Pension Scheme (above govt minumum)
• Generous Leave: 35 days plus bank holidays and 3 closure days

Paul Feldman is the National Skills Agency Data Protection Officer. Your data will be stored until notice is given by you for it to be removed. Our Data Protection Policy will be forwarded to you on request.

As a result of the high number of applications we receive for each role advertised we regret that we may be unable to deliver individual feedback to unsuccessful candidates. If you have not been contacted within 7 days then unfortunately on this occasion your application has been unsuccessful. We will retain your details with the intention of keeping you informed of other suitable opportunities that may arise.

National Skills Agency Ltd is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

National Skills Agency is an Equal Opportunities employer and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.