What skills and experience we’re looking for
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and inspirational education business professional to act as our Chief Finance and Operations Officer, with responsibility for the non-teaching business and financial operations of the Trust and for ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and statutory requirements.
We are looking to build on existing financial systems, driving best practice through a range of areas including strategic financial management, procurement, contract negotiations, and tendering. Taking overall responsibility for the financial leadership and management of the Trust to ensure financial sustainability as we endeavour to grow the Trust.
An experienced finance or accounting professional with outstanding leadership skills and a track record of success at senior level, you should bring an enterprising approach to business development, strategy and partnerships to help us achieve our strategic objectives, effectively leading the Trust’s finances and contribute to the strategic direction and future of our Trust. The CFOO will have a key role to play in the Leadership Team, contributing to Trust-level decision making and strategies for future growth and development.
- Financial expertise to help us navigate the current challenges being faced by the education sector.
- A passion for working in the education sector and commitment to our mission and vision.
- The ability to think strategically as well as have a good understanding of the wider context beyond education.
- The ability to inspire confidence and think creatively.
- A commitment to lead through others and empower teams.
- The ability to problem-solve with good organisation and prioritisation skills.
- A commitment to always place our children at the centre of decision making.
We believe in investing and supporting our staff to be the best that they can be, as well as giving people ownership of their responsibilities and the autonomy to be proactive. This is a role in which you will get the opportunity to thrive.
We welcome applications from people within and beyond the education sector.
If you would like to find out more about Stephenson Multi Academy Trust and the role, please contact Loraine Potter to arrange a visit.
PURPOSE
The Chief Finance and Operations Officer is responsible for the non-teaching business and financial operations of the Trust and for ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and statutory requirements.
They will lead and manage the Trust’s business functions including Finance, Admin, HR, IT and Estates & Compliance, and by supporting commercial decision-making will enable the Trust to work effectively towards the delivery of its vision, aims and agreed strategic direction.
What the school offers its staff
Our School’s mission is ‘In Pursuit of Excellence’ in everything that we do and our core values; Learn, Think, Contribute, Care, embody our determination to ensure that all our students receive a first class education that enables them to take their place in society confidently.
We are a popular and high achieving school on the edge of Merseyside with a very strong reputation locally and significantly over subscribed.
Further details about the role
QUALIFICATIONS
- Degree in a finance or business-related discipline
- Professional Accountancy qualification, e.g., ICAEW, CIMA, ACCA or CIPFA
- Level 6 Diploma in School Business Management
- Level 7 in Academy Financial & Operational Leadership, or Certificate in the Financial Reporting of Academies (CertFRA)
EXPERIENCE
- Significant resource management and strategic leadership experience
- Proven track record of successful leadership and building effective teams
- Significant experience of leading and managing budgets
- Evidence of entrepreneurialism and innovation, with an ability to identify commercial opportunities to maximise income
- Experience of working within an educational setting
- Experience leading one or more business service discipline such as IT, Finance, HR, Estates and Administration
- Successful experience of managing teams of staff
- Experience of developing and managing external relationships with professional and regulatory bodies
- Experience of working with Governors, Trustees, or similar
- Experience in obtaining additional funding and bids
- Detailed and up-to-date knowledge of accountancy and professional codes of practice
KNOWLEDGE
- Advanced knowledge of statutory requirements and funding strategies
- Substantial knowledge and experience of managing pro-procurement and contracts
- Proven awareness and respect for the highly sensitive status of information and its confidentiality
- Knowledge of HR policy, practice and legislation
- An understanding/experience of working with external auditors and agencies
- Understanding of employer pension responsibilities
- Up-to-date knowledge of Data Protection and Freedom of Information Acts
- Awareness of school support staff support contractual terms and conditions of employment
- Knowledge of the unique characteristics of Schools and Academies
SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Proficient in the use of MS Office applications and Financial Information Systems
- Excellent analytical skills and sound judgement
- Ability to direct a multi-disciplinary team effectively and demonstrate excellent leadership skills
- Ability to interpret complex financial information, advice, and statutes and to devise policy/practice autonomously considering these
- Ability to manage own workload without direction, having the ability to prioritise to meet tight deadlines
- Highly effective communications skills and ability to influence and negotiate effectively
- Ability to present complex information to a varied audience
- High ethical standards and strong moral purpose
- Emotional resilience and maturity
- Ability to persuade, motivate, negotiate and influence
- Excellent written and presentation skills
- Ability to work autonomously and flexibly
- A personal commitment to lifelong learning and continuous professional development
- Commitment to high standards, best value, and continuous improvement
- Ability to be reflective and self-critical
- Proactive and self-motivated
- Experience of leadership of health and safety and facilities
- Commitment to safeguarding
Rainhill High School and Sixth Form is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people as well as promoting equality of opportunity and community cohesion; where the diversity of different backgrounds and circumstances is appreciated and positively valued and expects all staff, volunteers and other workers to share in this commitment. This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosing & Barring Certificate and online searches as part of our Safer Recruitment & Selection Procedures.
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