Chief Finance Officer

**CHIEF FINANCE OFFICER**

Berlesduna Academy Trust has an exciting opportunity for a full time Chief Finance Officer to join the team.
Salary Scale 13 (Point Range 49-53). Starting salary £59,700 including paid annual leave, which must be taken during school closure periods.

The vision of the Berlesduna Academy Trust is to create and foster a culture of high aspiration, enjoyment for learning, academic success and lifelong skills amongst all pupils, regardless of their social, economic or cultural background.

Berlesduna Academy Trust is a medium sized Trust currently comprising of ten primary schools based in and around Basildon with ambitions to grow and is recognised as a role model for other Trusts. The MAT is developing rapidly to become a vibrant, exciting and dynamic place to learn and work.

We are seeking to appoint an individual with a strategic financial background, gained from senior level experience in the education sector to work closely with the CEO, Trustees and Headteachers to be the “go to” person in terms of strategic financial planning, financial compliance, budgets and our estate.

This is a key role with responsibility for the strategic financial planning and the continue financial success of the Trust which will enable Trustees and Headteachers to plan and make financial decisions for the future development of our schools and the continued success of educating the young people that attend them. Experience in the education sector is preferable but not essential.

To undertake this role, you will have a recognised accountancy qualification (ACCA, CIPFA or CIMA) and gained experience of:

- Charities Act accounts
- Management accounts
- Computerised accounting packages
- Internal controls and risk management
- Capital Funding
- Commercial Requirements
- Financial compliance

We can offer you:

- a commitment to continued professional development
- access to our Employee Assistance Programme for all staff and their families
- access to the Local Government Pension Scheme

Berlesduna is a Trust that values and invests in staff, excellent training, development and planned career progression.

**Application**

01268 464759.
The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
We are an equal opportunities employer.

**Job Title Chief Finance Officer**
**Scale **2020 Scale 13 (2019 SMG 1)
**Reports to **Chief Executive Officer
**Responsible for **Central Finance Team
**Job Purpose **The Chief Finance Officer (CFO) will lead and manage the business aspects of the Trust. The post holder will provide high quality leadership and management of the schools’ business function, contributing to the preparation, implementation and review of the
Trust Improvement and growth plans. The CFO will provide strategic and operational leadership in all aspects of business activities within the Trust’s schools and be accountable for the operation, maintenance and development of systems, processes and procedures relating to budget, finance, premises, and health and safety.
The position will also incorporate the role of Company Secretary for the Trust, taking responsibility for ensuring financial compliance with statutory and legal requirements.
This is a senior leadership team post which will change over time and the post holder needs to be flexible, responsive and proactive in the context of strategic priorities.

**Key Finance, Procurement, Audit and Risk**
**Responsibilities Provide strategic leadership and management of the schools’ finances, advising the Trustees, CEO and Headteachers and the relevant committees on all financial matters pertaining to the Trust.**
- Contribute to MAT strategy and policy development to support the Trust’s mission and vision.
- Advise the Trust on financial strategy which supports and develops the educational aims, ethos and growth strategy of the multi academy trust.
- Develop financial plans, taking into account DfE and relevant government guidelines, and other sources of information about budget trends and local demographics. Review the plans annually.
- Provide management information for the Trust’s planning and monitoring systems
- Present a monthly summary of Trust finances to the CEO.
- Take overall responsibility for the annual budget; take the lead role in developing, setting and monitoring the annual budget with the Headteachers for each school within the Trust.
- Present financial reports to the Finance/Audit Committee focusing on future projections, benchmarking and value for money.
- Take responsibility for the role of Company Secretary ensuring the Trust complies with standard financial and legal practice and maintains standards of corporate governance.
- Be responsible for all matters relating to the administration of

Trust finances in accordance with financial regulations andDepartment for Education funding guidance.
- Produce and implement appropriate policies and procedures for the