Head of Operational Finance

One of the UK’s largest and highest profile groups of schools is looking to recruit a new Head of Operational Finance - to work from their head office in East Croydon (3 days per week in office). This is a fantastic opportunity to have a real impact with an organisation whose purpose is to make life fairer for children in and around London. Focusing on the most challenging schools and turn them into exceptional places of learning where everyone – staff and students – thrive.

Job Purpose

To manage the internal financial operational processes and reporting for the Federation, ensuring timeliness, accuracy and completeness. To provide financial support and advice to Head Office departments and schools, including the Federation Senior Leadership Team. To provide support to the Financial Controller and Director of Finance as required.

The Federation is going through an exciting period of change and this role represents an excellent opportunity to be part of driving improvements within a large organisation, as part of a compact and high-performing central finance function.

Main Areas of Responsibility

• Oversee all income processing for the schools and federation.
• Oversee all payroll processing for the schools and federation,
• Manage the BACS and manual payment process
• Review central processing for best practice.
• Oversee Balance sheet reconciliation for the schools and federation monthly
• Maintain the finance handbook and other published guidance
• Work with FC and Systems team to implement month end timetable
• Develop and implement a training for Finance Officer’s, Management Accountant’s and Accounts Payable team
• Work with the Financial Controller on producing and reviewing consolidated monthly accounts
• Work with partnership team to incorporate proposed adjustments to Month end and Year end accounts in line with the timetable.
• Prepare all consolidated submissions to the Department for Education
• Prepare year end papers and supporting schedules for head office activities
• Liaise with the Internal Audit team and External auditors
• Assist with various ESFA submissions and audits
• Oversea Reconciliation and review of monthly inter-academy recharges
• Review of monthly journals (e.g. prepayments, deferred income, academy recharges)
• Identify and evaluate opportunities for improving value for money
• Work closely with other departments and Hubs within the central federation such as procurement to ensure that we have clear and smooth processes between departments
• Ad hoc tasks as required by the DF and FC