Job Description Job title: Department: Grade: Responsible to: Responsible for: Financial Controller Finance Circa 50,000 per annum Spot Salary Management Grade Chief Operating Officer All members of the Finance Department (7 FTE) with direct line management of the Financial Accountant, Finance Officer Purchasing (2 posts) and an Apprentice. Objectives of the role The jobholder will report to the Chief Operating Officer for the day-to-day operation of the College s management and accounting arrangements, financial planning and procurement. The Financial Controller is responsible for: Financial Accounting Budgets, Management Accounting and Reporting Treasury and Cash Management Finance IT systems Procurement and value for Money Staff Management Financial Accounting 1. To oversee the operation and day-to-day financial integrity of the financial control systems throughout the College. 2. To ensure compliance with HMRC, Companies House and all other legislative requirements relating to financial matters. 3. To maintain accurate fixed asset and depreciation records. 4. To highlight any non-compliance with the College s Financial Regulations to the Chief Operating Officer. 5. To ensure the Finance departmental web-site and the Finance documents on College intranet are kept up to date. 6. To implement recommendations on the operation of the control systems and other matters by Internal and External Auditors. 7. To ensure that the College s payroll payment is processed in accordance with the timetable agreed each month and ensure that deductions of taxation, national insurance, pension and other amounts are paid by the deadlines. 8. To ensure that monthly reconciliations are undertaken in respect of all the College s bank accounts and balance sheet control accounts.
9. To ensure that the College complies with VAT and all other tax regulations, taking advantage of all available reliefs. To ensure that all tax and VAT returns for the College and its subsidiary companies are completed on a timely basis. 10. Work with Internal and External Auditors in support of the annual financial accounts audit and annual internal audit plan. 11. Preparation of the College s financial accounts in accordance with the relevant SORP and accounting standards and in line with the approved timetable. 12. Preparation of the accounts of any College subsidiary companies. Budgets, Financial Reporting and Management Information 1. To provide accurate and timely financial information to the College budget holders and senior managers for the purpose of decision making. 2. Assisting the Chief Operating Officer in preparing the annual budget within the agreed timescale including meeting and liaising with budget holders as necessary to reach an agreed level of spend/income. 3. To provide high quality financial support and information to budget holders and other managers to ensure that the college s resources are managed effectively. This will include regular meetings and liaison. 4. To produce monthly financial reporting information for budget holders in accordance with the approved timetable. 5. To prepare regular monitoring reports on capital developments and ensure timely and accurate claiming of any grants due as directed by the COO. 6. As directed by the COO, to liaise with Senior Managers on grants, projects and other income streams and ensure that all relevant claims, reconciliations and statements are completed. 7. As directed by the COO, to complete the College s financial returns for, HEFCE, SFA, EFA, TPA, HMRC, ONS, ESF and any other external agencies. Treasury and Cash Management 1. To monitor, prepare and report on the College cash flow including forecasting. 2. To ensure that creditor terms are appropriately adhered to. 3. To ensure appropriate and timely management of College debtors, payment plans and credit control procedures. Finance IT systems 1. To be the College s computerised accounting system administrator responsible for upgrades, modification or replacement of the system as required.
2. To maintain the day-to-day operation of the College s financial reporting system and purchasing/procurement systems. 3. To keep abreast of current IT developments that will enhance processes and systems. Procurement, Insurance and Value for Money 1. To ensure an efficient, cost effective organisational-wide procurement and purchasing service. 2. To ensure compliance of tendering procedures in line with the College s Financial Regulations. 3. Promote and monitor value for money and optimum use of College resources. Staff Management 1. To ensure that all aspects of Finance staff management are carried out in accordance with the College s policies and procedures and in particular: 2. to carry out performance appraisals in accordance with the procedures. 3. to identify training and development needs as appropriate. 4. to be responsible for recruiting to vacancies in accordance with College guidelines. 5. to devise and carry out an induction programme for new staff, and use their probationary period effectively. 6. To foster a student focus and customer service culture in the finance department. 7. Encourage, develop and motivate staff and promote close and cooperative working between the team and other departments. 8. Monitor the performance of the finance team to ensure maintenance of service standards and improvements to quality. 9. Ensure that the College s policy for equal opportunities is adhered to and promoted in all aspects of work. Other 1. To undertake any other duties reasonably assigned by the Chief Operating Officer. 2. In liaison with the COO, to ensure that the Finance Department s targets are met and that the department s annual self-assessment review and quality improvement plans are completed. 3. To annually review and improve the College s Financial Regulations and other financial policies and procedures.
4. To ensure continued personal development and to keep abreast of and disseminate technical, sector and finance specific developments. 5. To undertake evening duty management cover as required. General Requirements The post holder will undertake assigned responsibilities effectively and efficiently, and within regulatory and legislative requirements; achieve individual and divisional targets within the College s annual planning and staff performance review processes and budgetary constraints in order to create and maintain high performance of learners and the College and: Actively promote the values of the College: learner focus, responsibility, integrity, collaboration and respect. Actively promote British values and equality and diversity, recognising and actively challenging stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination, ensuring that these principles permeate all working practices, creating an inclusive learning environment and workplace for students and staff respectively. Ensure effective quality control and continuous improvement in all aspects of this post, in keeping with the College s existing and developing quality assurance systems. Be committed to professional development, through participation in the College continuing professional development programme which includes commercial up-skilling, staff learning days and training events appropriate to the job role. Develop effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders and partners as appropriate to the role Comply with and promote the College Health and Safety, Safeguarding (including prevent), and Data Protection policies and procedures and to undertake recommended training as and when necessary. Identify and manage risk effectively. Undertake such other duties as required, commensurate with the grade of the post, as may be reasonably required at the initial place of work or at other locations in the College. Support cross college events such as Open Evenings and Enrolment sessions when required Adhere to and ensure compliance with all College procedures as detailed in the Staff Handbook. At all times seek to serve the best interests of the College. To provide cover for colleagues during periods of holiday or sickness absence. NB: This job description outlines a range of main duties. It is not exhaustive and can be varied in consultation with the post holder in order to reflect changes in the job or the organisation.
Person Specification Please read the items in this Person Specification carefully, and when completing your Application describe and provide evidence of your knowledge, skills and experience in terms of those particular items. Selection will be based on the criteria below. Qualifications 1. CCAB qualified accountant 2. Degree level education Knowledge, Skills and Experience 3. Middle or senior financial and staff management experience 4. Up-to-date and thorough knowledge of accounting standards with excellent technical application of accounting knowledge and experience of producing annual financial accounts 5. Up-to-date and sound knowledge of VAT 6. Experience in establishing and maintaining financial systems and procedures 7. Experience in budgeting and management accounting in a large and complex organisation 8. Experience in using Microsoft computer packages, particularly Excel & Word to an intermediate level 9. Experience in treasury and cash management 10. Experience in procurement management and supplier tendering 11. Experience and understanding of Finance IT systems 12. Substantial experience of presentation of financial information 13. Able to work well with non-finance professionals 14. Able to demonstrate oral and written communication excellence, with ability to produce financial management information which is clear, concise and effective 15. Influencing and persuasion skills with the ability to handle complex or controversial issues 16. Ability to coach and develop colleagues and delegate accountability to encourage staff 17. Good planner with analytical and problem solving ability 18. Sound understanding and commitment to Equality and Diversity, Safeguarding (including Prevent), and Health and Safety