Role Title: Finance Director Full time. 36.25 hours per week Salary: Band 7, (27052 - 29,236 p.a.

Typically reports to Headteacher

Purpose of the role (job statement) The effective and efficient execution of this role must enable the teaching staff and the Senior Management Team to give the very best of what Stretford High School offers to children. The main purpose of the role is to make the best use of resources through effective strategic financial planning: To be responsible for the efficient and prudent management of school funds through the provision of a comprehensive and accurate financial management service. The post holder will report directly to the Headteacher and will line manage a Finance Manager and Finance Clerk. Principal Responsibilities The person appointed, in addition to carrying out key duties particularly assigned by the Headteacher, shalla/ To assist in the implementation of the aims and objectives of the school. b/ To maintain and develop the ethos and character of the school in accordance with the directions given by the c/ Governors and subject to direction given by the Headteacher. d/ To ensure efficient operation of School Financial Systems. e/ To take part in the Schools Performance Management system for personal development, to evidence performance and engage in training that will develop the effectiveness of the role. f/ To carry out any other duties commensurate with the grading of the post as directed by the Headteacher. g/ As a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) the post holder will: 1. Provide clear information, advice, financial analysis, modelling and benchmarking to guide the Governors, Headteacher and SMT; Ensuring that there are rigorous processes and controls in place to enable the school to meet its annual operating plan and its regulatory and statutory obligations, including maintaining appropriate systems of budgetary control and approval. 2. Make effective recommendations regarding the strategic development of service support, utilisation of the schools assets and business activities to ensure the best possible learning environment/outcomes for students. 3. Have a strategic responsibility of all financial services within the school 4. Ensure the school makes the best possible use of resources through effective planning, considering all financial and other resource implications 5. Ensure an effective link between the schools financial plan and the annual school development plan - necessary to ensure compliance with all financial and other regulations 6. Supporting the Headteacher in maintaining financial management systems consistent with the ethos of the school, that drive excellence in teaching standards and support the attainment of childrens educational and pastoral priorities. including relevant professional learning opportunities 7. Maintain an understanding of current initiatives which would have an impact on the school and plan for and implement new initiatives 8. Adapting the annual budget and operating plan to each years intake without losing sight of the long term strategy and direction of the school; 9. Managing the stewardship of schools assets over the long term, consistent with the schools strategic development plan, including anticipating the financial planning for major capital programmes within the overall capital and reserves of the school; 10. Taking a commercial and business approach to the provision of all services through appropriate tendering of services and balancing service, quality, standards and cost; The postholder is entitled to a break of reasonable length in the course of each school day.

Additional Specific Responsibilities Income Generation, marketing and liaison Using commercial flair, promote and market the school to a variety of audiences to raise the profile through a media marketing plan with the local/wider community and seek and secure sponsorship. Identify potential funding sources and liaise with funding agencies to secure further funding growth for the school Maximise income generation within the ethos of the school, advising on and managing school investments. Ensure best value principles are adopted Act as point of contact with central and other agencies with regard to grant applications, gifts and other donations Ensure effective liaison with other schools and for the schools strategic partners (LCCC, MUFC, TCLT), for example by linking to a learning network and accessing training on a group basis to reduce costs and/or improve accessibility Ensure effective liaison with all interested parties and agencies involved in delivering successful extended school services Liaise with local businesses for fundraising, arranging vocational experiences and joint projects To assess the pipeline of demand each year from initial visits to the school, to the number of conversions. To perform supporting analysis to understand where the best source of feeder schools is, and if there is a fall in intake year on year whether these represent trends or patterns against which corrective actions can be taken. Financial Planning, Management and Reporting Prepare the schools three year financial plan and a detailed annual budget of approximately 5 million Provide detailed management accounts for the budget holders, governors and Principal and report on the financial state of the school according to an agreed schedule, reporting immediately any exceptional problems Set objectives for financial management and service support to monitor progress and advise on any necessary remedial actions or VAT/fund recovery. Use financial management information, especially benchmarking tools, to analyse trends and identify opportunities for greater efficiency Prepare the financial reports estimates and completion of financial returns as required by the Governing Body and any relevant bodies and ensure consistency in financial reporting. To develop, monitor and maintain all accounting procedures and resolve any problems including: ordering, processing, payment for goods and services provided to the School; operation of bank accounts, ensuring that regular full reconciliation is undertaken; maintaining and assets register; preparation of invoices and collection of fees and other dues, taking legal action where necessary to recover bad debts. To maintain/provide a comprehensive payroll service for all School staff, including operation of the various pension schemes and other deductions in which the School participates. To deal with the schools rating assessment and VAT liabilities, and advise on the financial implications of charitable status with respect to the current and any future tax legislation. Prepare all financial returns for the DfE, LA, and other central/local government agencies within statutory deadlines. To be responsible for sales and purchases, lettings and business activities Ensure the school receives value for money. Finance and Managing Resources Develop appropriate financial regulations and work with budget holders to ensure compliance, providing training and monitoring for academic budget holders where necessary. Devise appropriate accounting procedures to ensure the effective operation of financial controls within the school Prepare and maintain the school risk register. Review and maintain the schools statutory financial policies. Develop and implement the schools financial and service support policies, systems and procedures Ensure the school meets all its financial obligations Advise governors and the Headteacher on audit arrangements as required by financial regulations Liaise with auditors, facilitate all audit arrangements and implement audit requirements Ensure staff pay services are operated effectively, including ensuring any tax obligations are discharged

correctly and effectively Prepare, implement and monitor the operation of policies concerning buying and ordering of all school supplies and services Prepare annual costed staffing plans and salary statements for approval by the Governing Body Bids and contracts Secure bid-based competitive funds by effective use of bidding systems and contacts. Negotiate, manage, monitor contracts, tenders and agreements for the provision of services to the school. Purchase, either directly or indirectly, the schools energy supplies. Arrange school facilities to include: catering, transport, including minibuses and drivers, bookings for school facilities (not sports), cleaning services, grounds maintenance, ICT Seek professional advice on insurance and advise the governors on the appropriate insurances for the school. Implement the approved insurances, and handle any claims that arise. Ensure the school holds the necessary licences and permissions and ensure their relevance and timeliness. Implement and maintain systems to facilitate the electronic transfer of funds and payments. Indicative qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience Knowledge and skills; E: Experience of working as part of a team E: Experience of managing others E: Understanding of and commitment to equal opportunities ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation. E: Strong Literacy and Numeracy Skills enabling the candidate to communicate effectively to different audiences both orally and in writing including the ability to promote the image of the school. E: Evidence of effective organisational skills. E: Experience of using FMS6, SIMS Finance E: Knowledge of safeguarding requirements. E: Full knowledge of the requirements of the Schools Financial Value Standard. Ability to manage, motivate, support and inspire trust in others. Competent user of ICT, including spreadsheets Ability to formulate, monitor, evaluate and review plans and policies.

Qualifications and experience; Essential-E Desirable - D E: Education to degree level or equivalent. E: Significant financial responsibility in either industry/commerce/public sector or education. E: Trained in the preparation and presentation of financial statements. D: Certificate of School Business Management E: Experience of negotiating contracts. D: Experience in a school environment or working with schools. D: Experience of training groups of people D: Appropriate Health and Safety qualifications or experience.

Personal qualities. Ability to work well under pressure. Problem solving skills to address complex issues. Commitment to the aims and ethos of the school. Enthusiasm, self motivation, hardwork, flexibility and the desire to be innovative. Flexibility, adaptability and a willingness to be involved with change. A commitment to further training and a willingness to participate in the relevant CPD and lead appropriate training. A total commitment to issues of confidentiality. Willingness to be engaged in partnership and community activities. A positive approach to challenges, which seeks solutions to problems and addresses difficulties. Sets challenging targets and builds team spirit.

To be prepared to work flexibly outside school hours; IE Governors Meetings The ability to support young people in a school environment, form and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries with children and young people. J Haseldine

JD Created September 2012