Finance Director
Information for candidates Finance Director
Message from the Headteacher
Dear Candidate
Thank you for your interest in the Finance Director post at Wyedean School and Sixth Form Centre.
“Management is doing things right. Leadership is doing the right things” Peter Drucker
Wyedean is a “Good” school located in Gloucestershire, enviably sited close to the border with Monmouthshire in the beautiful Wye Valley and Royal Forest of Dean. It is a wonderful place to work, teach, learn and thrive.
We are seeking to appoint a dynamic and leading professional who will work as a key part of the Leadership Team to ensure educational aims and services are delivered to the highest standards. The Finance Director we are looking for will be able to:
help secure the very best C21st learning experience and outcomes for all students at Wyedean School manage resources within Wyedean School efficiently, effectively and sensitively demonstrate leadership and management decision-making skills contributing fully to the leadership team as we take this school forward as a high performing school in the South West undertake financial management strategies that will support Wyedean’s curriculum and learning development understand the political, economic, social, legal and technical environment in which Wyedean operates. understand the nature of schooling in the C21st. contribute new developments and skills in the Leadership Team and the wider school
I hope that you will want to apply for this demanding but exciting role. Attached please find more information about the job and recruitment process. I look forward to receiving your application.
Yours sincerely
Rob Ford Headteacher
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Key Facts and Statistics about our School
Type of School Academy
Age range 11-18
Location Sedbury, Gloucestershire NP16 7AA
Denomination Non-denominational
Co-educational or single sex Co-educational
Number on roll 944 (October 2015)
Attendance (2014/15) 95%
Date school established 1973
Number of teaching staff 63 FTE
Number of support staff 60.4 FTE
Newly qualified teachers 2
% of students on pupil premium 18%
% of students on FSM 6%
% of students with EAL 1.9% 5 A*-C including English and Maths = 59% Key Stage 4 results Value added score = 1022.18 Progress 8 = +0.2 Attainment 8 = 5.1(C) ALPS A-Level grade = 2 ALPS AS grade = 2 Key Stage 5 results ALPS BTEC grade = 3 A-Level A*-B = 62% A-Level A*-E = 99% University admissions 2015 69
Number in Sixth Form 192 Last OFSTED inspection – November Good 2014
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Job Description
TITLE: Finance Director GRADE: NJC 50-56 HOURS OF WORK: Full time POST STATUS: Permanent COMMENCING: Monday 22nd February 2016 or by negotiation subject to your current notice period
Core purpose:
To be responsible and accountable for both the day to day management and strategic development of the school’s finances and key elements of the support staff. To lead on and develop the finance strategy, working closely with the Finance, HR, Administration and Office teams to ensure a proactive approach to maximising the best use of resources and to ensure a balanced budget through leadership of the school’s income generation plan. To support the school’s ambition to be at the centre of educational innovation and training and secure the external funding to achieve this ambition. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team the Finance Director will make a significant contribution to the growth and development of the school.
Key relationships:
The post holder will be accountable to the Governing Body, be line managed and responsible to the Headteacher and will have contact with managers and staff internally along with external organisations, stakeholders, legislative bodies and others.
Specific responsibilities:
1. Financial Strategy
1.1 Provide strategic leadership, direction and management, ensuring high financial standards and viability and the development of systems appropriate to an Academy.
1.2 Maintain a strategic financial plan and robust financial management of the school’s activities and assets. In consultation with the Headteacher, Responsible Officer and Governing Body, ensure that the financial plan indicates trends and requirements of the School Improvement Plan (SIP) and forecasts future year budgets.
1.3 Be responsible for budget modelling, drawing up base budgets, provisional budgets and final budget, and providing financial information, training, and advice to the Headteacher, Responsible Officer and Governing Body.
1.4 Ensure Wyedean School meets the requirements of the financial standards pertaining to Academies, and prepare the statutory annual accounts and financial reports.
1.5 Manage all school finances in line with EFA financial regulations and the requirements of the audit.
1.6 Prepare and monitor the school budget.
1.7 Perform the role of Company Secretary to the Academy Governing Board and provide financial advice, information and analysis to the Headteacher/SLT and act as the interface between the SLT and the Board on financial and business matters.
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1.8 Establish internal financial procedures which comply with all statutory aspects of company law and be responsible for submitting accounts to Companies House on an annual basis.
1.9 Co-ordinate signing off of the annual documents with Companies House and the Charity Commission.
1.10 Manage, in collaboration with appropriate staff, relevant contracts including negotiations of all new contracts ensuring that consistent and effective contracting arrangements are maintained.
1.11 Keep abreast of financial and legal developments across the Educational Sector, notably in relation to the Academies Sector.
1.12 To liaise with relevant government funding agencies to ensure the school receives its full allocation and to inform financial planning.
1.13 Produce financial reports and budgets for the SLT and Governors’ Resources, Strategic and Full Governing Body Committees, focusing on future years’ projections, local and national benchmarking and best value.
1.14 Ensure best value in the acquisition of all services and resources through effective procurement.
1.15 Prepare information for statistical and other returns for the EFA, DfE and other agencies within statutory guidelines, and liaise with them as necessary.
1.16 Manage the ordering, processing and payment of all goods and services and be responsible for an asset register.
1.17 Maintain records to meet legal and tax requirements and to measure both the inputs and the outcomes of Wyedean School’s operations as an Academy.
1.18 Provide accounting services for use by managers in planning and controlling their work – this includes financial accounting, management accounting, forecasting, budgeting and control systems.
1.19 Plan and manage cash flow and investment activity to meet the needs of the SIP and in consultation with the Headteacher and Governing Body.
1.20 Manage the maintenance of all financial accounts in accordance with regulations as an Academy and ensure the provision of regular reports to all budget holders.
1.21 Create and regularly review a finance manual which takes into account the latest legislation and guidance for Academies.
1.22 Advise all staff on correct financial procedures through the delivery of in house training on resource management.
1.23 Responsible for ensuring compliance with all Tax and VAT requirements.
1.24 Responsible for the management of cash on behalf of the Trust.
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2. Income Generation and Management of Commercial Activities of the School
2.1 To identify additional sources of income for the school (including maximising revenue from the commercial use of the school’s assets; accessing grants from public, charitable and private bodies and establishing partnerships as appropriate.
2.2 Take a lead responsibility in the management of income generation, including school lettings and other fundraising initiatives.
2.3 To plan, prioritise and deliver bids, proposals and projects, as required to access the additional sources of income identified. To be responsible for taking the lead on this, working in conjunction with the Headteacher and other colleagues as appropriate.
2.4 To research all local, national and international opportunities for grant funding and financial partnership working that might allow for improvement to any part of the school buildings, site or provision and to make appropriate bids and approaches.
2.5 To investigate grant funding sources to support green energy options for the school.
2.6 Develop a community services’ strategy, be entrepreneurial in maximising income and produce an annual development and funding plan to reflect strategic priorities.
3. Community, Partnerships and Marketing
3.1 Develop and liaise with partners to promote and facilitate extended services.
3.2 Work with new and existing partners to promote the use of the school site in the evenings, at weekends and in the holidays.
3.3 Contribute to Wyedean School’s place and profile in the local and wider community.
4. Leadership and Line Management
4.1 To manage and provide leadership for the effective management and development of key elements of the school’s support staff.
4.2 Recruit, retain, deploy and develop relevant support staff to achieve the vision and goals of Wyedean School.
4.3 To contribute to whole school leadership as a Senior Support Staff member of the school’s Senior Leadership Team (SLT).
4.4 To be a role model of professional leadership promoting teamwork and motivating staff to ensure effective working relationships.
4.6 To be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, safeguarding and safe working practices.
4.7 To be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to equal opportunities, health and safety, security, confidentiality and data protection.
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4.8 With the AHT-Curriculum to ensure that the curriculum is fully costed, affordable and reflected in the financial plans of the school.
5. Personnel and Payroll Management
5.1 To provide support to the Headteacher in aspects of personnel management as required
5.2 To lead and be responsible for SAGE-in house payroll for around 250 staff as well as to be responsible for Pension administration – Teachers’ Pension and Local Government Pensions Schemes. To lead on personnel, payroll and legal services and to manage staff and any contracts established in order to ensure value for money and effective support provided for the Headteacher and the Governing Body.
5.3 To oversee the effective management of payroll services.
5.4 Ensure effective update and implementation of HR policies and procedures.
5.5 Design, maintain and review effective administration processes.
5.6 Maintain an effective performance management process for relevant support staff dealing effectively with any poor performance issues.
5.7 Ensure appropriate coaching support and guidance is available to new and existing staff
6. Communication and Organisation
6.1 Represent the Headteacher at appropriate meetings as required.
6.2 Create and maintain good working relationships among all members of the school community.
6.3 Contribute to established partnership working and lead on new business partnerships.
6.4 Attend Governor Resources, Staffing, Strategic and full governing body meetings, SLT meetings, and other meeting as appropriate.
6.5 Company Secretary and advisor to the Governing body (Academy Board and the Governors).
6.6 Review and update school policies in consultation with the SLT and Governors, and communicate to all concerned.
6.7 Ensure staff meet high standards of work and conduct.
6.8 Undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade.
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General responsibilities:
~ Contribute to the leadership of Wyedean School as a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) ~ Work with the SLT and Governors to implement Wyedean School’s vision and values. ~ Ensure that Wyedean School, as an Academy, meets all its statutory and regulatory requirements. ~ Develop and lead on aspects of the School Improvement Plan (SIP). ~ Maintain a highly visible and professional profile within the school. ~ Seek opportunities, lead on marketing and develop partnerships that further the entrepreneurial arm of Wyedean School. ~ To seek out additional sources of income for the school
This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
“This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such all applicants who are appointed to this post will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau before the appointment is confirmed. This check will include details of cautions, reprimands or warnings as well as convictions and non- conviction information. Once provisionally appointed, the successful applicant may also be required to apply an Enhanced Disclosure at predetermined intervals during the course of their employment whilst in this post.”
Note: Wyedean School is designated a no smoking workplace, there is an expectation that staff maintain a professional dress code and that ID badges will be worn and will be on show.
Robert C Ford Headteacher December 2015
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Person Specification
Essential Desirable Evidence Recognised management /
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ki The ability to be creative and S innovative in finding solutions to problems. Be obstacle averse with a “can do” attitude welcoming challenge and change
Highly inspirational leader,
approachable and able to form positive relationships
Wyedean School and Sixth Form Centre Page 9 Finance Director
Essential Desirable Evidence
s Ability to think and act
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At least 3 years proven Financial Management / Bursar experience in a senior experience in a school or similar leadership and management environment role
Proven experience of leading and managing a number of Understanding of school and / or teams performing a range of education finance activities
Evidence of being a regular user
of financial data, setting budgets Experience of successfully writing
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Proven experience of Proven experience in developing managing complex projects to and implementing business plans time for a number of teams
Knowledge of educational policies and administration
Proven experience of planning,
monitoring and controlling resources
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Essential Desirable Evidence Track record of leading and
managing successful income m
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generation through a variety of w
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Ex Evidence of being able to Ap Work and Related Work andRelated improve and raise standards
Committed to the principles of Committed to developing inclusive education and equal partnerships and collaboration with opportunities other schools
Committed to the ethos of the school and wanting the very best for all learners
Committed to team work within all aspects of the school
Planned and organised approach
Proactive in terms of furthering
their professional knowledge and
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Tenacity, flexibility and the ability i l Pers to work professionally under p
pressure Ap Business acumen and flair
Confidence and competence in financial management
Ability to work accurately and
methodically with attention to detail Ability to work on own initiative and manage change
Committed, good humoured and calm
Commitment to further professional development
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How to Apply
Please complete in no more than 750 words a “Think Piece” on:
“How would you generate added income that positively impacts the learner and the school in the current education climate?”
and complete the Support Staff application form send both via email to:
Or by post to:
Mrs Melanie Dex-Davies PA to the Leadership Team Wyedean School and Sixth Form Centre Beachley Road Sedbury Chepstow Gloucestershire NP16 7AA
For further information, or to arrange a visit please contact Melanie Dex-Davies on: 01291 625340 or by email as above.
Closing date for applications: 12:00 noon on Monday 11th January 2016 Shortlisting: Tuesday 12th January 2016 Interviews: Wednesday 20th January 2016
Further information about our school can be found on our website: www.wyedean.gloucs.sch.uk
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