Are you looking for a new job within a business who cares about your career, wellbeing and development? Yes

Are you a qualified ACA or ACCA or CIMA accounting professional? Yes

Then this may be the job for you!

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Finance Operations Lead for a well-established education trust in the Swindon area that offers great benefits. You will oversee and strengthen the finance operations across the Trust. Reporting into CFO, you will oversee the day-to-day running of the finance department, providing visible and professional leadership. This is a key leadership role for someone who thrives in a busy, fast-paced environment and can balance operational delivery with strategic financial planning.

Main Duties:

• To oversee day-to-day management of the finance team.
• To ensure that the finance team has the relevant capacity, skills, knowledge and focus to adapt to the evolving needs of the Trust.
• To oversee month end processes, adjustments, reconciliations and preparation of consolidated management accounts in a timely manner.
• To work with the Chief Financial Officer to develop, plan and embed financial management practices, policies and controls that reflect best practice and promote due diligence.
• To work with the Chief Financial Officer to ensure that budgets and targets are set, implemented, monitored and measured against.
• To ensure the department complies with best practice and legal requirements in respect of all accounting processes, statutory compliance, internal control framework, HMRC and pension regulations.
• To maintain the integrity of finance systems, ensuring compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook, internal and external audit requirements, VAT regulations and Trust finance policies.
• To support in the preparation of statutory financial accounts including DfE, HMRC and VAT returns, ensuring areas of risk are effectively escalated and deadlines are achieved.
• To ensure accurate, complete and compliant financial records across the Trust.
• To manage bank arrangements across the Trust.
• To ensure suppliers are paid in line with payment terms.
• To complete cash flow forecasting on a monthly basis.
• To support the Chief Financial Officer in the conversion process of new schools.
• To work in collaboration with other departments to ensure that the correct financial processes are followed.
• To keep up to date with financial developments across the education sector.

The ideal candidate will be fully qualified ACA or ACCA or CIMA and have strong operational finance leadership experience. Demonstrates excellent technical knowledge and financial control expertise. Can lead and develop teams effectively and is highly organised, proactive and solutions focused. Can communicate complex financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders and thrives in a collaborative, multi-site environment.

This is an integral role for our client, and they are looking to interview people as soon as possible.  If you are interested in this role and would like to hear more and potentially be submitted, please apply now and we can arrange a call.