Birmingham - Finance Manager

About Our Client

Leigh Trust are an ambitious and growing MAT located in Birmingham, with 7 schools situated across the area and ambitious plans to expand their operations.

Job Description

Finance Manager Duties:

• Accurate and timely cash forecasts are prepared, with proactive management and regular reporting of the Trust's cash position to the COO, individual schools, and the Trust Board.
• Cash management is tightly controlled, including efficient invoice payment cycles and timely preparation of monthly bank reconciliations.
• Effective income collection procedures are maintained to minimise debt issues.
• Invoices are processed efficiently.
• The annual Trust budgets are prepared in collaboration with Finance Business Partners to ensure alignment with the Trust's strategic and financial objectives.
• Income and expenditure budgets across the Trust are monitored, with early warnings provided for any potential issues.
• Accurate and timely information is provided to support effective budgetary control, decision-making, and strategic planning.
• The Trust's procurement processes, including appropriate insurances, are managed and improved.
• Effective financial structures and controls are established to support robust financial management, with proper delegation of finance authorities.
• The Trust's accounts are maintained in accordance with the funding agreement, Academies Financial Handbook issued by the EFA, and the Trust's financial regulations and procedures. - Coordinating with both internal and external auditors to ensure their effective operation.
• Representing the CEO in financial matters with the funding body.
• Proactively managing the Trust's relationship with its bankers, ensuring efficient systems for accounting and funding procedures.
• Planning and coordinating tax and treasury management practices and policies, focusing on charitable status and cash management, including quarterly VAT recovery processing.
• Ensuring value for money across all Trust activities, including service delivery.
• Negotiating and monitoring contracts, agreements, and tenders across the schools.
• Supporting the maintenance of the Trust's risk register.
• Leading, managing, and developing staff within the finance function while promoting a strong customer service ethos and high professional standards. Ensuring the finance function collaborates effectively with other Trust functions.
• Continuously improving management and financial systems within the finance function.
• Ensuring robust and proportionate business continuity plans are in place for the finance function.
• Securing bid-based competitive funds through effective use of bidding systems and contacts.
• Assisting the COO with financial due diligence for potential new members of the Trust.

The Successful Applicant

The Successful Finance Manager will be:

• Professionally qualified (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent)
• Commercially astute with exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, capable of making decisions based on accurate and relevant analysis.
• Flexible in managing, planning, and executing daily, weekly, and monthly workloads in a busy environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and build relationships at all levels while working across multiple sites.
• Committed to providing the best possible service to staff and maintaining confidentiality.
• Skilled at balancing strategic planning with operational execution.

What's on Offer

In return you will receive:

• Comprehensive induction and a strong commitment to your professional development and career advancement.
• Access to the organisations Employee Assistance Program for you and your family members, including counselling, advice, and support through their dedicated provider.
• Support from a Wellbeing Champion and a Mental Health First Aider.
• Excellent pension scheme (local government).
• Flexible working opportunities.
• Opportunity to participate in the annual staff survey.
• An ambitious and dedicated Trust Executive Team