Finance Director

Purpose of Job:

To lead and manage all of the College’s financial affairs in accordance with the College’s Mission and values.

Accountability to:

The Principal

Line Management Responsibility for:

The College’s Finance Team, (Assistant Finance Director, Senior Finance Officer, 2.5 x Finance Assistants), and other departments as appropriate.

Membership of:

College Management Team.

Key Outcomes:

  • Financial Security and Resilience.
  • A well-informed and confident Corporation.
  • A well-informed and confident College Management Team.
  • An effective integrated Finance Team.
  • Clarity among the whole staff of the College about the College’s use of finances.
  • Staff and students who feel supported by the Finance team.
  • Effective implementation of the College’s quality assurance and self-assessment systems in relation to finances.

Specific Responsibilities:

  • Day-to-day management of the College’s financial systems that will include:

-Preparing the 3–5 year financial forecasts and plans.

-Raising financial awareness across the College about the use of financial procedures, including business planning.

  • Strategic financial planning and budgetary control, including the development and maintenance of a comprehensive budget model covering income and expenditure, balance sheet and cash forecasts.
  • Preparation of monthly management and annual statutory reports as required by the Principal, the Governing Body and external funding agencies.
  • The provision of clear financial information and reports for all budget holders necessary to ensure achievement of the College’s objectives.
  • Ensuring that all financial practices are organised efficiently and effectively and are fully documented to withstand external scrutiny from auditors and others.
  • Timely and accurate statutory returns.
  • Internal auditing of financial systems.
  • Investment management of surplus funds including negotiation of facilities with banks.
  • Maintenance of a fixed asset and property register, including plans, registers and valuation of land, buildings and equipment.
  • Provision of advice on financial policies and strategies relating to the management of refectory services, external hiring of College premises, fees and special projects.
  • Preparation of appropriate papers for presentation to meetings of Governors, Audit Committee and Finance and Premises Committee.
  • Management of student travel contracts and related finances.
  • Such other duties as may reasonably be required and are commensurate with the post.

Person Specification

Qualifications/Attainments:

The successful candidate should possess:

  • An appropriate accountancy qualification (desirable).
  • An appropriate management qualification (desirable).

Experience/Knowledge:

The successful candidate will have:

  • Successful financial management experience at an appropriate level in a college, local authority or complex business enterprise, (essential), and experience of working in the FE sector, including knowledge of EFA/SFA funding and/or other funding opportunities (desirable).
  • Substantial experience of using and managing computerised management information systems. (essential)
  • Experience of successful income generation.(desirable)
  • Experience ofapplyingfor, or knowledge of applicable funding streams. (essential)

Personal Skills/Attitudes:

  • Excellent management and leadership skills and the ability to contribute to the strategic direction of the College.
  • The ability to initiate and develop creative but workable strategies to maximise College performance and secure a sound financial position.
  • Excellent team-working skills, including the ability to lead others with energy and enthusiasm.
  • The ability to provide an environment in which others feel inspired, engaged and motivated.
  • Excellent organisational skills, including the ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines.
  • The ability to accurately interpret complex information and recommend sound, well-considered decisions and judgements in the light of this.
  • The ability to communicate effectively with all staff, stakeholders and a wide ranging audience, encouraging confidence withinall levels of the organisation.
  • The ability to identify and overcome challenges offering workable and well thought out solutions.
  • A strong sense of ownership of College wide financial management.
  • A willingness to undergo further personal and professional development.
  • The ability to promote equality and diversity throughout all aspects of College life, including employment and service delivery.

Benefits

The College is set on a beautiful 25 acre site, where parking is free to all staff; free sports centre membership and discounted Central Studio tickets are also available. A staff room and lunch facility isoffered with complimentary tea and coffee provided daily.

Contractual Details

Salary:Circa £56,000 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a permanent appointment. Salaries are paid on the last working day of each calendar month.

Working hours:You will be required to work such hours as are reasonably necessary for the proper performance of your duties and responsibilities, normally 37 per week.

Holiday entitlement:You will be entitled to 35 days annual leave in each holiday year, additional Bank and Public holidays normally and up to three days for closure during the Christmas period.Specific dates will be subject the requirements of the business.

Other terms

and conditions:The successful candidate will have the choice of whether or not to join the

local Government Superannuation Scheme. (LGPS)

All College staff are required to apply for a DBS Disclosure.

Any offer of employment will be conditional upon a satisfactory Disclosure, satisfactory references and a six-month probationary period.

Staff are entitled to the benefits of the nationally agreed sickness and maternity leave schemes.The College operates a no smoking policy.

QMC is an exempt charity /