Job Description Finance Officer

GREAT CHART PRIMARY SCHOOL
Finance officer

RESPONSIBLE TO: / The HeadteacherReports to Line Manager (Admin & Finance Manager)
LINE MANAGER: / Administration & Finance Manager
JOB PURPOSE: / To provide efficient and effective day to day management of the Finance of the school.

Because of the changing nature of the role you play in the administration team in this school, your job description will inevitably change. You will, from time to time, be required to undertake other activities of a similar nature that fall within your capabilities as directed by management.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Working Time:
20hrs a week spread over 5 days x 40 weeks a year, including one week in school easter/summer holidays and 5 paid staff development days / 25 hours per week Monday - Friday
You will be paid for 40 working weeks per year plus holiday entitlement.
Salary / Kent Range7
Line Manager for / Finance Assistant/School Fund Officer

Responsibilities

The Finance Officer has a key planning and management role ensuring that financial resources are used to achieve best value in maintaining a high quality learning environment.

ACCOUNTABILITIES / KEY TASKS

Line Management & Communication

/ The postholder will report directly to the Administration & Finance Manager.
The postholder will be responsible for the efficient running of the school’s financial resources.
The postholder will act as line manager to:

Finance/School Fund Assistant and oversee the routine administration of the school's voluntary fund & Asset Register by the Finance/School Fund Assistant

The postholder will be required to communicate regularly with school staff, governors and LA officers.

Budget Management

/ Prepare for approval by the Headteacher and Governing Body, the annual and three year estimates of income and expenditure.
Reconcile and manage the school's delegated budget, including ordering goods and services, payment of invoices, raising invoices for reimbursement or recharging, checking and banking of income, petty cash transactions. Report any variations or discrepancies to the headteacher.
Prepare regular budget monitoring reports for the Headteacher and governing body, ensuring that the school’s financial procedures comply with Consistent Financial Reporting requirements.
Use benchmarking tools to identify current strengths and weaknesses and priorities action for improvement.
Checking and processing PTF Reports of salaries, supply teaching claims and staff extra hours claims.
Processing supply insurance claims, when Administration & Finance Manager has provided details of staff sickness.
Manage and monitor contracts and agreements for the provision of services.
Oversee the routine administration of the school's voluntary fund by the Finance/School Fund Assistant
Raise orders on the computer system, ensuring that value for money is being achieved.
Monitor records of deliveries to ensure that any outstanding items of ordered stock are effectively identified, and procedures adopted for following up incorrect deliveries.
Process invoices and pay bills.
Liaise with the Administration & Finance Manager regarding any SIMS Personnel Module queries which relate to salaries.
Operate the school’s petty cash system, including the monitoring of procedures and practices to ensure compliance with current regulations.
Premises and Equipment / To play a full role in the organisation and management of lettings to maximise income from out of hours use of facilities.
Manage projects delegated by the headteacher by obtaining quotations for resources for approval by the headteacher, Resources Team or Governing Body, as appropriate.

Financial Accountability

/ The postholder will be responsible for day to day management of a number of expenditure budgets.
The postholder will be responsible for monitoring and reporting on all budgets within the school and for bringing to the attention of the headteacher issues related to irregular spending or practices.
Formally reporting to governors and answering their queries about the school budget. Attending termly Governing Body Resources Team meetings

Security of Data

/ Maintain an efficient filing system for the storage of financial information. Ensure the security of the administrative and financial data held on the school computer network.
Provide data for legitimate purposes as required within the terms of current data protection legislation.
General Clerical Duties / Attend meetings of Governing Body Resources Team.
Undertake any other administrative or clerical tasks required by the line manager.

NECESSARY SKILLS

Excellent inter-personal and communication skills to deal appropriately and effectively with colleagues, governors, parents and pupils.
Good level of education up to GCSE standards or equivalent, with strong literacy and Numeracy skills.
Two years experience in a financial role.
High level of computer literacy, including word processing essential. Good knowledge of software such as MS Word, Excell, Outlook and SIMS.Net.
Experience of using computerised accounting packages such as SIMS FMS and Tucasi.
Minimum of five years’ experience within an office environment, preferably within education.
Flexible approach to duties and ability to act on own initiative.

Able to work efficiently, flexibly and accurately under pressure and to demanding deadlines.

The particular duties may be reviewed at the end of each academic year, or earlier if necessary, to meet the changing demands of the school at the reasonable discretion of the Headteacher and following consultation with you.

Postholder Date: / Administration & Finance Manager Date: