Head of Finance

Michael Page; Haywards Heath; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable educational institution in Mid Sussex is seeking a Head of Finance to oversee financial operations. The ideal candidate will manage budgets, ensure compliance with financial regulations, and lead the finance team. Competitive salary of £50,000 to £60,000, along with generous holidays and benefits, awaits the right professional. Join a mission-driven organization making a positive impact in education.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous holiday allowance

Free lunches

Use of gym and swimming pool

Job security and stability

Qualifications

• CIMA, ACCA qualification or equivalent required.
• Strong Excel, Outlook, and Word skills.
• Experience with integrated financial systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Produce monthly management accounts with variance analysis.
• Implement new accounting system and ensure data accuracy.
• Manage quarterly VAT returns and liaise with HMRC.
• Supervise 3 finance assistants, conducting appraisals.

Skills

Recently qualified CIMA, ACCA or equivalent

Good working knowledge of MS packages Excel, Outlook, Word

Experience with integrated nominal ledger and sales ledger system

Excellent communication skills

Attention to detail

Job description

Head of Finance required for a happy and vibrant day and boarding school based in Mid Sussex.

Client Details

This organisation operates within the not-for-profit sector and is a well-established medium-sized entity. It is committed to delivering its mission through effective financial management and a focus on operational excellence.

Description

Monthly production and distribution of management accounts to include a variance analysis following a 5-day month end close

Monthly production of balance sheet control account reconciliations. Prompt investigation of any reconciling items

To review coding in the nominal ledger and perform journal entries as required, keeping a monthly journal file for review

Production of monthly department budget reports, distribution to budget holders and communication to the Bursar of any overspends

Assistance with the creation of the annual budget and reforecasts, including cash flow analysis

To implement the new accounting system, in collaboration with the Group Financial Controller, ensuring smooth and accurate transfer of data. Ensure Group reports are accurate and provided on a timely basis.

Guide the department away from paper-based records towards electronic record keeping

Assist with the preparation of the Statutory Accounts Lead schedules and annual external audit process, preparing information for the auditors and uploading onto their Inflo portal.

Manage the quarterly VAT returns and processing of the VAT annual adjustment. Liaise with HMRC and external professional advisers to ensure accurate VAT processing and reporting. Maintain the register of assets for CGS calculations

Update and produce termly pupil fee invoices ensuring all charges are correctly posted to the parent accounts. Reconcile the termly fee bill run to the nominal ledger posting

Administer parent accounts information to ensure billing information is correct

Manage credit control to ensure all parent accounts are paid promptly, produce follow up letters and promptly report outstanding balances to the Bursar on a monthly basis

Set up and manage monthly direct debit payments

Supervisory Responsibility for 3 Finance assistants, including their annual appraisal and development

To oversee the management of the fixed asset register, ensure depreciation is charged monthly to the nominal ledger and any additions or disposals are correctly accounted for. To ensure new assets are correctly tagged and warranties held where appropriate

To oversee the purchase ledger function, ensuring internal controls are adhered to and supplier payment runs are effected twice per month.

• Oversee the purchasing of consumables for payments via the company credit card. Monthly reconciliation of credit card account to authorised receipts

Profile

Recently qualified CIMA, ACCA or equivalent

Good working knowledge of MS packages Excel, Outlook, Word

Experience of working with an integrated nominal ledger and sales ledger system

Excellent communication skills

Diligent approach to tasks

A warm and professional manner

Attention to detail

Loyalty, tact, enthusiasm and flexibility

Job Offer

• Competitive salary ranging from £50,000 to £60,000 per annum.
• Generous holiday allowance.
• Opportunity to work within the not-for-profit sector in Mid Sussex
• Be part of a team committed to making a positive impact.
• Free lunches and use of gym and swimming pool
• Permanent contract providing job security and stability.

If you are an experienced professional looking to take the next step in your accounting and finance career, we encourage you to apply for the role of Head of Finance today.