School Business Manager

We Manage Jobs(WMJobs); Warwick; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

We Manage Jobs(WMJobs) is seeking a School Business Manager to lead financial operations and supporting governance at a primary/secondary school. The post reports to the Headteacher and includes line management of the Finance Assistant.

You will oversee three budgets, manage accounting procedures, prepare estimates and reports for Governors, and support budget setting with proactive financial stewardship. A strong understanding of GDPR and safeguarding is expected.

Qualifications

• Experience managing school or public sector budgets and financial reporting.
• Ability to prepare costings, manage income/expenditure and reports for Governors.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, GDPR and audit processes is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Take lead on developing management information systems and appropriate software.
• Manage three school budgets and oversee accounting functions and year-end closes.
• Prepare annual estimates, monitor budgets and report financial state to Governors.
• Advise on budget setting, monitor spending and provide finance routines.
• Prepare financial returns for the authority and liaise with auditors.
• Oversee procurement, invoicing, payments and reconciling bank accounts.
• Ensure grant applications, gifts and donations are handled appropriately.
• Coordinate health and safety, premises issues and facilities management.
• Manage letting of school premises and liaise with Diocese/LA on major issues.
• Support GDPR compliance, information requests and audits.
• Contribute to safeguarding culture and school-wide communications.

Skills

Budget management

Financial reporting

Staff supervision

Education

Degree in Finance/Business Admin or equivalent

Tools

Accounting software

Job description

Job Description for School Business Manager

JEID REF: S0061

POST LEVEL: Band I

Reporting Relationships The School Business Manager will report to the Headteacher and will be responsible for line managing the Finance Assistant, including performance management, work allocation and supervision.

Financial and Budgetary

• Manage three separate school budgets on the financial system, including the main school budget, the pre-school budget and the budget for Barford Bright Stars (wrap-around care for children before and after school).
• Manage and ensure efficient operation of the school's accounting function according to agreed procedures;
• Oversee and manage the preparation of annual estimates and regular reports on income and expenditure, monitor accounts against budgets and report on the financial state of the school to the Governors;
• Advise on and support the school's budget setting and monitoring, ensuring effective spending;
• Prepare costings in order that decisions on the composition of the final budget can be made;
• Provide financial management information to and the Head Teacher and other senior leaders on request;
• Provide clear income and expenditure reports on pupil premium and sports funding;
• Manage and oversee the monitoring all accounting procedures and resolve any problems, including ordering, processing and payment for all goods and services, the operation and regular reconciliation of bank accounts, preparation of invoices, collection of fees, recovery of bad debts.
• Prepare financial returns for DCSF, LA and other agencies within statutory deadlines.
• Close down accounts and liaise with WCC Audit or external auditors.
• Act as the point of contact with regard to grant applications, gifts and other donations;
• Ensure the effective management of finance routines and systems, instituting changes as necessary;

Management Information

• Take a lead role in developing management information systems and the use of appropriate software, ensuring their appropriate implementation and maintenance;

Infrastructure Management

• Liaise with LA and Diocese on major property or structural issues.
• Manage the letting of school premises to outside bodies, including publicity to maximise income.
• Manage site security, site maintenance and the efficient operation of all facilities, including liaison with caretaking staff;
• Oversee purchase, repair and maintenance of furniture and fittings;
• Manage the purchase of all equipment, books and general supplies ensuring that they are obtained from the most cost-effective source in line with school requirements;
• Oversee the school's physical resources, liaising with the Diocese as necessary regarding premises issues;
• Liaise with officers of the School Trust regarding school infrastructure and resources needs;
• Provide management support with regard to all school health and safety requirements and premises issues;
• Oversee and manage cleaning and caretaking contracts and any staffing issues arising;

GDPR

• Manage and develop where necessary the school's systems for supporting compliance with GDPR, including the GDPR database, ensuring up to date staff training and development, responding to information requests and dealing with regular audits.
• Respond to Subject Access Requests and liaise with all parties to fulfil such requests.

General

• Contribute to establishing and maintaining a culture of safeguarding children;
• Promote and market the school and secure funding/sponsorship
• Attend and participate in meetings as appropriate, including all INSET days.