The Purpose of the Role
Support the Director of Finance in providing accounting services to the College in a timely and secure manner, observing statutory regulations. Overseeing the day-to-day running of the Finance Department ensuring that the main accounting records (Payroll, Fees, Purchase Ledger, Fixed Assets, Nominal Ledger, Cash Books) for the College and Marlborough College Enterprise Ltd (MCEL) are maintained on a timely, accurate and consistent basis and that the work-flow through the department is optimised.
Preparing monthly management accounts for the College and overseeing the preparation of management accounts for MCEL. Preparing annual statutory accounts for the College and MCEL, overseeing the preparation of the statutory accounts for Marlborough Mound Trust and Marlburian Club plus assisting with the consolidation of the Marlborough College Malaysia (MCM) accounts.
Key Responsibilities
The Finance Manager is responsible for overseeing the day to day running of the Finance Department ensuring that all activities are run and co-ordinated in an efficient and timely manner. This includes:
Financial
• Responsible for managing the budgets of delegated budget holders, preparing accurate records and regularly reviewing with budget holders their performance to date
• Flagging up potential areas of overspend to the Director of Finance and devising solutions for recovery.
• Ensuring the smooth operation of the accounting systems (ie SAGE, Feemaster, Bottom Line etc), including the shop, Crosby & Lawrence.
• Preparing monthly accruals and prepayments and analysis of accounts.
• Preparation and posting of Nominal Ledger journals.
• Assist the Director of Finance in producing the monthly management accounts, cash flow and debtor analysis for both the College and trading subsidiary.
• Overseeing the production of an accurate payroll on a monthly basis and ensuring the College adheres to HMRC rules.
• Provide salary analysis and reports for both Finance and HR Directors.
• Ensuring that all ledger-holders complete their month-end tasks appropriately and that all relevant information is received and processed in a timely manner.
• Ensuring that the accounts are accurate to Balance Sheet level and that all unusual variances and movements can be explained.
• Maintaining suitable records to the satisfaction of the College Auditors.
• Maintain the accounting system, including budget holders to ensuring efficient approval of purchase invoices for approval.
• Providing timely and accurate finance and accounting information, including analysis of variances and recommendations for rectification actions as required.
• Oversight of the fee billing system, including termly billing, monthly billing and direct debit collections.
• Assistance with the completion of annual census’, including Department for Education, ISC.
• Ensure reconciliations of all codes and sub ledgers are regularly carried out.
• Ensure adequate and appropriate policies and procedures are put into place throughout the College to maintain financial integrity.
• Preparation and submission of VAT returns for the College using partial exemption, and the trading subsidiary.
• Reviewing and authorising weekly BACS and monthly Payroll and direct debits..
External contacts:
• Act as the initial point of escalation for fee recovery matters, including direct communication with parents and fee payers regarding outstanding balances. This may involve managing sensitive conversations around financial difficulties
• Maintenance of a close working relationship with our external debt recovery agencies.
• Ensuring preparation of timely returns to HMRC, Teachers’ Pension Scheme, Prudential & the Support Staff pension provider and liaison with those bodies to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Ensure the preparation and submission of Teachers Pension EoYC, including liaison with auditors to ensure audit report is provided to Scheme on an annual basis.
• Maintenance of a close working relationships with the College bankers.
• First line supervision of the Finance staff.
• Prepare declarations for the Personal Absence Insurance Scheme and communicate directly with the provider.
Staff Management
• Directly responsible for 9 members of staff, including Payroll, Fees Ledger, Purchase Ledger, MC Enteprises Ltd
• Conducting the team's annual appraisals
• Ensure all financial policies are followed within the department.
• Ensure financial policies and procedures are disseminated through the school and adhered to by staff.
• Manage staff queries on salaries, pensions and budgets.
• Attendance at suitable training days and representing the College at finance forums and seminars.
Other Tasks
• Assist Providing ad hoc analysis and information as required.
• Assisting the Director of Finance on projects and day-to day operations.
• Preparation of various statistical and independent schools based surveys.
• Reviewing staff expenses, ensuring compliance with HMRC.
Health & Safety
All staff are responsible for considering the Health and Safety of themselves and others as an integral part of their job and are expected to comply with the College Health and Safety policy
E = Essential, D = Desirable
QUALIFICATIONS
Hold an AAT qualification or equivalent
E
Fully qualified accountant
D
PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS
Strong administrative skills
E
Ability to multi-task
E
High level of IT literacy with working knowledge of Microsoft Office
E
Excellent communication skills; both verbal and written
E
Ability to set up and improve IT Systems
E
Knowledge of charitable accounting
D
Knowledge of tax compliance issues
D
Experience of running payroll
D
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Experience gained in financial administrative role
E
Experience of financial procedures, management information reporting, managing monthly accounts and budgeting and forecasting
E
Experience of cash analysis and payroll
E
Experience of dealing with VAT & NI returns
E