The Role

To provide strategic and technical leadership of KMAT's financial operations in accordance with the '7 principles of public life', ensuring the overall financial management of the Trust and its academies is effective, and sustainable.

To take day-to-day operational responsibility for the processes which keep KMAT compliant with the Academies Financial Handbook, relevant legislation, contractual obligations and our own policies so that all relevant financial related reporting activities for KMAT are delivered in a consistent, timely manner.

To contribute fully as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team to the development of the Trust's strategy across all areas of the business, bringing a holistic financial viewpoint to discussions and facilitating decision making, as appropriate. To providing financial analysis and guidance on all activities, plans and targets.

To act as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the organisation and to fulfil the statutory obligations of this role as per the Academies Financial Handbook.

It is not essential for the successful candidate to have had previous knowledge or experience of working in a school.

· To act as the statutory Chief Finance Officer (CFO) for the Trust and any subsidiaries.

· To evaluate the academic return on investment of the Trust's activities and the opportunity cost thereof.

· To be fully conversant with policy initiatives, changes to legislation and modern thinking in all matters relating to the financial management of KMAT and to advise the Executive Leadership Team and Boards accordingly (e.g. Charity, Accounting and other).

· To develop and maintain effective management systems and processes for all accounting functions.

· To ensure the accurate and timely preparation of management accounts, pro-actively addressing any obstacles to their production.

· To ensure the accurate and timely preparation, approval and submission of statutory accounts.

· To plan, manage and oversee the preparation of all statutory returns (such as budget forecasts, VAT, Corporation Tax, PAYE/NI and pension scheme submissions and workforce data returns) and the management of company pension schemes.

· To be responsible for the preparation of appropriate financial reports for the KMAT Board and to present such at Board meetings, as and when required.

· To plan and prepare financial management documents, including financial plans, budgets and forecasts.

· To line manage the finance team, implement and develop appropriate Financial operating procedures.

· To lead the development of KMAT's financial and business structure and policies developing appropriate team(s) and processes to meet evolving organisational requirements.

· To lead and initiate liaison with auditors, business advisers and funding partners.

· To develop the Management Information Systems used by KMAT with an emphasis on effective financial control procedures so that reporting systems (including KPI dashboard) ensure appropriate level/standard to support Trust objectives/plans.

· To maximise income for KMAT including: identifying and delivering cost savings and contract management to ensure best value.

· To manage all KMAT's investments; both day to day and strategic deposits, including daily movement/deposit of funds, to ensure maximum returns for the Trust.

· To operate a system of appropriate controls to safeguard, manage and account for all Trust assets.

· Be responsible for financial due diligence, identifying all financial risks and liabilities for any schools which may join KMAT and ensuring that agreements are in place to mitigate these.

· To review and update all finance related policies, in collaboration with the CEO.

· To attend all KMAT Finance and Audit Committee meetings.

To Apply

Please visit Vacancies - Kenilworth Multi Academy Trust to view a job description, person specification and to download an application form from the Download section. Completed applications should be emailed to Laura Midwinter, Head of HR at l.midwinter@kmat.org.uk.

We reserve the right to close this advert early and invite candidates to interview before the closing date should we receive a sufficient number of applications, or a suitable candidate be found. We will be reviewing applications as they are received, therefore early applications are advised and welcomed.

Please note we cannot accept a CV as an application.

Safeguarding

The Kenilworth Multi Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and parents to share that commitment. Successful candidates will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check with Children's Barred List check and obtain membership of the DBS update Service.

Closing date: Monday 7th April 2025 at 9am.