Director of Finanace and Resources

Salary: Competitive Location: Feltham, Greater London

Type: Full-Time Postal/Zip Code: 9011

Reach Academy is an all-through free school in Feltham which opened in September 2012 with an initial cohort of Reception and Year 7 children. Our school will grow by 120 pupils each year until we reach capacity at 840 pupils. Our aim is to re-define what young people in urban settings can achieve, ensuring that all of our students will leave Reach Academy Feltham able to live lives of choice and opportunity. Initial feedback from pupils, parents, staff and the DFE has been incredibly positive. We are looking for a new Finance and Resource Director who shares our beliefs and values to join our team to start on 1 April.

The Finance and Resource Director will oversee the non-education related running of the school. They will:

Lead on financial management and control

• Manage the building and operation of an exciting new multi-million pound school development in the centre of Feltham;
• Develop a business plan for additional income streams at the new site, to include a sports hall and possibly conference spaces;
• Cultivate our network of supporters in business and public life to develop a substantial fundraising base; and
• Explore the feasibility and then drive the development of the Reach chain of exceptional schools in the coming years. 

Detailed Job Description:

Strategic Leadership & External Relations

• Manage the building and operation of an exciting new multi-million pound school development in the centre of Feltham;
• Develop a business plan for additional income streams at the new site, to include a sports hall and possibly conference spaces;
• Help with establishing and maintaining respectful and effective relationships with all key stakeholders
• Cultivate our network of supporters in business and public life to develop a substantial fundraising base;
• Explore the feasibility and drive the development of the Reach chain of exceptional schools in future years; and
• Be part of the Leadership Team and contribute to the strategic development of the school

Financial Management and Oversight

• Prepare, examine and monitor in year and 3 year rolling budget plans;
• Ensure excellent financial controls, by:
• Maintaining sound school financial computerised records (Corero accounting system in use)
• Ensuring financial systems and controls comply with all requirements on the school
• Monitoring banking processes and finances regularly and produce monthly reconciliations
• Maintain school asset register
• Report school finances to Finance Committee and Governing Body and attend meetings as required
• Reconcile income received and liaise with EFA to reclaim grant funding where possible
• Work with appointed auditors to ensure sound financial management and prepare end of year accounts and implement recommendations
• Recover VAT paid and gift aid where possible and ensure the tax position of the school is correct
• Liaise with payroll providers to ensure accurate monthly payroll completed
• Liaise and complete requirements of pension providers with respect to staff
• Ensure the school is adequately insured 

Building and Contracts Management

• Manage procurement and contracts and ensure best value for the Academy;
• Liaise with contractors employed in property management;
• Work with Academy Leadership Team to deliver the new school building for August 2014
• Support the Academy Leadership in financial, property, HR and stakeholder management. 

Fundraising and Marketing

• Lead on generating additional resources for the school through fundraising, engagement with donors and maximizing revenue from school assets
• Lead on marketing and publicizing the school so as to increase the student population

Other

• Contribute to the overall ethos, work and aims of the school
• Undertake training and learning activities and performance management as required
• If capacity allows, take an active role in the teaching and learning of the school (e.g. literacy assistance, support on trips, music or PE support)