Department: Finance and Operations 

Reporting to: Principal and CHSMC Board of Directors  

Direct Subordinates: Bursar, Finance Staff, Members of the Administration and Premises Teams 

Job Objectives

A. Financial Controller

The main objective of the Financial Controller’s job is to plan, organize and control all operations in the Finance Department within the parameters of the companies’ objectives and to attain the targets set. The Financial Controller is responsible for the supervision and implementation of internal financial accounting, monitoring and reporting budgets. The Principal and Board of Directors will work closely with the Financial Controller and will require monthly and quarterly financial reports.  

The main duties will be as follows: 

Financial Reporting

• Control and organize the accounting system to ensure accurate management of the schools’ financial affairs. 
• Interpret accounts, prepare, and issue agreed periodic statements to show current operations and the financial position in relation to the budget. 
• Submit regular financial statements to allow review of the schools’ financial status. 
• Maintain accounting records of Holding companies and/or subsidiaries as required. 
• Ensure compliance and timely submission of statutory deadlines including Tax Returns, VAT Returns, Annual Returns, and Financial Statements. 

Budgeting and Financial Planning

• Coordinate with all departments to prepare the annual budget based on the schools’ plans and strategies for Board approval. 
• Work with Core and Senior Leadership Team and other Teams to implement the financial aspects of the School Improvement Process as approved by the Board. 
• Measure performance against financial plans and standards for each department. 
• Draw management's attention when periodic statements reveal departures from policy, plans, or budgets. 
• Prepare the operational plans of the finance department and the wider administration team. 

Cash Flow Management

• Manage the school’s cash flow to ensure sufficient liquidity for all operational needs. 
• Predict short and long-term capital requirements and obligations to ensure the availability of finance. 

Internal Controls and Compliance

• Design, implement, and review internal control procedures. 
• Ensure that there is a detailed fixed assets register, including an automated depreciation schedule in accordance with the relevant accounting policy. 
• Ensure that the debtors and creditors are being monitored on an ongoing basis. Reconciliations are to be signed by the Financial Controller. 
• Ensure the effective running of the companies’ payroll. 
• Develop and maintain relations with Auditors and other financial/tax advisors. 

Strategy and Investments

• Liaise and work with professional advisors on the financial feasibility of specific investment projects to achieve cost-effectiveness. 
• Assist Senior Leaders in directing EU funds and externally funded projects. 
• Ensure effective property and assets management, including maximization of income generated from letting and management of staff working in this area. 

Team Management and Development

• Manage, mentor, and motivate the finance team, ensuring the team meets the schools’ needs. 
• Train and appraise the performance of subordinates. 

Reporting and Communication

• Report on activities undertaken. 
• Develop and maintain relations with banks and other financial institutions. 
• Develop and maintain relations with Auditors and other financial/tax advisors for Holding companies and/or subsidiaries as required. 

B. Operations Manager

The main objective of this component of the role is to effectively manage the administration, IT and premises function within the schools as detailed below. 

Administration: To lead the administration team and ensure that all members of the team are engaged in professional development in order to continuously improve the administrative functions. 

IT: To further develop the IT Support team in order to meet the ongoing needs of the school. 

Premises: To support the Premises Leader and his team in their work with compliance and school development. 

Essential Qualifications

• A minimum 5 years’ occupational experience in a Finance Manager or Financial Accountancy role. 
• Fully qualified accountant with a qualification from an institution such as: 
• Association of Chartered Accountants (ACA) 
• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) 
• Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) 
• Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA) 

In addition to the essential qualifications, CHSMC will require:  

• Exceptional technical accounting knowledge. 
• A high-level of presentation skills and interpretation of financial information. 
• The ability to advise co-workers and stakeholders of any financial changes affecting the business. 
• Experience in conducting reviews and evaluation of cost-reduction opportunities. 
• Highly competent in managing financial accounting, monitoring and reporting systems. 
• The ability to produce accurate financial reports to specific deadlines. 
• Extensive working knowledge of financial regulations and legislation. 
• Experience in leading and managing a team. 
• The ability to use main accounting and office software package competently, including Microsoft Excel, Access and Word, Talexio, iFinance, Quickbooks, Sage, Zoho, Wave and Oracle. 

Benefits

• Competitive salary (disclosed during the interview) and benefits package. 
• Opportunity for growth and career advancement. 
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage. 

The role of Financial Controller is a full-time role (40 hour) week on-site at Chiswick House School and St Martin’s College. 

Interviews will be held throughout the week of 28th October 2024. Kindly include contact details of 2 references in your application.