Head of Finance Operations

PolyMAT is a small and ambitious MAT with a unique family feel that is seeking a dedicated Head of Finance Operations.  Our vision is ‘Success for Everyone’ and the successful candidate will help deliver this for our schools. We currently have three schools in our Trust: Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys, a long-successful boys’ school, Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls that opened in 2019, and Bannockburn Primary School, a large successful primary that joined the Trust on 1st November 2023. We also have our flourishing Sixth Form provision which is co-educational and planned to nearly double in size over the next 2 years.

The Trust budget from September 2024 is expected to be c. £35 million, with over 4,000 students and up to 500 staff. As an expanding MAT, these figures are likely to increase further in the next few years. This is a fantastic time to join us as we develop and grow.

The successful candidate will be report to the CFO and manage the Trusts central finance team responsible for providing financial and accounting services across the Trust as well as supporting the CFO in the strategic development of the Trust. Applicants should have a suitable finance qualification (AAT, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA etc.) and experience in academy finances is desired but not essential, more important are strong accountancy skills, a critical mind and positive leadership qualities.

Specifically, we are looking for an individual that can:

•  Manage the central finance team in delivering day to day financial operations including purchase ledger, sales ledger, cash management and payroll.
•  Provide support and guidance to Business Managers throughout the Trust and put in place systems and processes to ensure consistency and compliance to the financial handbook.
•  Prepare monthly management accounts using the Trusts budget forecasting system and present financial information to all levels of management 
• Oversee the closure and reconciliation of the accounts and assist the CFO in the preparation of the Statement of Accounts and supporting audit papers.
• Assist the CFO in completing all returns to the ESFA including the Academy Accounts return and Budget Forecast Return.
•   Assist the CFO in preparing the short and long term budget plans utilising curriculum lead financial planning.          

As a member of PolyMAT staff, we can offer you:

• Opportunities to contribute ideas and develop initiatives that improve the school
• Outstanding staff: professional, supportive and committed
• Opportunities for career progression
• Excellent professional development
• The opportunity to play your part to help provide a rewarding environment where students and staff feel valued and supported and everyone feels part of the ‘Poly Family’
• A contributory pension scheme
• Opportunities to collaborate with outstanding and dynamic teaching professionals
• Access to various discounts for a small monthly fee
• An employee assistance programme
• Season ticket loans
• Excellent catering facilities with complimentary daily coffee for staff
• Secure on-site parking
•  Cycle2Work Scheme
•  A focus on wellbeing with a dedicated wellbeing committee to liaise with SLT

PolyMAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offer of employment is subject upon the Academy Trust receiving an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate (DBS), which the Academy considers to be satisfactory. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Application Form. Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with the Code of Practice published by the Disclosure and Barring Service. The post you are applying for is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and it is therefore an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. 

An online search will be completed for information that is publicly available online. This will include social media accounts you may hold. This will only be carried out on shortlisted candidates and usually before interview

PolyMAT is committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination and providing opportunities for people with disabilities. We are an inclusive Trust who strives to provide an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. We aspire to ensure that every member of our community, regardless of circumstances or background, have the opportunity to be the best version of themselves through our vision of ‘Success for Everyone’. 

For any potential applicants, we would like to encourage you to inform us of any additional support or adjustments you may need throughout the recruitment process. We have an open approach to support for candidates with disabilities and recognise that reasonable adjustments may be required based on each individuals needs.

Sharing your needs with us ahead of interview, allows us to fully support and ensure you are not disadvantaged during the process. We welcome candidates contacting us at any point should you feel uncomfortable declaring a disability, to reassure you that we are here to support. So, please contact hr@polymat.co.uk if this is the case.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 14 April. Interviews will be scheduled to take place shortly after.

Previous applicants need not apply

Suitable candidates will be interviewed promptly upon receipt of application. The closing date will be brought forward in the event that the post is filled.