Assistant Finance Manager

We are seeking an outstanding candidate who will work closely with the Finance Manager to provide management support for all accounting activities and management reporting. Based in the Finance Office and working as part of the schools expanding Finance Team, this is a new post that will share responsibility for general finance-related duties and will be expected to cover for the Finance Manager in his/her absence. We are at an exciting time in our development and the Assistant Finance Manager will play a very significant part within this. 

Located within the main building and benefitting from being at the very heart of the school, the Assistant Finance Manager will work closely with the Finance Manager and Team, Bursar, Headmaster, Director of External Relations to ensure the Financial Management needs of the School are met to support the expansion and growth of Strathallan School. This is a varied and fulfilling role which would suit an individual seeking to progress their career and add value at this leading Scottish boarding school.

Key Responsibilities of Post

• Understudy the Finance Manager in all aspects of their work and be prepared to stand in for them during periods of leave or other absence.
• Assist in the preparation of monthly Management Accounts for the School and Group
• Investigate spend patterns and possible economies
• Implement cost control measures where required as agreed with the Finance Manager and/or Bursar
• Review internal budgets
• Assist with contract negotiation
• Internal Auditing and investigations
• Preparation of Quarterly VAT Returns
• Undertake the initial Bursary Assessment and report of those applying to the School for such means-tested assistance – following the School’s policy and processes.
• Assist with the management of Fee Debt and Recovery, including initial interaction with school agents & solicitors.
• Assist with Monitoring of all aspects of the school (group) accounting systems
• Be proactive in all areas of your responsibilities and to ensure you stay current in all aspects of financial knowledge, systems and legislation.

Routine Duties

• Completion of all financial surveys as requested by the Finance Manager and/or Bursar.
• In liaison with the Commercial Lets Manager, assist in the creation, monitoring and management of I & E Accounts for Lets.
• Assistant System manager for any computer-based financial tools.
• Assist with the preparation of financial trend analysis, business cases and financial models for the Finance Manager, Bursar and Headmaster.
• Assist with monitoring and review of VAT practice, compliance & preparation of Quarterly VAT Returns as well as Corporation Tax, NIC and Income Tax.

• Assist with Internal Auditing, including financial management of School Tours, trips and events.
• Assist with the production of financial forecasts, cash flow plans and any other financial information deemed necessary for the efficient and economic running of the School and Group.
• Assist with ensuring compliance with SORP and legislation in conjunction with the School’s external Audit.
• Assist and liaise directly with external auditors on all aspects of School & Trading company reporting & compliance
• Ensure full recovery of all school costs from pupil accounts via extras
• Preparation of Monthly budget reports to Heads of Dept and Budget holders
• Preparation of Monthly Payroll Budget Analysis
• Assist Shop Manager with School Shop EPOS system
• Assist with Staff Salary budgeting and Prepare Staff Salary & Annualised Hours Memos
• Assist with Monthly Catering Invoice Allocation & Budget Reports
• Assist with School Insurances & Policy Documents
• Assist with Pupil Fee Income & Remission Budget Monitoring & Analysis
• Assist with recording of Donations & Sponsorships and Preparation of Gift Aid
• Assist with Day Pupil Transport Costs & Monitoring
• Monitor & Recording of PAYE Settlement Agreement
• Assist with Financial Year End Routines, Reporting & compliance
• Maintain School Credit Cards including recording & monitoring of transactions in accordance with school policy.
• Bank Reconciliation
• Monitor and conduct Inter Company transactions
• Assist with preparation of School Utilities reports and analysis
• Monitor and maintain Council Tax information on school properties
• Prepare General Ledger Journals as required
• Other matters of a financial nature as authorised by the Finance Manager and/or Bursar

Further details of the School are available on the School’s Website www.strathallan.co.uk

The closing date for the receipt of applications is Friday, 6 January 2023. A completed application form along with CV and covering letter should be emailed to Claire Adam, HR Manager at hr@strathallan.co.uk or posted to the HR Manager, Strathallan School, Forgandenny, Perth, PH2 9EG

It is anticipated that interviews will be held week beginning Monday 16th January 2023.