Director of Finance and Operations

Member of the Executive Team

Salary:  Band 10 (£52,122 -£60,545) 

Location: Basildon, Essex 

Opportunity  

We have an exceptional opportunity for a strategic visionary who can make a significant contribution to the future growth of the Academy Trust. You will be a qualified accountant with experience in change management and developing teams. The role is part of the Executive Leadership Team reporting into the Chief Executive Officer and would suit a candidate who: 

1. Is a qualified accountant who has previous experience conducive to the role; 

2. Has advanced leadership skills; 

3. Can think and communicate clearly; 

4. Have a can do attitude and be a positive role model who will inspire and motivate others; 

5. Is comfortable working both strategically and at a detailed level; 

6. Is resilient.  

The Director of Finance and Operations will directly manage Finance, HR, IT and administration functions and the Academy is committed to support the successful applicant in pursuing continued professional development to fulfil his/her potential and role. 

The main responsibilities are to: 

1. support the development of the strategic direction and leadership in planning, management and development of effective operations across the Academies; 

2. maintain an effective system of internal controls and to deliver accurate statutory/government returns to agreed published deadlines; 

3. produce the annual budget and 3 year strategic financial plans; 

4. lead on HR policies and procedure production and interpreting and advising on employment law and data protection; 

5. support the development and implementation of process improvement initiatives and to lead on strategic IT and other capital development projects; 

6. lead project teams as required to ensure efficient conversion of new academies into the Trust.  

About the Academies 

The Academies are located in Basildon, Essex just 35 minutes by train from London’s Fenchurch Street Station. The Lower Academy specialises in the teaching of our students aged 11-14 years whilst the Upper Academy, located 1 mile from the Lower Academy, specialises in our 14-19 year old student population. 

Both Academies were graded “Good” by Ofsted in 2015 and in the coming months our ambition is to be graded as “Outstanding”. The Academies have achieved their best ever GCSE examination results in 2016 and communicate a clear vision for the Academies further improvement and unequivocal expectation of both staff and pupils. 

Application Closing Date: Noon 24th February 2017   

Application Process 

If you believe that you are ready to join a growing Academy Trust and possess the skills and qualities that we are looking for then please complete an application form and write a letter outlining how your experience demonstrates how you meet the person specification.  Only completed applications using the Academy’s application form will be accepted and these must be received by Noon on the 24th February 2017. 

Child Protection 

The Academy is fully committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service and health checks.