Application Pack - Finance Manager

FINANCE MANAGER APPLICATION PACK FULL TIME, PERMANENT S A L A R Y: C O M P E T I T I V E A N D C O M M E N S U R AT E W I T H Q UA L I F I C AT I O N S AND EXPERIENCE C L O S I N G D AT E : T H U R S D AY 2 5 J U N E 2 0 2 6 AT 1 2 N O O N I N T E R V I E W S : T U E S D AY 3 0 J U N E 2 0 2 6

METHODIST COLLEGE INFORMATION Methodist College Belfast is one of Northern Ireland’s leading grammar schools, providing life changing opportunities for everyone.

I am delighted that you are interested in joining the staff team here at Methodist College. As a member of staff, you will discover a celebrated tapestry of diversity, opportunity and excellence that makes Methody truly unique.

Methody provides life changing opportunities for everyone and we would love you to experience that for yourself as a member of staff.

Staff at Methody are committed to making a difference to pupils, colleagues and the College community but soon discover that Methody also enriches their lives through their unparalleled staff experience. If you are an enthusiastic, committed, and progressive person ready to bring your unique gifts and talents to the College, we would love you to be part of our exceptional team.

This is a place where lifelong friendships begin, where bright futures are built, where leaders are made and where life changing experiences take place.

THIS IS METHODY.

J LENDRUM PRINCIPAL

JOB DESCRIPTION MAIN PURPOSE The Finance Manager will provide professional leadership and management of the College’s finance function, ensuring the delivery of high-quality financial management, reporting, planning, control and compliance activities.

The postholder will act as the principal financial adviser to the Bursar on operational financial matters and will support the Principal and Finance & Facilities Committee through the provision of accurate financial information, strategic analysis and professional advice.

The Finance Manager will be responsible for leading the day-to-day operation of the finance function, ensuring effective financial controls, regulatory compliance, budget management and financial reporting across all areas of the College.

REPORTS TO The Bursar

LINE MANAGEMENT Finance Team

MAIN DUTIES STRATEGIC FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT • Support the Bursar and Principal in developing and implementing the College’s financial strategy.

• Contribute to the College’s long-term financial sustainability and strategic planning.

• Prepare and maintain three-to-five-year financial forecasts and financial models.

• Support the development of business cases for capital projects and strategic initiatives.

• Provide professional financial advice to support decision-making across the College.

• Monitor financial performance and identify risks, opportunities and emerging trends.

• Contribute to the financial evaluation of new initiatives and income-generating opportunities.

• Assist with the financial planning and modelling associated with school fees and other revenue streams.

BUDGET PLANNING, MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL • • • • • • • • •

Lead the annual budgeting process across all College departments.

Prepare annual revenue and capital budgets.

Monitor financial performance against approved budgets.

Investigate and report significant budget variances.

Produce monthly management accounts and supporting commentary.

Prepare detailed financial reports for the Bursar, Principal and Finance & Facilities Committee.

Work proactively with budget holders to improve financial awareness and accountability.

Provide guidance and challenge to budget holders regarding expenditure and financial planning.

Support departmental managers in forecasting future expenditure requirements.

MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL REPORTING • • • • • • •

Produce accurate and timely monthly management accounts.

Prepare regular cashflow forecasts and monitor liquidity requirements.

Analyse financial performance and identify areas of concern.

Prepare financial reports, dashboards and management information.

Monitor income streams, expenditure patterns and financial performance indicators.

Develop and maintain meaningful financial performance measures.

Present financial information in a clear and understandable manner to non-finance colleagues.

FINANCIAL OPERATIONS • • • • • • • • • •

Manage the day-to-day operation of the finance function.

Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, banking and general ledger activities.

Ensure all financial transactions are processed accurately and efficiently.

Oversee all balance sheet reconciliations.

Ensure effective credit control and debt recovery procedures are implemented.

Oversee collection of school fees, venue hire income and other parental payments.

Ensure appropriate controls are maintained over payment processing activities.

Maintain and oversee the College asset register.

Ensure accurate record keeping and document retention.

Monitor and continuously improve finance processes and systems.

STATUTORY REPORTING, COMPLIANCE AND AUDIT • Prepare annual statutory financial statements.

• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, including FRS102 and Charities SORP where applicable.

• Prepare and submit statutory and regulatory returns within required timescales.

• Ensure grant claims are prepared and submitted accurately and on time.

• Lead preparation for internal and external audits.

• Act as the primary liaison with auditors.

• Coordinate responses to audit recommendations.

• Maintain robust financial policies, procedures and internal controls.

• Ensure compliance with all relevant financial legislation and regulatory requirements.

RISK MANAGEMENT AND GOVERNANCE • • • • • •

Support the College’s financial governance framework.

Identify financial risks and recommend appropriate mitigation measures.

Ensure appropriate segregation of duties and financial controls are maintained.

Support fraud prevention and financial assurance activities.

Monitor compliance with procurement and financial regulations.

Contribute to organisational risk management processes.

PROCUREMENT AND CONTRACT MANAGEMENT • • • • •

Support procurement exercises and tendering activities.

Monitor supplier performance and contractual commitments.

Assist in securing value for money across college expenditure.

Support contract review and renewal processes.

Ensure compliance with procurement procedures and delegated authorities.

LEADERSHIP AND PEOPLE MANAGEMENT • • • • • •

Lead, motivate and develop the finance team.

Conduct performance management and appraisal processes.

Identify training and development requirements.

Promote high standards of customer service and professionalism.

Develop a culture of continuous improvement within the finance function.

Provide financial training and guidance to budget holders and administrative staff.

COMMITTEE AND STAKEHOLDER SUPPORT • • • • •

Attend Finance & Facilities Committee meetings.

Present management accounts and financial reports.

Respond to financial queries from governors and committee members.

Build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Work collaboratively with the Principal, Bursar, Senior Leadership Team and departmental managers.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES • • • • •

Comply with all College policies and procedures.

Promote safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion.

Maintain confidentiality at all times.

Comply with GDPR and information governance requirements.

Undertake professional development and maintain relevant professional memberships.

This job description will be subject to review in light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropritare to the grade may be assigned from time to time.

In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post-holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legisaltion at all times.

RIGHT TO WORK All applicants should ensure that they are free to remain in and take up employment in the United Kingdom. Successful candidates will be required to provide supporting documentation. Details of acceptable documentation are available at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/right-toworkchecklist

DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’.

In the event that you are recommended for appointed to a post that invloves ‘regulated activity,’ the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background.

Please note that you WILL be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate (Currently £32.00). Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre-employment stage.

Further information can be access at NI Direct or the Deparment of Justice.

PERSON SPECIFICATION ESSENTIAL CRITERIA 1. Fully qualified accountant holding membership of one of the following professional bodies: • Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI / ICAI) • Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) • Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) • Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) • Or an equivalent recognised professional accountancy qualification.

2. A minimum of three years’ post-qualification experience in a Finance Manager, Financial Controller, Management Accountant or equivalent senior finance role.

3. Experience of producing monthly management accounts, financial reports and performance information for senior leadership, boards, committees or governing bodies.

4. Experience of preparing year-end financial statements in accordance with FRS102 and/or Charities SORP. 5. Experience of supervising, managing or developing finance staff.

6. Experience of managing financial systems and overseeing transactional finance activities including accounts payable, accounts receivable, reconciliations and general ledger functions.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA 1. Experience working within an educational or charity environment.

2. Experience preparing accounts under Charities SORP. 3. Experience of managing payroll processes and associated compliance requirements.

4. Experience of VAT administration and VAT recovery arrangements.

5. Experience of implementing or improving financial systems and financial processes.

6. Evidence of continuing professional development relevant to the role.

This Criteria sets out the qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills and competencies considered necessary for effective performance in the role. Candidates will be assessed against the criteria through the application form, supporting information, interview process and any other selection methods deemed appropriate by the College. Applicants must clearly demonstrate within their application how they meet the essential and desirable criteria. The College reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants who, in the opinion of the selection panel, most closely meet the requirements of the post. Where a high volume of applications is received, the College reserves the right to apply the desirable criteria and/or enhance the shortlisting criteria to determine those applicants who will proceed to the next stage of the selection process.

Methodist College 1 Malone Road Belfast BT9 6BY 028 9020 5205 methody.org