Job Role: Financial Controller

  To provide leadership, professional management, and control of the financial function of the Trust as a senior member of the DSAT Services team. The post holder will have direct line management responsibility for the staff in the Finance Team. The post holder will ensure proper control and planning of finances as a whole and to operate within the terms of the DSAT’s scheme of financial delegation to them and must build strong and effective professional, supportive relationships across the Trust with school-based colleagues where they have no direct line management responsibility.

  Ensuring high standards of probity in the management of public funds and compliance with the Academies Financial Handbook and Internal Control Procedures;

   Leading preparation and co-ordination of the Trust’s budgeting and financial forecasting activities and producing timely and accurate reporting against those plans for the CFOO;

   Ensuring that DSAT budget holders and others receive regular, timely and accurate budget monitoring information;

   Ensuring that all finance staff across the Trust (including those who are school based) are well supported, trained and motivated to deliver a high-quality finance service;

 Working with the CFOO to ensure the Trust-wide finance function is properly resourced, in terms of people, knowledge, systems and procedures to ensure compliance with all appropriate regulatory, statutory, and fiscal requirements;

 Developing and maintaining financial regulations and procedures to ensure effective financial control and good practice financial management;

 Maintaining ethical and financial standards commensurate with the Trust’s charitable status.

 Working at a similar level within a MAT education environment

 At least three years’ experience in a finance management role, with exposure to management of financial reporting and preparation through to production of final accounts, working
closely with auditors.

 Presenting and discussing complex issues at Board or Committee level

 Experience of working in a complex environment, able to adapt and develop solutions.

  Thorough knowledge of accounting principles and procedures, including FRS102

 Good communication and interpersonal skills with both adults and children

 Understanding and practice of confidentiality

 Good IT skills – proficient with Microsoft Office packages (Word, Excel, Outlook) and experience of finance software.

 The ability to establish effective working relationships at all levels within an organisation and external to an organisation with strong influencing and negotiating skills.

 Resilient with the ability to handle high levels of pressure and be able to meet deadlines.

 Enthusiastic, highly motivated with an enquiring mind and passion for excellence.

 A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

 Ability to travel between DSAT school sites in a timely manner.