Post Title: Management/Project Accountant

Director/Service/Sector: Cheviot Learning Trust

Office Use:

JD Ref: S1682

Grade: Band 9

Workplace: Central Services Team

Responsible to: CFOO & Lead Finance Business Partner

Date: April 2025 March 2026

Manager level: FD

Job Purpose -

To ensure the financial effectiveness and performance of the Trust by:

• Preparation of accurate and timely monthly management accounts, including balance reconciliation, and detailed variance analyses of school and Trust performance
• Complete year end, audit and statutory returns accurately and within deadlines (HMRC, DfE etc.)
• Promote the highest standards of business practice/integrity within the finance function of the Trust and Trust schools
• Ensure the most effective use of resources in support of the Trust’s stated aims and ethos, values and vision
• Implementing financial procedures as required

• • Responsible for managing individual school budgets and KPI and overall Trust performance for the board
  • Support new schools to integrate within the Trust, ensuring policies and procedures are followed

Resources Staff

Performance manage the Finance Team of 8 in the Central Finance Team and carry out appraisals. Direct Line Management of Finance Staff.

Finance

Setting and monitoring 18 school budgets including monthly reporting processes. Total value £40m

Physical

Accuracy and confidentiality of databases and financial records.

Clients

Providing relevant advice and information to the CEO, CFOO, Headteachers, Academy Committees, Three Rivers Trust Directors and government agencies such as DfE

Duties and Key results areas -

1. Responsible for providing operational and strategic financial support for the Trust in conjunction with the Trust Executive Team.
2. Responsible for providing a management accounts service, promoting best practice, value for money and strong financial health in all areas of responsibility.
3. Responsibility for the financial reporting of a group of schools, including monthly management accounts, to the Board, Audit Committee, CEO, CFOO Headteachers and Local Governing Boards.
4. Fulfil the financial accounting needs of the Trust as required, including preparation of VAT returns, control account reconciliations, cash flow reporting etc.
5. Responsible for the month end processes within the Trust in line with the organisation’s deadlines, ensuring the reported position against budgets is accurate and in line with financial procedures.
6. Work alongside the CFOO to support effective financial planning practices in the preparation of school budgets and forecasts.
7. Hold school leaders to account, working with them to ensure they operate within budget and adapt positively to changes in funding.
8. Responsible for completion of year end processes in partnership with the Trust Accountants and Auditors.
9. Work with the Trust auditors to complete any internal or external audits and implement resulting recommendations
10. Ensure whole Trust compliance with financial guidelines, statutory and DfE reporting requirements.
11. Responsible for developing effective and robust policies, financial control environment, delivering value for money for the Trust.
12. Lead on the planning and delivery of finance training, advice, guidance, support to the finance team, school/Trust leadership teams and business managers assisting them in financial management knowledge development.
13. Responsible for the performance management of finance staff at the central location and those working remotely in schools.
14. To support Trust procurement processes and including tenders.
15. Responsible for promoting best practice regarding financial management.
16. To be the first point of contact for the central Finance team on technical accounting matters.
17. The above list of duties is not intended to be exhaustive and may not identify each individual task which may reasonably be requested of the post holder. Employees will be expected to comply with any reasonable request from a senior manager to undertake work of a similar level that is not specified in this job description.

Work Arrangements

Transport Requirements:

Working patterns:

Working conditions:

Required to use own transport to travel between Trust schools and attend meetings

Normal hours but need to also work ‘out of hours’ as necessary

Normally indoors