Academy Finance Vacancies

Here’s some information about academy finance vacancies formatted as requested:

Academy finance is a specialized field within school administration focused on managing the financial resources of academies – publicly funded schools operating independently from local authorities. Vacancies in academy finance are increasingly common due to the growth of the academy sector and the complex financial requirements of running these institutions.

Common Roles & Responsibilities

A range of roles exist within academy finance, each with distinct responsibilities:

• Finance Director/Chief Financial Officer (CFO): Oversees the entire finance function, developing and implementing financial strategies, ensuring compliance with regulations, and providing financial advice to the academy trust board.
• Finance Manager: Manages day-to-day financial operations, including budgeting, financial reporting, cash flow management, and payroll.
• Finance Officer/Assistant Accountant: Supports the Finance Manager with tasks such as processing invoices, reconciling bank statements, and maintaining financial records.
• School Business Manager: In smaller academies, this role may combine finance responsibilities with other administrative duties such as facilities management and human resources.

Key responsibilities across these roles include:

• Preparing and managing budgets
• Producing accurate and timely financial reports
• Ensuring compliance with financial regulations (e.g., Academies Financial Handbook)
• Managing cash flow and investments
• Overseeing payroll and pension administration
• Liaising with auditors and external stakeholders
• Providing financial advice to senior management and governors

Skills and Qualifications

Employers typically seek candidates with the following skills and qualifications:

• A relevant accounting qualification (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, ACA) or equivalent experience
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and practices
• Experience in budgeting, financial reporting, and management accounting
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Sage, Xero) and Microsoft Excel
• Knowledge of the Academies Financial Handbook and relevant regulations
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Finding Vacancies

Academy finance vacancies are advertised through various channels:

• Specialist Education Recruitment Agencies: Agencies specializing in education recruitment often have dedicated teams focusing on finance roles.
• General Job Boards: Websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Reed frequently list academy finance positions.
• Academy Trust Websites: Many academy trusts advertise vacancies directly on their websites.
• Education-Specific Websites: Websites such as TES (Times Educational Supplement) and the Guardian Jobs education section often feature academy finance roles.

Career Development

Academy finance offers opportunities for career progression. Individuals can move from Finance Officer roles to Finance Manager positions and eventually to Finance Director/CFO roles. Continuous professional development is essential to stay up-to-date with changes in regulations and best practices. Consider pursuing further qualifications or attending relevant training courses.