ACCOUNTANT

Job Overview

Job Description

Financial Planning/Control and Management Reporting • Ensure that the Finance function offers a high quality and accessible service which is prompt, courteous, accurate and complete. • To provide the Bursar with appropriate financial information, advice and assistance to support the decision-making process. • Maintain the School’s accounting records, fees ledger, creditors ledger and nominal ledger accurately and in accordance with agreed timescales and procedures. • In conjunction with the Bursar prepare annual budgets and termly forecasts, monitoring performance and reporting budget progress to budget holders. • Prepare full year forecast and termly management accounts including variance reports. • Attend termly Finance & General Purposes committee and other Governor meetings as required and deliver written reports. • In conjunction with the Bursar, control the treasury management function in order to ensure the most efficient and secure deployment of the School’s cash and minimise banking and interest charges. • In conjunction with the Bursar, advise on current and future financial issues and projects including feasibility appraisals, preparation of business cases and funding options. Pay Roll & Pension • Arrange for the accurate preparation and payment of all salaries, wages and pension contributions and other deductions on time, including PAYE and NI contributions. • Advise the Bursar on compliance with regulations for benefits in kind. • Ensure that P60s and P11Ds are prepared and issued and that PAYE and NIC returns are complied with. • Administer the pension schemes for all staff maintaining records and sending periodic returns as required. School Fee Invoicing & Billing • Produce termly fee invoices and respond to invoice queries. • Receipt and reconciliation of fee payments. • Credit control including 1st and 2nd reminder letters, all minor credit letters and management of late-payers spreadsheet. • Raise leavers’ cheques/BACS payments where appropriate. • Raise cheques for shop second-hand sales for families no longer at the School. • Process childcare voucher receipts and respond to parent queries. • Prepare returns and arrange any payments to third parties collected through fees. Operational • Prepare payments by BACs and cheques and manage records. • Line manage the Finance and Systems Administrator. • Conduct and agree monthly bank and control account reconciliations and account for petty cash. • Ensure the timely banking of cheques. • Maintain the fixed asset register. • Manage Gift Aid process. • Ensure the School’s relationship with third parties such as HMRC, the Bank, the accountants and auditors is responsive and professional. • Advise and implement new financial initiatives as required. Statutory Reporting, Returns & Audit • Prepare the school accounts for audit, including statements of Financial Activity (SOFA) and Balance Sheets in accordance with the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP). • Complete all returns as required by HMRC, pension providers etc. • Manage the audit process ensuring that the auditors have the information in a timely and effective manner. Technical Standards and Control • Keep up to date with financial matters within the independent education and charity fields and specifically the reporting requirements for Charities (SORP). • Keep the accounting and reporting systems under constant review, including the software, ensuring that they are effective and efficient. • Monitor the operation of financial controls through internal audit and recommend to the Bursar further controls as appropriate to safeguard the School’s funds and other assets. Safeguarding of Children • All staff are responsible for the safeguarding and wellbeing of children in line with the School’s Safeguarding (Child Protection) Policy

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