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Deputy Head of Finance Cumbria Education Trust

Recruitment Pack

Be the best you can beRESPECT. RESPONSIBILITY.

RESILIENCE

www.cumbriaeducationtrust.org

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Welcome to Cumbria Education Trust 3

Supporting our students and staff 4

The role 5

Main responsibilities 7

Who and what we are looking for 9

Living and working in Cumbria 11

Application and interview process 12

CONTENTS

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OUR VISIONTo enable every young person to reach their potential and achieve the success they deserve by providing an innovative and inspiring learning experience.

OUR VALUESAt the heart of our organisation are the principles of:

• Respect• Responsibility• Resilience

WELCOME TO CUMBRIA EDUCATION TRUST

YANWATHPrimary School

Dear Applicant,

Thank you for your interest in this exciting position within Cumbria Education Trust (CET). Within this pack you will find lots of information about the Trust, the role, our family of schools, our vision and values.

Cumbria Education Trust is a not-for-profit charitable organisation. It was formed in 2015 in response to an invitation from the Department for Education. Cumbria Education Trust is one of the first school-based MATs in North Cumbria - we currently have nine schools within our family; six primary and three secondary schools.

Our purpose is to deliver outstanding educational provision and ensure all pupils/students receive high quality teaching and learning opportunities.

Our aim is for each CET academy to demonstrate consistent year-on-year improvement. We believe in the importance of working with others to share knowledge and best practice and we want all our pupils/students to develop a thirst for knowledge. We are passionate about putting young people first and equipping them for success in the future.

By achieving our aim, we can enable every young person to reach their potential.

If you believe you can make a positive contribution to the development of CET, then we would be delighted to hear from you.

Yours sincerely,

Lorrayne HughesCEO - Cumbria Education Trust

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Although each of our schools and academies has its own unique ethos, they all share a common vision and common values. These values are central to the life of the schools and underpin all the Trust’s activities.

All our schools and academies share a commitment to the achievement, personal development and well‐being of the children and young people within the Trust.

We operate with a student-centred approach which values relationships and respect for others:

Inspiring learning – creating a happy, positive and vibrant learning environment for ALL pupils/students.

Achieving success – enabling every pupil/student to reach their potential by providing high quality teaching.

Creating opportunities – broadening children’s experiences and opportunities.

Empowering communities – working in partnership with the local community to bring education alive for all.

CET strives to be recognised as an employer of choice. We believe that quality of life outside work significantly shapes the way in which staff perform whilst at work, so the need to achieve a healthy work life balance is a very important aspect of our commitment to staff.

We therefore place great importance on developing caring and supportive relationships. Our open-door policy provides the opportunity for anyone who is concerned or anxious to ask for guidance or clarification without censure.

With an aim which seeks year-on-year improvement, we also recognise the need to reward effort and good results. One of the ways we do this is through our commitment to staff with individually tailored CPD programmes. These are geared to maximising not merely job satisfaction, but the chance to significantly increase expertise, confidence and leadership skills.

We exercise a ‘people first’ approach at all times so that staff feel part of a community; confident to both support and yet challenge one another and where everyone regardless of position or seniority, feels valued and able to make a contribution.

SUPPORTING OUR STUDENTS AND STAFF

We are committed to supporting all pupils/students, staff and academies within the Cumbria Education Trust to ‘be the best they can be’.

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POST TITLE: Deputy Head of FinanceRESPONSIBLE TO: Head of Finance (Chief Finance Officer, CFO)

SALARY: Scale 15A – 15B (£38,813 - £39,782)HOURS: 37 hours, full year

THE ROLE

Main Purpose

Together with the Finance team, the Chief Executive Officer, the Operations Director and the Head of Finance assist in the development of the financial operations within Cumbria Education Trust (CET), ensuring compliance with statutory duties and to provide robust reporting on the Trust’s financial position to enable the Leadership team to make appropriate decisions and ensure the financial stability of CET.

Review

It is the practice of the Trust periodically to examine employees’ job descriptions and to update them to ensure that they relate to jobs as they are being performed, or to incorporate whatever changes are being proposed. It is the Trust’s aim to reach agreement on any alterations.

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DO YOU SHARE OUR PASSION TO INSPIRE EVERY YOUNG PERSON TO REACH THEIR POTENTIAL? We wish to appoint a dynamic and creative Head of Finance with the commitment, drive and ambition to grow and develop our organisation.

The successful candidate will bring:• Appropriate academic and financial qualification(s) (or be working towards).• Proven and demonstrable experience in a significant finance role, including financial management,

monitoring, compliance and reporting requirements, procurement and achieving “Best Value”, capital projects, infrastructure/out-sourced provision and due diligence and fraud management.

• Strong ICT skills and ability to fully utilise a range of industry-standard software packages.• Sound team member skills and experience with the ability to support the Head of Finance in the

management of people in a fast-paced and demanding environment. • Excellent time management, prioritisation and delegation skills.• The ability to deputise for the Head of Finance and communicate effectively with a wide range of

people across and outwith the Trust.

We can offer:• A commitment to your personal and professional development and the opportunity to develop

your role within the Trust.• A friendly and vibrant Trust community with a supportive team ethos.

The post-holder will embody our inclusive, child centred ethos, and will be someone who: Will promote Cumbria Education Trust’s motto to ‘be the best you can be’ and model our values

3R’s – Respect, Responsibility and Resilience at all times. Believes in the potential of every child and adult in the school communities across CET.

THE ROLE

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MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct Line Management:

Any staff as directed and work closely with the CFO to ensure the Finance team delivers effective operational and strategic financial support for the Trust.

Accountabilities under the direction and guidance of the CFO and Operations Director:

Support the Trust to achieve compliance with financial guidelines and requirements regarding: Department for Education/Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) including Academies Financial Handbook, company law, and charity law, local and national legislation.

Fulfil the duties of the Deputy Head of Finance of CET and discharge the duties as defined in the Academies Financial Handbook (annually revised), Funding Agreements and Articles.

Specific responsibility over budget setting and financial monitoring for the ‘Central Team’ and any other school or academies as designated, recognising that as the Trust grows, this may evolve.

Delivery of best value in procurement areas under the job holder’s areas of responsibility and supporting all Trust budget holders to achieve best value.

Working with the CFO and Operations Director on all major Trust contracts to ensure best value, including: capital projects, catering, utilities etc.

Organisational Support:

Deputise for the CFO when required and carry out any other duties as required to contribute to the smooth and effective running of the Trust.

Contribute to the development of the financial strategy, policies and procedures for CET.

Provide guidance and training to CET finance managers where needed to ensure financial recording meets statutory requirements (i.e. VAT/Financial Handbook Requirements).

Attend CET Leadership Team meetings and Business Leadership Team Meetings as required.

Contribute to CET’s business planning process.

Finance and accounting:

In consultation with the CEO, the Operations Director and CFO, prepare the Trust’s annual budget and update as necessary.

In liaison with the CFO support in the development of devising and implementing the Trust Finance Strategy.

Monitor income and expenditure in relation to the allocated areas of responsibility within the Trust's budget, and produce monthly reports as required for the CEO, CFO, Operations Director and the Trustees.

Support in the management of the Trust Finance systems, income (including lettings, consultancy etc.), invoicing, purchase order, asset register and depreciation.

Work with the Operations Director and CEO to pursue income and sponsorship generation opportunities including the preparation and submission of applications and bids.

Oversee Trust wide tendering processes and the negotiation of service contracts ensuring all necessary requirements are fulfilled.

Work with the Operations Director and CEO to maximise opportunities for investment returns and income generation: organising applications and bids, sales, sponsorship and fund raising as appropriate and required.

Co-ordinate and establish a list of approved contractors and suppliers to ensure best value.

Manage and monitor all contracts, leases and relationships with external contractors.

Prepare, implement and monitor policies concerning the procurement of all Trust supplies and services to ensure best value is achieved.

Support the Operations Director in managing the effective procurement and purchasing of goods and services for the Trust and negotiate, manage and monitor contracts, tenders and agreements.

Support the Operations Director in ensuring that external contracts deliver best value, required service levels and contribute to the efficient running of the Trust.

With the CFO ensure compliance with all Trust financial policies and procedures and with DfE/ESFA regulations including the Academies Financial Handbook and Academies Accounts Direction. Report any non-compliances to the CEO, CFO, Operations Director and Trustees.

Be conversant with the general principal of taxation applicable to the Trust and the financial implications of charitable status.

Be conversant with the formulae used for funding Academies and keep abreast of any proposed changes to model impact on the Trust's long term financial viability.

As directed by the CFO, co-ordinate the annual external audits, liaising with all parties involved.

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In liaison with the CFO support in the development of devising and implementing the Trust Finance Strategy.

Monitor income and expenditure in relation to the allocated areas of responsibility within the Trust's budget, and produce monthly reports as required for the CEO, CFO, Operations Director and the Trustees.

Support in the management of the Trust Finance systems, income (including lettings, consultancy etc.), invoicing, purchase order, asset register and depreciation.

Work with the Operations Director and CEO to pursue income and sponsorship generation opportunities including the preparation and submission of applications and bids.

Oversee Trust wide tendering processes and the negotiation of service contracts ensuring all necessary requirements are fulfilled.

Work with the Operations Director and CEO to maximise opportunities for investment returns and income generation: organising applications and bids, sales, sponsorship and fund raising as appropriate and required.

Co-ordinate and establish a list of approved contractors and suppliers to ensure best value.

Manage and monitor all contracts, leases and relationships with external contractors.

Prepare, implement and monitor policies concerning the procurement of all Trust supplies and services to ensure best value is achieved.

Support the Operations Director in managing the effective procurement and purchasing of goods and services for the Trust and negotiate, manage and monitor contracts, tenders and agreements.

Support the Operations Director in ensuring that external contracts deliver best value, required service levels and contribute to the efficient running of the Trust.

With the CFO ensure compliance with all Trust financial policies and procedures and with DfE/ESFA regulations including the Academies Financial Handbook and Academies Accounts Direction. Report any non-compliances to the CEO, CFO, Operations Director and Trustees.

Be conversant with the general principal of taxation applicable to the Trust and the financial implications of charitable status.

Be conversant with the formulae used for funding Academies and keep abreast of any proposed changes to model impact on the Trust's long term financial viability.

As directed by the CFO, co-ordinate the annual external audits, liaising with all parties involved.

Play a key role in the prevention of fraud. Ensuring all Trust Finance systems and procedures are designed to minimise opportunities for fraud. Keep up to date with fraud awareness, topical fraud issues. Work with the CFO in supporting fraud awareness information and training to staff.

Ensure that all necessary returns, reports and documentation are completed accurately within time constraints including financial reporting requirements, claims, bids, reports to Trustees and Local Academy Boards (LABs), and statistical returns (internal and external).

Communication:

As a senior member of the Business Leadership Team, you will be actively involved with ensuring the operational effectiveness of the Trust.

Establish and maintain outstanding professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders and ensure effective communication across the Trust.

General:

To support and encourage the Trust’s ethos and objectives, policies and procedures.

Comply with and assist with the development of policies and procedures across CET.

Be aware of and support difference and ensure equal opportunities for all.

Contribute to the development and implementation of the vision and values of CET.

Develop constructive relationships and communicate with other agencies/professionals.

Take responsibility for your own ongoing personal development and growth of expertise.

Participate in training and other learning activities and appraisal as required.

Train and develop other employees, for proper succession planning and risk management.

Other duties as required by the CEO and Operations Director within the scope of this post.

Location:

Although the role will be based at CET’s head offices in William Howard School, Brampton, the post holder will be required to work at other schools. A valid driving licence and access to a vehicle is necessary to fulfil this role.

Safeguarding:

CET is committed to the safeguarding and promotion of the welfare of all children and young people in its care. All staff have a key role and responsibility in this area and will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure check.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

KEY SKILLS AND/OR KNOWLEDGE EXPERIENCES REQUIRED/DESIRABLE

Qualifications/Training/Competences Essential- An appropriate professional financial qualification (e.g.

ACA/ACCA/CIPFA/CIMA and/or 2 years’ experience in a senior finance role) and can demonstrate a sound understanding of financial procedures, including those listed in the job description.

- Appropriate academic qualifications to at least ‘A’ level standard, or be able to demonstrate competency through proven experience in a similar role.

- Evidence of significant recent CPD and updating professional skills.

Desirable- Educated to degree level standard or equivalent.

Experience/Knowledge Essential- Experience of financial management systems, strategic business

and financial planning.- Experience of managing a finance function in line with

accounting best practice and within financial constraints.- Experience of managing expenditure. - Experience of planning, organising, prioritising and delegating

workloads effectively and meeting deadlines.- Knowledge of Financial Reporting Standards (UK GAAP, IFRS and

Charities Accounting).- Knowledge of UK taxation – PAYE, Corporation Tax and VAT.- Knowledge of principles and methods of financial control and

reporting, and their adaptation to various purposes, including the preparation of financial accounts.

Desirable- Experience of schools’ finance systems.- Experience of managing change and implementing new

systems/procedures/controls.- Successful track record in working within the education sector in

a finance role.- Good working knowledge of school finance systems. - Knowledge of academies financial reporting systems.- Knowledge of academies funding.- Knowledge of company accounts and reporting.- Good understanding of safeguarding and compliance with Child

Protection Procedures.

Skills Essential- Excellent working knowledge of finance, computerised finance

systems and accounts, VAT, spreadsheet and word processing software packages.

- Excellent prioritisation and time-management skills, including supervisory experience and the ability to work effectively and efficiently within set deadlines and timescales.

- Ability to carry out all aspects of the finance duties if required at times of peak pressure.

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WHO AND WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Safeguarding:

CET is committed to the safeguarding and promotion of the welfare of all children and young people in its care. All staff have a key role and responsibility in this area and will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure check.

- Excellent inter-personal skills and be able to communicate effectively with a wide range of people, both orally and in writing.

Working Arrangements/Requirements

Essential- Ability to work at times convenient to the Trust requirements

i.e. attendance at Trust Board and LAB meetings, this may include evenings.

- Ability to travel to meetings across Cumbria on a frequent basis.- A full driving licence and access to transport is essential to fulfil

this role.

Moral Purpose - Pupils/students first – a belief that all pupils/students can achieve and ‘Be the Best They Can Be’.

- Championing the vulnerable.- Commitment to equality of opportunity.

An effective team player to the support and development of the vision and ethos of CET

- Dynamic and supportive.- Committed and passionate.- Innovative and high performing.- Emotionally intelligent.- Proactive contribution.

Dynamic and creative leadership - Leading through others.- Commitment to the principle of working collaboratively with all

schools within the Cumbria Education Trust.

A significant contributor to strategic thinking and development

- Inspire and drive.- Oversee the development of strategy and policy.- Lead consultation and implementation.

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WORKING AND LIVING IN CUMBRIA

As a place to live, Cumbria takes some beating, from the stunning beauty of the coast, to the challenge of the Lake District, and the history of Hadrian’s Wall, Cumbria offers something for everyone.

A predominantly rural county, Cumbria is home to some of England’s highest mountains and some of England’s biggest lakes. Cumbria is a big county with big opportunities for those who chose to live and work here. The county is famous worldwide for its stunning scenery. Perhaps less well known are its bustling market towns filled with shops and brimming with life.

Venturing further afield it has great links to the rest of the country by the M6, to Scotland via the M74 and to Newcastle upon Tyne by the A69, connectivity to Cumbria is excellent.

There are also excellent rail links to Newcastle, Leeds, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester and London. If you’re travelling by air, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle and Blackpool Airports are all within two hour’s drive.

This is the place to be – to live and work – and to have an excellent quality of life to spend with your family and friends and to stretch yourself professionally.

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Thank you for taking the time to read through this pack. We hope that it has given you enough of a flavour of CET and the post.

To apply please complete an application form and in addition please add a cover letter outlining your reasons for applying and evidence of your suitability for the post. Please send completed application forms to lcoats@cumbriaeducationtrust.org

Please note Cumbria Education Trust does not accept CVs.

Closing date: 9am, Wednesday 15 January 2020

Interviews: wc 20 January 2020

For an informal discussion or to arrange a visit please contact the trust on 016977 45369.

Cumbria Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and we will check the suitability of staff to work with children. Applicants must be willing to undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and overseas police checks (where applicable). Please see CET’s Safeguarding and Recruitment Policies for further details.

APPLICATION AND INTERVIEW PROCESS

13 | P a g ea: Longtown Road, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 1AR t: 016977 45300

e: office@cumbriaeducationtrust.org w: www.cumbriaeducationtrust.org