Job Purpose

The School Accountant is responsible for:

• Organising and managing school finance, in accordance with the ESFA Academies Financial Handbook, and administering payroll and pension related functions.
• Assisting the Directors, Head of School, Project Manager and Lecturers in establishing the budget planning and financial control and procedures through which they shall be achieved, including development of resource plans as required.
• Advising on compliance with all applicable statutory legislation..

Duties and responsibilities

Main duties and responsibilities are indicated below. Other duties of an appropriate level and nature may also be required, as directed by the Head of School

Qualification: Diploma in accounting or its equivalent,

Experience: one year in similar position, experience with Pastel accounting software an added advantage

Finance and accounting

S/he shall:

• In consultation with her/his line manager and the Head of School prepare the school’s annual budget and review and update as necessary.
• Monitor income and expenditure in relation to the school’s budget, and produce monthly reports for the Directors, Head of School.
• Keep all school accounts and prepare income and expenditure reports  and shall prepare accounts for submission to the school’s auditors.
• Assist in the preparation for the annual audit, liaising with all parties involved.
• Maintain and oversee all bank accounts including the school’s debit card/s, completing monthly reconciliations and reporting banking errors to the Head of School.
• Ensure that the school’s finance policy is reviewed and updated as necessary.
• Be responsible for all elements of cash handling including collections and disbursements, banking and security, fundraising and school trips.
• Be responsible for the completion of the school’s payroll, ensuring all forms including timesheets, new starter/leaver/variation forms and annual returns are submitted within required deadlines.
• In conjunction with the nominated staff members, scrutinise and attend to the payment of all invoices and statements of account.
• Co-ordinate and maintain a list of approved contractors and suppliers to ensure best value.
• Manage, negotiate and monitor all contracts, leases and relationships with external contractors.