Finance Manager

(Ref: FMSEP14) 

Full Time or Term Time plus 20 days terms considered

The Bishop of Rochester Academy is looking to appoint a Strategic and Innovative Finance Manager.

The Bishop of Rochester Academy is an average-sized secondary school, set within a selective context, which opened in 2010. In a recent Ofsted report from 2013, it states that Senior Leaders and Governors .have brought about rapid improvements, especially in overall achievement and behaviour. The Principal has already gained the respect and commitment of the student and staff community through her track-record as Vice-Principal and she is determined to build on the improvements already secured, so that no ground will be lost. Students attest to her uncompromising, but fair, approach and staff are firmly behind her. Senior leaders have set up excellent information systems to enable subject and pastoral leaders to monitor students' achievement and make connections between their behaviour, attendance and the quality of the teaching they receive. The academy offers a good and expanding range of academic and vocational courses which are increasingly well matched to the abilities and needs of its students. Other opportunities such as Saturday school and trips abroad provide well for the development of their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Equality of opportunity is at the heart of what leaders and teachers set out to achieve. The Principal and her senior team feel that the academy is in a better place than it has been to bring about improvement. The high quality facilities available and a teaching staff enthusiastic to improve give the potential for rapid improvement.

This is a key appointment and you will have the opportunity of working with dynamic and forward looking Senior Leadership Team and Governing Body. The successful candidate will be an inspirational leader who will play a major role in ensuring Bishop of Rochester Academy delivers the highest standards for its pupils and builds long-term success by establishing and developing the financial and business functions to support the Academy objectives.

This outstanding opportunity requires a forward thinking leader who:

• Is of Graduate/MBA calibre finance professionals, and will be ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified with experience gained within an educational setting
• Possesses leadership skills and ability to motivate and inspire employees
• Has a commitment to excellence and right first time approach
• Can provide evidence of being able to improve systems to ensure quality outcomes
• A proven track record of management within a complex organisation

The post holder will lead on all aspects of finance. It is essential that applicants have extensive experience of both understanding and interpreting details and leading teams within either public sector or private sector organisations; ideally specific experience of working with Academy finances, systems such as PS Financials, funding, grant application, securing maximum funding available. Furthermore, you will have the wherewithal to drive the Academy forward, including taking advantage of any commercial opportunities the Academy has including liaising with potential sponsors and local business links. You will develop the strategy, plans and systems for effective financial policies and processes, establish controls, budget management and be responsible for production of management and statutory accounts to a high standard.

To apply, visit www.boracademy.org and download an application form. Please send completed applications to: Bishop of Rochester Academy, Magpie Hall Road, Chatham, Kent, ME4 5JB. Telephone 01634 303005, or e-mail the application form to: janina.villalta@boracademy.org - Ref: FMSEP14.

The Bishop of Rochester Academy is committed to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Employment will be subject to a satisfactory Enhanced CRB Disclosure and satisfactory references.

Closing date: 30th September 2014