Reports to: Management Team
- Purpose of Role: The School Accountant oversees financial management, control and reporting for the School. The role of School Accountant is key to achieving improved performance and providing Management Team & School Leadership Team (SLT) with financial information to support good business decision-making.
- 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 Management Team with appropriate financial information, advice and assistance to support the decision-making process.
Maintain the Schools accounting records, fees ledger, creditors ledger and
nominal ledger accurately and in accordance with agreed timescales and
procedures.
In conjunction with the Management Team 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 Head of Department Team meetings as required and deliver written reports.
In conjunction with the Management Team, control the treasury management function in order to ensure the most efficient and secure deployment of the Schools cash and minimize banking and interest charges.
In conjunction with the Management Team advise on current and future financial issues and projects including feasibility appraisals, preparation of business cases and funding options.
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 COO 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.
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 Schools 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 Schools funds and other assets.
All staff are responsible for the safeguarding and wellbeing of children in line
with the Schools Safeguarding (Child Protection) Policy.
- QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Essential competencies:
Qualified Accountant (MIA, CIMA, ACCA or ACA) or part qualified with relevant
experience.
Proven experience in financial reporting and in the preparation of management accounts, forecasts and statutory accounts.
Experience of practical accounting, bookkeeping and payroll in a similar role.
Ability to understand, interpret and communicate financial data at all levels of an organization.
Sound knowledge of accounting standards.
Excellent Microsoft skills Excel, Word and Outlook essential.
Confident in using Information Management Systems and able to learn new systems and processes quickly.
Excellent time management, prioritization and organizational skills.
Excellent attention to detail.
Maintain strict confidentiality where appropriate.
Strong interpersonal skills with a clear focus on customer service.
Previous experience of working within School Finance, Charitable Sector or Non-Profit organization.
Understanding of the Independent School sector.
Previous experience of WCBS PASS finance and / or Sage accounting packages.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: RM5,
- 00 - RM6,500.00 per month
Benefits: - Free parking
Meal provided
Schedule:
Monday to Friday
Supplemental Pay:
Education:
Experience:- Accounting: 2 years (Preferred)
Language:
License/Certification:
MIA, CIMA, ACCA or ACA certification (Required)
