Thank you for your interest in the position of Chief Finance Officer and Business Director

currently being advertised at St Michael’s CE High School, a Church of England Academy.

St Michael’s is a special place to learn and work with a strong Christian identity. Our mission

statement is:

As a vibrant learning community

we choose to serve God

pursue excellence

and

celebrate the uniqueness of each individual We aim to achieve this mission through a Christian learning experience which focuses on

opportunities for growth in body, mind and spirit:-

Body

Mind

Spirit

As a thriving, oversubscribed Church of England Academy within the Diocese of Blackburn, our values are rooted in the Christian faith. Serving God, pursuing excellence and celebrating the uniqueness of each individual are at the heart of our distinctive ethos as we strive to ‘be the best that we can be’. We create and sustain our caring Christian community by

encouraging positive supporting relationships based on Christian values and striking a genuine balance between the highest academic standards and opportunities for personal growth.

Worship is at the centre of our school life and is usually led by various staff, the Christian Youth Worker and/or pupils, with occasional support from local clergy or visitors. The school

Chapel Choir (Hughes Tutorial) and the school Worship Band are regularly involved in worship helping to create a contemporary vibrant experience. Each day begins with a year group worship, assemblies and school prayers. In addition we hold Eucharist services in the

Where the safety, happiness and wellbeing of pupils are paramount. Where every child

matters and more crucially, know that they matter.

High expectations and aspirations in all areas of school life create a disciplined and ordered

learning environment where creativity, passion and enthusiasm help to engender a life-long

love of learning and secure excellent pupil outcomes.

Where pupils are supported to find for themselves the person that God wants them to

be and really experience the joy and hope of ‘life in all its fullness’.

school chapel throughout the year both at the start of the day and at lunchtimes. These services are led by various members of the local clergy who are always willing to support

the school.

The chapel in the magnificent Armstrong Centre is also used for staff prayers and reflections

which take place at the start of each working week. We hope that the school’s distinctive Christian ethos shines through in all aspects of our life and work here. We have numerous student leadership roles within school and an active charities committee. Each year group

within school is linked to a particular charity.

All staff take responsibility for behaviour and wellbeing around school on a day to day basis

and model the qualities and Christian values we believe are important for self- worth, respect, responsibility and stewardship.

St Michael’s has been in the top 10% of non - selective schools nationally for attainment for the last five years. In 2018 91% of pupils achieved 5+ 9 – 4 (A*-C) grades including English

and mathematics and 74% at grade 9-5. Progress of pupils was well above average in 2018, with a Progress 8 measure of 0.58, placing the school in the top 10% of non -selective

schools for progress too. However, we are not complacent and remain ambitious for further success and the opportunities these results will provide for our pupils.

We want all at St Michael’s to ‘be the best that they can be’. We are confident that our pupils are provided with a rigorous and productive learning environment where they are

both challenged and supported. We have talented, dedicated, caring and dynamic staff who are willing to develop innovative approaches to learning and teaching for our young people, provide outstanding care and guidance and support our distinctive Christian ethos.

This is an exciting time to join our ‘Finance hub’ as we also seek to appoint a new Chief Finance Officer and Business Director. The position arises due to the forthcoming retirement

of our dedicated and long serving finance assistant.

I hope the information provided on our website gives you a clear flavour of our ethos, of what to expect at St Michael’s and also helps you to prepare for the application process.

I look forward to receiving your application.

Yours sincerely

Jayne Jenks Mrs Jayne Jenks

Headteacher

Thank you for requesting details for the post of Chief Finance Officer and Business Director at St Michael’s Church of England High School.

Most of the information you will need is displayed on the school website. However, the governors are proud to

emphasise the ‘excellent’ SIAMS inspection in November 2018. This was achieved by a whole school community approach of teachers, support staff, pupils, parents, carers and governors working together.

The strong academic, sport, and performing arts record is supported by the active Christian ethos apparent throughout the school; providing the opportunity for pupils to grow in body, mind and spirit. Staff focus on continually raising attainment, encouraged by inspiring, forward thinking leadership and management.

The governors will expect the successful applicant to become a full and active member of ‘Team St Michael’s’

and to support our distinctive Christian ethos. Thank you for your interest and I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely

Mr C M Metcalfe

Chair of Governors

We appreciate your interest in the role of Chief Finance Officer and Business Director at St Michael’s

Church of England High School. St Michael’s is an outstanding school with exceptionally high standards,

allowing pupils to develop both academically, physically, spiritually and socially.

‘Team St Michael’s’ is a significant phrase used within our school life. The ‘team’ encompasses parents,

pupils, staff and governors, who all work closely together allowing pupils to, “be the best that they can be”.

This ‘team’ helps create a strong pupil teacher relationship which is necessary to create mutual

respect and a sense of community. Exceptional examination results already demonstrate that this is in

place.

Christianity is at the heart of all that happens at St Michael’s. ‘Growing in body, mind and spirit’ is the

school’s philosophy and this can be seen throughout school. At St Michael’s, pupils’ faith in Christianity is

developed and encouraged. Each year group has a weekly worship, tutorial worship and prayers every

morning and Christian values are embedded within lessons, helping to produce a compassionate

environment.

St Michael’s Church of England High School really is a fantastic place to learn. Pupils experience engaging

and productive lessons, which challenge and support us.

‘Celebrating the uniqueness of each individual’ is another key focus, which is already well integrated

into school life. We hope the member of staff appointed will be passionate and enthusiastic and willing to

go the extra mile to support us in all that we do.

Yours sincerely

Ellie and George

(Head Boy and Head Girl 2018- 2019)

Chief Finance Officer and Business Director

Required for the 1st August 2019 or earlier if possible Permanent/ Full Time/ All Year Round Support Staff Salary Grade: Current Grade 12 Spine point 50-54 (£45, 652- £49, 523) March 2019 (Please note that this salary will be increased from April 2019 in line with the nationally agreed pay award). The initial starting salary within this grade will be dependent upon experience.

Applicants are asked to provide a fully completed application form and a supporting letter (no

longer than 2 sides of A4 in length in Arial point 12) that clearly sets out how your experience to date prepares you for the advertised post (with reference to the enclosed person specification). Closing date for the receipt of completed applications: 09.00 Tuesday 23 April

Interviews: Week commencing Monday 29 April

Applications should be returned by email to: vacancies@saint-michaels.lancs.sch.uk

Applicants will be asked to produce original certificates for all education qualifications stated in the

application form prior to the appointment being confirmed. All appropriate safeguarding and attendance at work checks will be requested.

Chief Finance Officer and Business Director Job Summary

An outstanding opportunity to join ‘Team St Michael’s’ in the key role of Chief Finance Officer and Business Director and to be a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

Leading on finance is the key element of the role, and the person appointed will need to have a strong track record in this area to enable them to meet the responsibilities of being the school’s Chief Finance

Officer as defined in the Academies Financial Handbook. The Chief Finance Officer and Business Director will take a lead strategic role in planning, developing, organising and monitoring support staff and services

in school in order to improve the learning experience and outcomes of our young people. This will involve working in collaboration with the School Support Services Manager and acting as line manager to other support staff in order to ensure that our facilities and services represent best value in supporting the

learning of our pupils.

The Support Services Manager is the PA to the Headteacher, examinations officer, clerk to the governors, company secretary and responsible for admissions, cover, educational visits, general administration and is also a member of the Senior Leadership Team. Both posts report directly to the Headteacher.

Although we currently operate as a stand-alone academy trust, we know that the context may change and expect to appoint a candidate who could lead the financial management of any future changes and the

school into potential new partnerships and collaborations.

Whilst experience of working within a school setting is highly desirable, we are genuinely open minded about the background of potential applicants for this role. We recognise there may well be staff from a school background seeking career development but we will equally welcome applicants from other

backgrounds with skills and experience relevant to the role. Regardless of the background, the ability to lead and develop the financial and other functions to support the further development of our pupils and

ongoing school improvement will be paramount. We place great importance on the development of our staff and would commit to providing you with

effective support and guidance for both your induction and ongoing professional support.

The applicant will be required to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people and be faithful to the trust deed.

Note: Candidates failing to meet any of the essential criteria will automatically be excluded

Essential/ Desirable

A/I/R

QUALIFICATIONS

5 GCSEs at C or above or equivalent, including mathematics and English E A

Degree or Diploma of School Business Management E A

Advanced qualifications e.g. Advanced Diploma of School Business Management ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA

D A

EXPERIENCE/KNOWLEDGE

Experience of leading the strategic financial planning for a large

organisation/service unit.

E A/I/R

Evidence of successful management and leadership of teams, able to motivate and enthuse to achieve high standards

E A/I/R

Excellent interpersonal skills E I

Experience/knowledge to secure arrangements for the effective Facilities

Management provision

E A/I/R

The ability to provide the leadership of other support functions including

Premises/ ICT/ HR

E A/I/ R

Robust senior financial management and business skills E A/I

Policy formulation, evaluation and review D A

Track record of successful project management E A/I

Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills E A/I

Excellent ICT skills and proficient in Excel, Word and financial systems E A/I

Working with a range of external and internal partners D I

Understanding of school context E A/I

Experience of working in an educational setting is highly desirable D A

Experience of financial management accounting and accounting systems

and processes

E A/I

Able to collate and interpret information to aid decision making and provide advice and training to colleagues including the senior leadership

team.

E A/I

Visionary, strategic thinker able to lead and enhance provision in all areas of school support

E A/I

An understanding of current developments in education and relevant

legislation

E A/I

OTHER

Supportive of the Christian ethos and values of the school E A/I/R

To safeguard the welfare of children and adults E A/I/R

Commitment to equality and diversity policies E A/I

Self- motivated and organised E I

Evidence of a commitment to your own professional development and to supporting the development of others

E A/I

Energy, enthusiasm, and flexibility E I

Willingness to take a full role in the life of the school. This includes the flexibility to fulfil the expectations of a leadership role, to work outside normal working hours to attend meetings, school events, participate in

training and meet deadlines.

E A/I

Confidential References and Reports

Positive and supportive faith reference from the priest/minister where the

applicant regularly worships

D R

Positive recommendation from all referees, including current employer E R

KEY E = Essential D = Desirable

A = Application I = Interview R = References

The successful candidate will be joining a highly dedicated and effective ‘Team St Michael’s’

with a commitment to providing excellent support for pupils, to help us continue to raise standards, achievement and enhance wellbeing. The ability to work with the highest levels of confidentiality and professionalism and to relate well to young people, parents and carers

and staff are essential for this role. The role and responsibilities may evolve over time in accordance with the grade of the post.

As a vibrant and successful school there are many demands on time, so flexibility and the ability to work under pressure are essential skills for this post; although you will benefit from

working alongside supportive colleagues in a well-established support staff team. This post will involve occasional evening work in support of school events/meetings.

Responsible to: Headteacher

Contract

Full time (37 hours per week).

It is anticipated that there will be a higher demand for work during term time with

an on-going need for work in school holidays. There will be a requirement to

attend events such as training and meetings that take may take place outside

normal working hours. A flexible approach will be needed to accommodate the

demands of the post.

Job Purpose

To provide strategic vision and leadership for all aspects of support services (finance, premises, facilities, data, ICT) and work in collaboration with the

support services manager who provides vision and leadership for the administrative functions of the school)

To provide the strategic financial management of the school in accordance

with statutory regulations, ensuring high levels of customer service. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team to take a full and active part in

the leadership, operation and development of the school.

To actively promote the school ethos and values

Strategic

To lead, manage and motivate a team of support staff throughout the

school, developing new procedures and advising on courses of action. The successful applicant must be able to understand issues quickly and be innovative in finding and advising on best solutions.

Undertake strategic financial planning and providing advice to the Headteacher and Governors on the most effective use of resources

Ensuring that the financial functions operate in accordance with statutory regulations of the Academies Financial Handbook.

Interpretation of new legislation and guidance and identification of the implications for the school

Ensure the effectiveness of the team to maximise the positive impact on

teaching and learning, safeguarding of children and extended services provision

Ensuring effective procedures for recruitment and the issuing of contracts

and for the induction, review and development of staff in the team Develop and implement procedures to evaluate the effectiveness of the

team and feed directly into improvement planning Establish standard operating procedures and other processes to maximise

the efficiency of the team and provide for service continuity in the event of staff absence.

Develop an on-going customer service focus. Develop and share good practice in the team, across the school and into

partnerships with other schools and relevant bodies.

Securing arrangements to source external advice where appropriate. To lead the development of income generation through seeking grants,

submitting bids and developing lettings as appropriate.

Finance

Management

Provide the management of Finance including:

Undertaking the role of Principal Finance Officer as defined in the Academies Financial Handbook.

Ensure that finances are managed effectively and in compliance with all relevant financial regulations.

To be responsible for the preparation and setting of annual and long-term budgets including revised estimates, volume standstill, savings and growth and

the identification of future changes in funding levels and expenditure needs. To be responsible for the monitoring of the budget for the current financial year

including reporting to senior leadership and governors. To establish appropriate arrangements for the financial planning and monitoring

of lettings. To prepare assessments and business cases for capital projects and advise on

the suitability and viability of project and initiatives. Preparation of year end accounts.

Liaison with external auditors and establishment of appropriate internal audit

processes Coordinate the preparation of the annual accounts prior to publication by the

auditors and ensure the timely annual submission of accounts to Companies House.

Provide advice and regular reports on expenditure to budget holders, SLT and Governors relating to the efficient management of resources.

Ensure effective arrangements for the provision of a payroll system for school staff including returns to Inland Revenue and other bodies.

Secure appropriate arrangements for the effective administration of pension schemes for teaching and support staff

Ensure that procurement arrangements represent best value and meet relevant tendering procedures.

Ensure proper accounting records are kept and control exercised over accounting arrangements.

Ensure that any additional pupil funding is claimed e.g. in relation to disadvantaged pupils, SEND and that records are updated termly and

expenditure compliant with any conditions Ensure proper accounting records are kept and control exercised over accounting

arrangements. Be responsible for liaising with all funding agencies to ensure the school receives

its full funding allocation Ensure that the school complies with all VAT and tax requirements and the

timely reclaiming of VAT. Take strategic responsibility for the day to day financial management of the

school e.g. monthly reconciliation of bank accounts, VAT accounting, BACS runs, cheque processing, acting as a budget holder, oversight of bank accounts

Risk Management

To ensure that there are appropriate arrangements to manage and reduce risk

including:

Securing appropriate insurance for the School’s assets and activities including

in relation to personnel, pupils, visitors and vehicles Development and maintenance of risk registers and business continuity plans

Facilities / ICT

Management

To manage the Resources and Network Manager to ensure that the estates function is managed effectively and in accordance with the operational needs of the school

and any regulatory requirements including: The maintenance and development of site and buildings to meet the needs

of users and ensure that there is a safe environment. Production and maintenance of maintenance and development plans

Maintaining high standards of security of the site and contents.

Arrangements are in place for the maintenance, servicing, testing and inspection of fixtures and school vehicles.

Arrangements are in place to deal with emergency repairs or call outs Purchasing arrangements represent best value and that contracts are

secured in accordance with financial guidelines and regulations. Developing and promoting energy efficiency measures.

The operation and development of catering, cleaning and grounds

maintenance services either through outsourcing or in house operation. Arrangements are in place for the site to remain operational during inclement

weather. The work of the estates team and contractors meets the requirements of

health and safety and other regulations. Systems for telecommunications, porterage, laundry and waste disposal.

Secure arrangements to source external advice where appropriate. The maintenance and development of ICT resources and the network.

Maintaining high standards of security of the networks, data, site and

contents. To work in collaboration with the Senior Assistant Headteacher to provide

appropriate ICT resources to support Learning and Teaching.

Health & Safety

To manage the Resources and Network Manager who is the school’s Health and

Safety Officer to ensure that appropriate arrangements are made to: Maintain and develop the Health and Safety Policy

Provide advice and guidance to other staff to assist them with the discharge

of their responsibilities Develop and implement an internal audit process

Ensure effective procedures are is in place for reporting of accidents and near misses

Ensure adequate levels of qualified First Aid staff are available as necessary Ensure health and safety is being discharged correctly across all extended

service provisions Provide for the control and co-ordination of emergency evacuation

procedures and lockdown

Lettings

To promote and develop the lettings activities including: Establishing, monitoring and developing procedures for community access

without negatively impacting on the day to day operation of the School Ensuring that community use of the site is in accordance with health and

safety and other regulatory requirements including co-ordination of risk assessment procedures

Ensuring appropriate budget monitoring arrangements for lettings

GDPR To be the data protection officer (DPO) for the school.

To lead the school in meeting GDPR requirements, offering advice to staff

and training as appropriate.

Administration/

HR

To work in collaboration with the Support services Manager who oversees

the administrative and HR functions of the school.

Governance To attend, advise and report to the full governing body and committee

meetings as appropriate especially where financial input and advice is required and updates on premises/ health and safety.

Additional Duties

To safeguard pupils and staff

To ensure awareness of and compliance with personal responsibilities and

requirements communicated to me in School policies and procedures including Health & Safety

As a member of staff in a School that works in partnership with other

organisations, to contribute to the development and sharing of good practice

into partnerships with other schools and relevant bodies. This may include undertaking duties and work in other schools and at other locations.

To maintain a highly visible and professional profile within the school and as

a member of the Senior Leadership Team to support supervision of pupils and monitoring of the premises at break and lunchtimes.

To carry out such other duties which may be required from time to time within the

grading of the post

The school expects flexibility within the duties and responsibilities specified above and to fulfil the

expectations of a position on the senior leadership team. This means that the post holder may be expected to carry out work that is not specified in the job

profile but which is within the remit of the duties and responsibilities and may need to work outside normal working hours for the purpose of attending meetings, meeting deadlines etc.