TASIS THE AMERICAN SCHOOL IN ENGLAND

Transcription

1 TASIS THE AMERICAN SCHOOL IN ENGLAND Job Description Job Title: Reports to: Based at: ASSISTANT BURSAR (Finance) Bursar TASIS The American School in England, Coldharbour Lane, Thorpe, Surrey, TW20 8TE. School History and Mission: TASIS is a family of international schools that welcomes young people from all nationalities to an educational community which fosters a passion for excellence along with mutual respect and understanding. Consistent with the vision of its founder, M. Crist Fleming, TASIS is committed to transmitting the heritage of Western Civilization and work cultures: the creations, achievements, traditions and ideals from the past, that offer purpose in the present and hope in for the future. Seeking to balance the pursuit of knowledge with the love of wisdom and promoting the skills of lifelong learning, an appreciation for beauty and the development of character, TASIS combines a challenging academic programme with opportunities for artistic endeavour, physical activity and service to others. Believing in the worth of each individual and the importance of enduring relationships, TASIS seeks to embody and instil the values of personal responsibility, civility, compassion, justice and truth. Accredited by the New England Association of Schools & Colleges and the Council of International Schools Registered Office: Coldharbour Lane, Thorpe, Surrey TW20 8TE, UK Tel: (01932) Reg. No

2 This role would be especially valuable for an aspiring bursar seeking to gain further insight into the support function in a large international school. Job Summary: Ensuring all budget and financial aspects of the school are compliant with the school s financial regulations and government legislation. Monitoring and reporting to the Bursar on all aspects of finance within the school. Producing contracts and obtaining visas and work permits for the Summer School staff. Manage five finance staff. Dealing with insurance claims and management of company vehicles and associated aspects eg drivers. Main Responsibilities: In conjunction with the Bursar prepare annual budget and underlying budget scenarios; Closing of the Annual Accounts and management of the Audit process and preparation of the Audit file; Undertake the Cash management process and the preparation of periodic cash flow forecast reports; Management of the Summer School contracts and work permit application process; Assist and support the Bursar in all activities associated with the School s financial management system; Producing draft, annual statutory accounts for TASIS England with all supporting schedules for the purposes of the annual audit; Preparing pay schedules for annual salary reviews and the production of annual salary letters for the Head of School and Bursar to approve; Reports on restricted assets and liabilities, restricted income and expenditure and the provision of fundraising, management and statutory information relating to those funds; Preparing statements of in-year income and expenditure for the management accounts each term for the School s restricted funds; Report to the Finance Committee and/or Board as required by the Bursar; To support the Bursar with other duties within the Business Office commensurate with the general grade and character of this role.

3 Key Tasks Monitoring of Budgets Provide general and education specific, financial advice to budget holders within the School, acting as the main point of contact; With reference to the School s Standards for Financial Management, provide induction training of all new budget holders and ensure appropriate planning and controls are in place to facilitate staying within budget; Ensure budget holders agree to the terms and conditions of having responsibility of School funds as defined in the School Standards for Financial Management on an annual basis; Ensure all budget holders, or staff with influence on significant financial making decision, complete an annual Declaration of Interest form and comply with financial standards.; Ensure the hospitality and gift policy of the School is observed by all staff and keep centralized records for audit purposes and to comply with the requirements of the Bribery Act Finance Operational management of the finance department to deliver accurate financial control & reports, the management of daily cash flows and the preparation of cash flow forecasts; Supervision of the sales ledger, including the invoicing and collection of fees and extras; Supervision of the purchase ledger, ensuring timely payment of invoices, the administration of petty cash and staff expenses; Assessment of costs in pursuit of value for money; Preparation of monthly reconciliation of the TE, SS, TPL and Mikron bank accounts. Follow up on reconciling items and ensure the necessary entries have been reflected in the School s accounts; Perform monthly closing routines on the School s nominal ledger system, Opera for TE, SS, TPL and Mikron; Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual management accounts for TE including the following: Income Statement, Income Statement notes, Detailed Analysis, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Statement; Preparation of SS, Mikron and TPL management accounts; Preparation of the TE Annual report; Working with the Bursar, prepare the annual budget for the School including Summer School using the established budget model developed in previous years. This process will include scenario planning under the direction of the Bursar to prepare reports for consideration by the Finance Committee;

4 Budget control including distribution of monthly budget statements to all budget holders and the members of the executive committee and reconciliation of the MBM s on quarterly basis; Analyse, reconcile and report Fixed Assets expenditure for TE, Mikron and TPL. Prepare a fixed asset register for all categories of fixed assets booked on the TASIS England balance sheet. Reconcile to Pegasus Opera nominal ledger and maintain the up to date with additions and disposals. Implement usage of the Opera Fixed Asset module and maintain; Supervision of Sales ledger Invoices and payments for Summer School; Monthly review of payroll entries, payments and reports as per the Control file; Prepare a summary of the Annual Fund monies received and spent for the prior years. Reconcile accounting records with donations received as per the advancement system. Set up a system for recording expenditures against account balance; In conjunction with the Bursar undertake all necessary corporation tax and VAT compliance work; Statutory returns: monthly CIS return for TPL, quarterly VAT returns for TE and TPL, quarterly National Statistics returns and annual PCI compliance returns; Scrutiny of the Balance sheet codes as per the Control file for four companies including reconciliation of the Intercompany accounts; Preparation of the Summer School employment contracts, short leasehold contracts and other ad-hoc contracts as required; Management of the process for obtaining work permits for Summer School staff; Project accounting on major project; Prepare Construction Industry Monthly return; Update and maintain the bank mandate for all bank accounts; Invest surplus funds in short term fixed deposit; Maintenance of the School s fixed asset register; Control of leased equipment; Producing termly management accounts, monitoring budgets and expenditure; Oversight of bank statements & balance sheets, bank & credit card reconciliations; Monitoring sound financial practice at the School, adherence to prevailing statutory requirements, compliance with the School s financial and authorisation policies and protection against fraud; Supervision of monthly staff payroll for c. 240 staff, both full and part-time, including national insurance calculations, tax and other deductions, pension contributions and returns to Royal London; Management of the School s lettings and the holiday activities arrangements including income & expenditure, payments & payroll; In conjunction with the Bursar preparation of the budget; Preparation for audit to trial balance, pre-payments and accruals & depreciation; Dealing with day-to-day support issues in the absence of the Bursar.

5 Non-Finance Contract management for catering and hold all contracts/lease agreements; Vehicles maintaining the vehicle register and a list of drivers with up-to-date copies of driving licences; To support the Bursar with other duties within the Business Office commensurate with the general grade and character of this role. Safeguarding Responsibilities: To know the identity of the School s Designated Safeguarding Lead and Deputy; Proactively be alert to indicators of potential safeguarding issues and report these immediately in accordance with the school s procedure; Be aware of the School s Safeguarding Policy and to follow its requirements; Attend training relating to Safeguarding of Children; Engage in safe practice and professional conduct to safeguard children to mitigate against the potential for misunderstandings or situations being misconstrued; Create safe and secure learning environments. The School is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects the same from its employees.

6 PERSON SPECIFICATION Essential: Experience of working in a busy and demanding environment; Experience Desirable: Some knowledge of the education sector would be an advantage but not essential; Essential: Fully qualified accountant (ICAEW/ACA/ACCA/CIMA). Skills/Knowledge Desirable: Personal Attributes Essential: Desirable: A high level of self-motivation; Good team management skills (a team of 5 including payroll); The ability to communicate effectively at different levels, with colleagues, parents, Governors and outside agencies, are essential requirements; Strong IT and analytical skills are critical as is an ability to work accurately under pressure whilst retaining a sense of humour!