JOB DESCRIPTION Responsible to: Chief Executive Responsible for: The Director of Finance will have responsibility for financial planning and budgetary management of c£2.4bn and will fulfil a crucial role in strategic financial leadership across the education sector. They will be responsible for delivering a significant portfolio of high quality financial services to schools and corporate functions against a complex and challenging financial environment. The post-holder will have direct line management responsibility for 2 Assistant Directors and overall responsibility for approximately 400 staff within the Finance Function. Job Purpose The Director of Finance will be responsible to the Chief Executive for the leadership, management and development of all activity relating to the financial management of the EA. This includes responsibility for a revenue budget of c£2.4bn and a capital budget of c.£79m. The Director will be responsible for the strategic and operational development of the Finance function and for the development and implementation of harmonised systems and regional policies and procedures across the EA to ensure EA meets its statutory and Departmental requirements. The Director of Finance will play a key role in responding to the challenges posed by the budget and will work to bring EA and schools onto a stable and sustainable financial footing. The Director of Finance will work with Members and relevant officials across the Department of Education to ensure strategic alignment between the organisations in relation to financial planning and business planning activities. Main Duties and Responsibilities Corporate Leadership As a member of the Corporate Leadership Team (CLT), the Director of Finance will be responsible for working flexibly and collaboratively with the Chief Executive and other members of the CLT to: - ensure the EA lives within its annual Budget allocation from the Department; - establish and communicate the vision and strategic direction for the EA; - provide strategic leadership by bringing new and innovative approaches to achieving greater effectiveness, efficiencies and value for money for the EA; - be a role model for EA’s Values and develop business plans for the Finance Directorate that are aligned to EA’s strategic priorities and vision; - lead and manage the team to develop and implement operational plans to ensure the effective delivery of regional services to schools; - continue the work to implement and continuously improve organisational structures for the EA, contributing to a cohesive change management strategy; - evaluate and review current business practices, procedures and protocols towards the identification and implementation of more efficient, economic and effective approaches; - identify opportunities for change, initiate programmes of work and lead aspects of the change programme related to the Finance Directorate or where a multi-disciplinary approach is required; - secure and manage with probity the financial resources required to deliver services; - lead and motivate staff to deliver high levels of performance and develop their full potential; - work in partnership with staff and stakeholders including partners across the education sector, Governing Bodies, school leaders, trade unions, elected representatives, other related agencies, the media and the public; - lead by example by promoting good practice, high standards and the values of the EA; - ensure that the EA meets its statutory responsibilities, supports DE in fulfilling its statutory duties and that the highest standards of probity and conduct are maintained at all times; - provide advice and support to the Chief Executive and the Board in all areas related to the work of the Finance Directorate. Finance The Director of Finance will be responsible for the: - delivery of a balanced annual budget, with underspend <0.75%; - provision of strategic leadership in the development and implementation of an EA Financial Strategy to bring about financial stability and sustainability for EA and schools; - strategic and operational development of the EA Finance function, including strategy, policies and procedures for the EA. This will include the harmonisation of all finance systems, policy and procedures; - provision of strategic leadership for financial planning and the management of the EA budget, undertaking appropriate governance checks and providing the necessary assurances to the Chief Executive, the Chair, the Board and DE; - provision of strategic leadership in the development and implementation of sound financial accounting systems and processes; - provision of strategic leadership in the development and implementation of robust management accounting systems within EA; - establishment of excellent budget holder systems within EA including robust financial approval mechanisms, accurate expenditure monitoring systems across the organisation and clear responsibilities, accountability and governance arrangements for reporting; - leadership of the development of a financial reporting system to DE, the Board and budget holders including preparation of the Annual Accounts; - leadership of all activity to ensure that budget holders, including relevant staff in schools, have the necessary knowledge, skills and support to enable sound financial management of budgets; - overseeing of the smooth operation of the Common Funding Formula to ensure schools are advised of their LMS budget allocations promptly and challenged robustly regarding their ability to live within their annual budget allocation; - delivery of an integrated solution for procurement, finance, HR and payroll systems across EA; and - overseeing the strategic management, modernisation and streamlining of systems and processes, ensuring all staff and suppliers are paid accurately and on time. Other - Any other duties related to the role which may be required from time-to-time by the Chief Executive and the Board. - In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), be expected to promote Good Relations, Equality of Opportunity and pay due regard for Equality Legislation at all times. This job description will be subject to review in light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. The Corporate Leadership Team is currently reviewing its structure. It is likely that other roles and responsibilities will be assigned as a result of the review. To view the summary of terms and conditions for this post, click here. Please refer to the candidate information pack for more details which can be accessed here.