Westminster College is a Resource Centre for Learning of the United Reformed Church. It delivers initial ministerial education for the URC as well as engaging in extensive work across the life of the denomination.
Alongside this core activity, Westminster College has a busy commercial side including Bed and Breakfast accommodation alongside Conferencing & Events.
Finance Manager Job Description
Reporting to the Bursar, and as a member of the College’s management team, you will take operational responsibility for the College’s finance function across both its charitable and trading activities.
The role operates with a high degree of operational autonomy while working closely with the Bursar on strategic financial planning and institutional priorities.
You will lead the delivery of accurate financial reporting, budgeting, cashflow management, audit preparation, financial controls and regulatory compliance, while supporting the wider strategic and operational objectives of the College.
The role requires a technically strong and hands-on finance professional capable of operating with a high degree of autonomy, improving processes and controls, and providing clear financial leadership and advice to the Bursar and wider management team.
You will develop effective working relationships with the College’s Honorary Treasurer, the Director of the Cheshunt Foundation and the Chief Finance Officer of the United Reformed Church (URC).
Responsibilities and Duties:
Financial Strategy and Monitoring
The Senior Finance Manager will (with oversight from the Bursar):
· Build and monitor budgets
· Develop and deliver timely and accurate management accounts, cashflow forecasting, liquidity analysis and financial reporting to support operational and strategic decision-making.
· Maintain and strengthen financial controls, reconciliations and financial governance arrangements across the College and trading subsidiary
· Lead ongoing improvement of finance systems, reporting processes and internal controls.
· Set charges for Campus partners
· Attend at Management Committee meetings
· Advise other managers and academic staff on financial issues
Accounting
· Prepare and maintain the accounting records and financial operations of the College and trading subsidiary, including:
o Purchase and sales ledger processes
o Weekly BACS payment runs
o Cashbook management
o Journals and month-end accounting entries
· Prepare, review and monitor key financial controls and reporting processes, including:
o Bank reconciliations
o Cash flow reporting and forecasting
o Balance sheet reconciliations and control accounts
· Prepare payroll information and liaise with URC Church House regarding payroll processing and payment
· Maintain VAT records and liaise with URC Church House in relation to submission of returns
· Prepare the College’s annual return to the Chairty Commission
· Lead the annual audit process, including preparation of working papers, audit schedules, statutory accounts support, liaison with external auditors and resolution of audit queries.
· Ensure balance sheet reconciliations and key financial controls are completed accurately and on a timely basis.
· Ensure finance records, processes and supporting documentation are maintained to an audit-ready standard.
· Be responsible for the development and maintenance of the College’s financial and accounting policies, procedures and controls.
· Administer student fees, council tax/business rates and utilities
· Administer expense claims, petty cash, event floats, receipts from coin operated facilities and general banking arrangements
· Provide advice and guidance to students in relation to fees, grants and expenses.
Leadership / Liaison
· Lead and develop the Finance team, ensuring high standards of professionalism, accountability, customer service and financial control within the Finance office.
· Undertake accounting duties for the Cheshunt Foundation as agreed with the Bursar and the Cheshunt Director
· Undertake accounting duties complementary to the finance staff in URC Church House as agreed with the Bursar and the URC’s Chief Finance Officer
· Liaise with the Finance Managers of other CTF Houses as necessary to fulfil the role.
Expected Standards
Communication
o Promote a culture of open and effective communication to enable constructive relationships with colleagues and internal and external contacts.
Equality & Diversity
o Actively foster an environment which nurtures equality and cherishes diversity.
Heath, Safety & Security
o Promote, monitor and maintain best practice in health, safety and security.
Customer Service
o Work collaboratively to develop a customer service culture which fosters continuous improvement.
Personal & People Development
o Take responsibility for own personal development and support the development of others to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Data Protection
o Promote, monitor and maintain best practice in data protection principles and practice.
Safeguarding
o Actively promote, manage and maintain best practice in safeguarding.
Join our team as a Finance Manager and contribute to the College success through your expertise in financial management and strategic decision-making. If you are a results-driven professional with a passion for finance, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £50,000.00-£55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Education:
Experience:
- Management: 5 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person
