Experience

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  Waltham Forest College

  • Walthamstow, London

  • Interim Financial Consultant

    • Dec 2021 - Present
    • Walthamstow, London

    A summary of duties include:• The role is short-term vacancy cover for the Financial Controller.• Completed VAT return for the quarter ended October 2021.• Completed the Finance Record (CFFR version) for 2020-21 financial year• Revised the tuition fee policy for 2021-22.• Budget setting for 2022-23

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  Enfield County School

  • Enfield, Middlesex

  • Vice Chair of Governors/Chair of Resources Committee

    • Nov 2001 - Present
    • Enfield, Middlesex

    Voluntary role that includes being Chair of the Finance and Personnel Sub-Committee

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  The Windsor Forest Colleges Group

  • Langley, England, United Kingdom

  • Interim Financial Consultant

    • Feb 2021 - Oct 2021
    • Langley, England, United Kingdom

    Lead the College’s Finance Department and be responsible for operational financial management and finance functions, including the production of the Annual Statement of Accounts, co-ordination of the annual capital and revenue budgets and Financial Forecast and Management Accounts in conjunction with the Deputy CEO. Assist the Deputy CEO (who acts as Chief Financial Officer), in Strategic Financial Management and deputise for him in financial matters.Liaison with external auditors and assist in co-ordinating the Internal Audit Plan.Oversee the College’s payroll and procurement functions and insurance arrangements.Management of the Finance and Payroll Departments and the Procurement Officer (7 staff), providing financial, payroll and contract and procurement services for all College activities.

• 

  at

  • Interim Financial Consultant

    • Feb 2020 - Jan 2021

    During my planned break, I have mainly concentrated on volunteer activities as Chair of Resources and Governor at a large secondary school. During the period of lockdown, I have made use of Zoom and Microsoft Teams software for virtual meetings with other governors, headteacher and senior managers at the local authority.

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  Richmond upon Thames College

  • Twickenham, London

  • Interim Financial Consultant

    • Sep 2019 - Jan 2020
    • Twickenham, London

    Primarily recruited to produce the financial statements 2019 – achieved this and met deadlines for external audit, audit round-up meeting and Audit/Finance Committees and Corporation Board.A summary of duties include:• Started role at short notice with no handover but hit the ground running – this role was a hands on operational role using the accounting system, Symmetry• Preparation of year-end financial statements ready for external audit – liaised with external auditors, completed on time for submission to Audit Committee, Corporation Board and ESFA – at the round up meeting following completion of the external audit, it was stated the formal audit report will show a clean audit with no recommendations for 2018-19. The draft financial statements ready for audit were compiled in 12 working days• Completed draft Finance Record at the same to advise senior management team on key financial ratios – staff costs to income ratio, liquidity and financial health grade• Reconciled financial statements for previous years to the accounting system (Symmetry), previously not undertaken and generally overall management of the accounting system• Produce management accounts reconciling to the trial balance produced from the accounting system• Managed a team of 4 staff in Finance• Monitoring cashflow day to day and cashflow planning in a period of low cash balances• Manage day to day operations of the finance team. • Monitored purchase orders to ensure within budget and value for money

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  Sir George Monoux College

  • Walthamstow, London

  • Interim Finance Director

    • Feb 2019 - Jul 2019
    • Walthamstow, London

    A summary of duties include:• Started role at short notice with no handover but hit the ground running – role is short-term cover for strategic finance role in the absence of the Vice Principal – Corporate Services• Preparation of budget for 2019-20 financial year working with the Finance Manager. I completed the staff cost budget and reconciled the teaching staff budget to the curriculum plan. Undertook financial modelling for various scenarios for the ESFA financial plan reducing the operational deficit and returning to surplus. Therefore, the financial plan is for 4 years to 2023. This has been presented and discussed with the Principal prior to presenting to governors. • Managed a team of 4 staff in Finance• Drafted and presented reports to the Audit Committee and Resources Committee (both Spring Term 2019 and Summer Term 2019 cycle. • Compiled a guide for governors in respect of the new Further Education Insolvency process and the College Oversight: Support and Intervention process.• Oversight of monthly management accounts to ensure completeness and consistency• Reviewed GDPR draft policies

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  Barnfield College

  • Luton, United Kingdom

  • Interim Finance Consultant

    • Aug 2018 - Jan 2019
    • Luton, United Kingdom

    A summary of duties include:• Started role at short notice with no handover but hit the ground running – this role was a hands on operational role using the accounting system, Resource 32000, and being a super user to manage main processes• Preparation of year-end financial statements ready for external audit – liaised with external auditors, completed on time for submission to Audit Committee, Corporation Board and ESFA – nil new external recommendations for 2017-18 and resolved audit recommendations from previous years, thus a clean audit• Managed a team of 3 staff in Finance• Reconciled financial statements for previous years to the accounting system (Resource 32000), previously not undertaken and generally overall management of the accounting system• Produce management accounts reconciling to the trial balance produced from the accounting system• Monitoring cashflow day to day and cashflow planning in a period of low cash balances• Manage day to day operations of the finance team. • Authorising payroll payments and working with HR and outsourced payroll provider to resolve pay and pension queries.• Monitored purchase orders to ensure within budget and value for moneyAssist with integration of financial processes in respect of merger on 1 February 2019

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  formerly Epping Forest College

  • Enfield, United Kingdom

  • Planned career break, formerly Deputy Principal

    • Feb 2017 - Jul 2018
    • Enfield, United Kingdom

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  Epping Forest College

  • United Kingdom
  • Higher Education
  • 100 - 200 Employee

  • Deputy Principal

    • Sep 2016 - Jan 2017

    Key Accountabilities: To lead the development and implementation of financial and accommodation strategies to underpin the aims and objectives of the College.To co-ordinate the preparation of the College’s Financial Plans within guidelines set by the Governing Body and external funding bodies.To lead the preparation of the College’s multi-year financial forecast and revenue/capital budgets. To assist in preparing the College’s annual funding bid to the key funding bodies.To lead on the implementation of the College's ILT strategyStrategic responsibility for Finance, Estates, Security, Health and Safety, ILT and MIS.Deputise for the Principal cross-college.To evaluate proposed new ventures and contracts preparing reports and recommendations for consideration by the Principal and Governing Body.To manage the college’s internal and external audit processes.To ensure the effectiveness of the College’s commercial operations including external partnerships.To oversee the preparation of the College’s year end accounts for approval by the Governing Body.To oversee the production of monthly management accounts and the management of financial and operational performance and report to the Senior Management Team, Governing Body and its subcommitteesTo develop and refine internal resourcing models to monitor performance.To manage the College’s payroll, taxation, insurance, cash flow and borrowing arrangements.To ensure that the Financial Regulations and Procedures are consistent with statutory and funding body requirements and provide appropriate regulation.To lead the development and management of risk management across the College.To oversee the effective operation and management of the estates function including buildings and grounds maintenance, cleaning, catering, health and safety, security, utilities and communications infrastructure, space management and contract management.To act the College Data Protection Officer and Freedom of Information Officer

  • Acting Principal and Chief Executive Officer

    • Nov 2015 - Aug 2016

    Lead the Senior Management Team comprising of Principal, 2 Vice Principals, Director of Student Services and Business Development, and Interim Finance DirectorLine manager to SMT members, Human Resources Manager and 2 Executive Assistants. Also, work closely with the Chair of the Governing Body and Clerk to the Corporation BoardProvide effective leadership for the College, ensuring that all staff are motivated to achieve the highest results for learnersEnsure that the overall management, internal organisation and disciplinary arrangements for staff and learners meet the standards set by the Corporation and other regulatory authoritiesEnsure that appropriate targets are set, agreed and monitored throughout the College in order to achieve the agreed strategic aims and objectivesEnsure that the College is an inclusive, high quality student-centred and effective learning organisationEnsure processes, procedures and monitoring arrangements to enable the College fulfils its statutory safeguarding responsibilities for young people and vulnerable adultsPromote and facilitate the innovation and development of the curriculum to ensure the College delivers relevant education and training opportunities, ensuring the highest quality of provisionAct as Accounting Officer under the appropriate regulations and to ensure that all monies received from public bodies are used for the purpose for which they are given, and the efficient and effective management of resources in line with approved budgetsEnsure that the College works within its statutory and regulatory framework and that policies and procedures are compatible with the Financial Memorandum, funding bodies’ guidance, the College’s financial regulations and the Instrument and Articles of GovernmentEnsure that financial, planning and other management controls, including those against fraud and theft, applied by the College are appropriate and sufficient to safeguard public funds.

  • Deputy Principal

    • Aug 2014 - Oct 2015

    Key Accountabilities: To lead the development and implementation of financial and accommodation strategies to underpin the aims and objectives of the College.To co-ordinate the preparation of the College’s Financial Plans within guidelines set by the Governing Body and external funding bodies.To lead the preparation of the College’s multi-year financial forecast and revenue/capital budgets. To assist in preparing the College’s annual funding bid to the key funding bodies.To lead on the implementation of the College's ILT strategyStrategic responsibility for Finance, Estates, Security, Health and Safety, ILT and MIS.Deputise for the Principal cross-college.To evaluate proposed new ventures and contracts preparing reports and recommendations for consideration by the Principal and Governing Body.To manage the college’s internal and external audit processes.To ensure the effectiveness of the College’s commercial operations including external partnerships.To oversee the preparation of the College’s year end accounts for approval by the Governing Body.To oversee the production of monthly management accounts and the management of financial and operational performance and report to the Senior Management Team, Governing Body and its subcommitteesTo develop and refine internal resourcing models to monitor performance.To manage the College’s payroll, taxation, insurance, cash flow and borrowing arrangements.To ensure that the Financial Regulations and Procedures are consistent with statutory and funding body requirements and provide appropriate regulation.To lead the development and management of risk management across the College.To oversee the effective operation and management of the estates function including buildings and grounds maintenance, cleaning, catering, health and safety, security, utilities and communications infrastructure, space management and contract management.To act the College Data Protection Officer and Freedom of Information Officer

  • Interim Deputy Principal (Finance and Resources)

    • Mar 2014 - Jul 2014

    Key Accountabilities: To lead the development and implementation of financial and accommodation strategies to underpin the aims and objectives of the College.To co-ordinate the preparation of the College’s Financial Plans within guidelines set by the Governing Body and external funding bodies.To lead the preparation of the College’s multi-year financial forecast and revenue/capital budgets. To assist in preparing the College’s annual funding bid to the key funding bodies.To lead on the implementation of the College's ILT strategyStrategic responsibility for Finance, Estates, Security, Health and Safety, ILT and MIS.Deputise for the Principal cross-college.To evaluate proposed new ventures and contracts preparing reports and recommendations for consideration by the Principal and Governing Body.To manage the college’s internal and external audit processes.To ensure the effectiveness of the College’s commercial operations including external partnerships.To oversee the preparation of the College’s year end accounts for approval by the Governing Body.To oversee the production of monthly management accounts and the management of financial and operational performance and report to the Senior Management Team, Governing Body and its subcommitteesTo develop and refine internal resourcing models to monitor performance.To manage the College’s payroll, taxation, insurance, cash flow and borrowing arrangements.To ensure that the Financial Regulations and Procedures are consistent with statutory and funding body requirements and provide appropriate regulation.To lead the development and management of risk management across the College.To oversee the effective operation and management of the estates function including buildings and grounds maintenance, cleaning, catering, health and safety, security, utilities and communications infrastructure, space management and contract management.To act the College Data Protection Officer and Freedom of Information Officer

  • Vice Principal - Finance and Estates

    • Aug 2011 - Feb 2014

    Key AccountabilitiesMember of the Senior Management Team reporting to the Principal/CEOLead development and implementation of finance and accommodation strategies to underpin the aims and objectives of the CollegeCo-ordination of preparation of the financial plans, revenue and capital budgets within guidelines set by the Governing Body/external funding bodiesAssist in preparing the College's annual funding bid to key funding bodiesEvaluate proposed new ventures and contracts, preparing reports and make recommendations for consideration by the Principal/Governing BodyManage the college's internal and external auditEnsure effectiveness of the College's business and commercial operations including external partnershipsLead preparation of the College's year end accounts process for approval by the Governing BodyOversee production of the monthly management accountsManage payroll, taxation, insurance, banking and borrowing arrangementsControl and manage cash flowLead the development of risk management across the CollegeStrategic responsibility for effective operation of the estates function including buildings and grounds maintenance, cleaning, catering, health and safety, security, utilities and communications infrastructure, space management and contract managementKey achivementsFinancial health grade (as determined by the Skills Funding Agency) increased from Good to OutstandingFinancial outturn in 2011-12 being a surplus that is 8% of turnoverLead on capital project in summer 2012 to extend hair and beauty provision and other refurbishements, total cost £600K, completed on time and budgetExternallyElected in 2010, re-elected in 2012, 2014 and 2016 Co-Chair of the College Finance Directors Group (CFDG), London Region and member of the CFDG National Committee.Represent CFDG on the Financial Reporting Group of the British Universities Finance Directors Group (BUFDG) for implementation of the Internation Finance Reporting Standards

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  Hackney Community College

  • Falkirk Street london N1 6HQ

  • Director of Finance and Resources

    • Jan 2006 - Jul 2011
    • Falkirk Street london N1 6HQ

    Development of financial strategy to support the College’s development planContributing to the overall management of the College as a member of the Senior Management TeamEnsure effective financial controls are in place to ensure economy, efficiency and effectiveness in the use of resourcesLiaise with external agencies – banks, insurers, external and internal auditors, tax advisors Preparing reports for and attending Governors meetings, namely Finance, Policy and Resources Committee, Audit Committee and Full BoardLead preparation of annual budget and three year financial planLead production of annual financial statementsManaged internal and external audit processesManaged insurance and cashflowDirector of two wholly owned subsidiary companies Line management of FinanceKey AchievementsDevelopment of financial strategy to support the College’s development plan, managing cashflow to avoid requirement for borrowing, improve debt collection and improve processes, for example year end processesDeveloped financial strategy based on target financial contribution from teaching activities and benchmarking with other similar sized institutions that improved poverall financial performanceGained confidence of governors and the main funding agencies in terms financial forecasting, for example year end outturn forecast (break even) being achieved, this is significant following previous years’ deficitsEnhanced the reporting of financial information to both to the senior management team and governors, improved presentation of budget information and debt collection.Negotiated increased funding with the YPLA for specialist LLDD provision in February 2011 (thus at a time of financial restraint)College achieved grade of “Good” in Provider Financial Assurance (PFA) review conducted in May 2010 as part of OfSTED inspection. This grade fed into the overall terms, the College grade was “Good”.

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  Westminster Kingsway College

  • London

  • Vice Principal - Finance

    • Nov 2002 - Dec 2005
    • London

    Member of the College Executive Team (CET) reporting directly to the Principal/CEO Liaison with the Learning and Skills Council in respect of application for capital grant for the estates rationalisation project. Attended at the Audit and Resources Committees and full Governing Body meetings.•Development and management of financial strategies to achieve the strategic aims of the College•Contributing to the development of operational plans that progress the College towards achievement of its strategic aims•Ensure effective financial management to enable the College to meet its statutory and regularity obligations. •Planning and monitoring within the context of a devolved management structure, the College’s annual budget such that the revenue targets are met and the planned level of the College's activity is supported•Development and management of effective financial management systems including costing information to inform business decision making•Co-ordinate the development of effective business and financial risk management strategies to ensure that risks are identified and managed throughout the College•Effective treasury management optimising cash flow•Managing the short and long term investments to minimise risk whilst maximising financial return •Lead, manage, motivate and develop all Finance Directorate staff to objectivesKey achievementsThe College had an operational deficit of £4.2M in 2001-02 moving to an operational surplus by 2005-06Introduction of electronic on-line purchase order requisition system, Developed procedures to regular monitor recommendations from internal auditors to ensure they are implemented Introduced strict budget controls, particularly for agency staff to prevent overspendingArranged bridging loan finance for the implementation of the estates strategy prior to receipt of receipt from asset saleMaximised recovery of VAT, this resulted in recovery in excess of £300K in 2003-04 with ongoing savings

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  University of Hertfordshire

  • Hertfordshire

  • Deputy Director of Finance (1999 to 2002, Management Accountant 1988 to 1999)

    • Aug 1988 - Oct 2002
    • Hertfordshire

    •Lead the preparation of the annual revenue budget to summary level to present to senior management (Director of Finance and Vice Chancellor) and prepare budget report to Finance Committee•Reporting to the SMT, Finance Committee and Audit Committee on a range of issues, for example Funding Council announcements, responses to internal audit reports and the financial implications of restructuring•Advise senior management on the impact of recurrent funding announcements and changes to the funding methodology•Liaise with Deans of Faculty to forecast student numbers for the next 5 year planning period for resource planning, notably academic space requirements and student residential accommodation thus influencing the institution’s estates strategy•Prepare 5 year financial forecast as an input to the organisation’s strategic plan liaison with senior managers •Management responsibility for the introduction of the Costing and Pricing Strategy to meet the requirements of the Transparency Review•Led the implementation of a new finance computerised system - including setting out requirements, project planning, pilot testing and training•Presentations to non-financial managers on business planning, budgeting procedures and processes•Meetings once a term with Deans of Faculty and the Director of Finance to discuss current financial issues and further refine the resource allocation model.•Member of the Support Staff Group comprising of the Secretary and Registrar, Assistant Secretary and Registrar and Director of Personnel to consider the implications on resources of restructuring and reorganisations for support staff•Prepare budget monitoring reports (monthly) for the University’s Senior Executive Group (Vice Chancellor and Pro-Vice Chancellor) with commentary on significant variances/trends•Major input to the preparation of the University’s statutory accounts•Liaise with external auditors•Completion of HEFCE returns

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  Hertfordshire County Council

  • Hertfordshire

  • Senior Accountant

    • Jun 1986 - Aug 1988
    • Hertfordshire

    Recruited as a qualified accountant in Education Accountancy Group of the County Treasurer’s Department with responsibility for the financial aspects of the School Meals Service, Careers Service, Further Education College Refectories, Central and Divisional Administration Service of the Education Department. The main duties of this post were:•Preparation of revenue budget•Production of year end accounts•Evaluate draft capital programme in consultation with the Architect and Education Departments for all education services•Review school meals prices and ensure level of income is maintained in real terms•Completion of government and statistical returns for all education services•Assess financial implications of reports presented to Education Sub-Committee for services outlined above

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  London Borough of Barnet

  • Senior Technical Assistant

    • Jul 1985 - May 1986

    • Production of statement of accounts, annual report and rate estimates booklet• Monitoring inflation factors to be used in budget preparation for the Council’s budget• Co-ordinating completion of government returns, for example capital payments return• Preparation of central administration budget

  • Senior Accountancy Assistant (Housing Services)

    • Feb 1983 - Jun 1985

    • Assisting with closing of accounts• Completion of various CIPFA statistical returns• Completion of revenue and capital outturn government returns• Processing Housing Acts mortgage applications• Maintaining capital expenditure records

  • Accountancy Assistant/Trainee Accountant (General Services)

    • Feb 1974 - Jan 1983

    Duties included assisting with budget preparation, closing of accounts, reconciliation of controlaccounts, prepare grant claims for various services including highways, leisure and central administrative departments

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  London Borough of Enfield

  • Enfield, Middlesex

  • Clerical Officer

    • Aug 1971 - Jan 1974
    • Enfield, Middlesex

    Various clerical duties including processing commitment orders and invoices, and maintaining computerised stores ledger