Accounts Receivable Manager (EA Employees & Agency Staff)

JOB DESCRIPTION

RESPONSIBLE TO : Functional Lead – Accounts Receivable

RESPONSIBLE FOR : The Accounts Receivable Manager will contribute to the delivery of developing all aspects of the Accounts Receivable service.  This will include billing, debt management, the cashier function, cash and treasury management, bank account administration, EU Milk Subsidy Scheme and accounting for VAT.  The Accounts Receivable Manager will support the Functional Lead to ensure that all relevant statutory and regulatory obligations are met and that relevant financial and management information is provided. The Accounts Receivable Manager will support the Functional Lead in managing and leading all employees within the service regionally.

JOB PURPOSE

 The overall purpose of the role is to support the Functional Lead for Accounts Receivable to strategically lead, manage and develop the relevant Accounts Receivable Service to meet the operational requirements of the organisation.  As a key member of this team, the post holder is accountable for ensuring that service delivery is focused on fostering and driving continuous improvement.  The Accounts Receivable Manager will be expected to provide strong leadership and direction to ensure the significant ongoing change and harmonisation process to create and implement a fit for purpose Accounts Receivable function.

 The Accounts Receivable Manager will work with Education Authority (hereafter called the Authority) colleagues, External Stakeholders, Department of Education (DE) and Department of Finance (DoF) to ensure continuous service improvement and delivery on key performance priorities to ensure that current and emerging priorities are embedded in the programme of work. The post-holder will advise and support the Functional Lead for Accounts Receivable in the development of the strategic direction for this service to ensure that Service priorities are clearly identified and communicated in line with service requirements.

 In acting as an integral member of the Accounts Receivable Service, the post-holder is required to fully contribute to all Financial Operations Service issues related to the corporate plan, operational business plan, service development proposals, savings proposals and risk register to ensure that the Directorate operational plans support the overall strategic direction of the Authority and the achievement of its objectives in line with its vision, mission and values.

The post-holder will be responsible for providing advice, support, information and guidance to the Authority’s Board, its Committees and Service Managers, Senior Finance Service staff and external partners, as appropriate.

The Accounts Receivable Manager will be responsible for managing and leading a team of employees within the service, this will include managing employees across all Authority offices.

The Post-holder has the following Service-Specific Responsibilities 

·         Support the functional lead on managing the delivery of accounts receivable services, ensuring that all relevant statutory and regulatory obligations are met.

·         Ensure up-to-date technical knowledge and expertise relevant to the accounts receivable function and that sound advice is provided to the Functional Lead and Head of Service as required.

·         Ensure the provision of timely and accurate financial and management information.

·         Support the Functional Lead to ensure arrangements are in place to measure the performance of the accounts receivable function through agreed key performance indicators (KPIs), maximising quality, efficiency and overall effectiveness of services.

·         Support the Functional lead in ensuring arrangements are in place to deliver continuous improvement in accounts receivable services

·         Contribute to the development and implementation of monthly reporting information and dashboard data, ensuring accuracy, timely production and effective use of systems.

·         Support the Functional Lead in the development and implementation of innovative and effective systems, processes and procedures to ensure the accounts receivable function is customeroriented, providing a centre of excellence for these services to customers.

·         Ensure robust arrangements are in place to resolve queries from customers, parents and other stakeholders.

·         Contribute to Accounts Receivable, directorate and corporate projects as required.

·         Support the Functional Lead in ensuring arrangements are in place for the preparation and delivery of high-quality accounts receivable and business process specific training.

·         Support the Functional Lead in ensuring arrangements are in place to secure EA financial governance and compliance.

·         Contribute to the design and implementation of appropriate financial procedures to ensure robust financial controls over transaction processing.

·         Support the Functional Lead in identifying and managing the key strategic risks impacting on the delivery of team, directorate and EA objectives.

 Other Duties and Responsibilities applicable to the role of Accounts Receivable Manager 

 Leadership and management responsibilities

 The post-holder will be expected to:

·         Line Manage employees aligned to Service area;

·         Provide non-managerial support, information and training as required for other employees within the Accounts Receivable Service.

·         Lead and support employees in the team in the effective and efficient operation of services;

·         Promote the corporate vision, values and culture of the Authority as a single regional organisation, in all processes linked to financial management and planning;

·         Provide leadership to their service staff and ensure transformational changes and new structures, strategies, policies and processes for their system/service are implemented while maintaining the high standards of the Authority and any future challenges;

·         Ensure that employees within the Accounts Receivable team are provided with clear structure, roles and responsibilities and are supported to work in an integrated way.

·         Work closely with Team members to ensure that all requirements, deadlines, and schedules are on track.

·         Foster a culture that supports achievement of the Authority’s Strategic Plan by role modelling core values and leadership behaviors to staff.

·         Undertake such training as may be required for his/her own personal and professional development 

 Strategic Planning and Policy influence

The post-holder will be expected to:

Develop solutions to problems that require a new approach to be undertaken not constrained by existing organisational policy.

Draft detailed and complex reports on a variety of topics which contribute to policy development

Interpret legislation and government directives into policy and procedure.

Contribute to and, where appropriate, lead the development and implementation of specific targets relating to the Authority’s corporate plan and Finance and ICT business plan

Contribute to the development of a comprehensive service development plan; 

Work collaboratively with other staff and Heads of Service, to ensure that priorities are translated into manageable objectives and communicated to relevant teams within the Service

Work collaboratively with staff and  Senior Officers to devise and implement effective systems to monitor, measure, control and report on the work of relevant teams within service to take account of changes in the internal and external environments which may impact on and influence priorities and needs;

Provide reports that can inform policy and strategic direction using formative and summative information which will guide future models of service delivery in relation to the service area.

To establish effective, accountable and rigorous quality assurance systems to achieve the highest possible standards of performance, with focuses on maintaining the needs of internal and external customers.  

Corporate Leadership and Management

The post-holder will be expected to:

·         Contribute to the strategic planning, implementation, and on-going monitoring of the service area;

·         Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and statutory frameworks;

·         Establish, maintain, manage and review effective financial reporting processes;  

·         Co-ordinate, deliver, or contribute to training and support with regards to specific service areas as required;

·         Facilitate the induction of new staff and ongoing professional development of all staff in relation to the core objectives, expected outputs and outcomes in relation to the service;

·         Prepare and deliver reports on behalf of the Authority as required;

·         Ensure that employees within the service have an awareness of the corporate culture, values and processes which underpin organisational development;

·         Delegate responsibilities and deploy staff in accordance with their skills and abilities, the needs of the Authority and service specific priorities.

·         Ensure key principal risks are assessed and monitored, managed and controlled effectively aligned to the Authority’s risk process.

 Service Development and Quality Assurance

The post-holder will be expected to:

·         Assist the Authority in the development of policies and plans in line with overall strategic policy and objectives; 

·         Ensure effective and rigorous quality assurance systems are in place to maintain  high standards;

·         Ensure effective engagement, capacity building and monitoring arrangements with local teams;

·         Participate in review processes to enable the development, review and compliance of all quality assurance policies and procedures;

·         Foster and facilitate the development of staff skills in relation to negotiating and collaborating with parents and other professionals;

·         Liaise and work co-operatively with colleagues in other sections of the Authority to ensure consistent and coherent approaches towards training and services in relation to language and communication support; 

·         Manage staff to perform to their potential, promote their professional development and give support when required;

 Managing financial resources

The post-holder will be expected to:

·         Follow robust corporate governance procedures and financial control frameworks for effective management of the budget for the service and monitor expenditure ensuring propriety, regularity and value for money within the allocated budget;

·         Facilitate reporting protocols that are required by the Authority;

 Partnership working

The post-holder will be expected to:

·         Enhance the development of the service by building on effective partnerships

·         Develop links across the Authority’s Directorates as necessary 

·         Ensure effective systems are in place for communication and consultation with service users, both internally and externally;

·         Contribute to attendance at meetings both internally and with other stakeholders, in accordance with corporate goals, service targets, multi-agency action plans and in line with the Authority’s and DE requirements.

 Other Duties

·         Comply with Education Authority policies and procedures in relation to the duties and responsibilities of the post;

·         Any such other duties that the Authority may from time to time require.  

 The list of duties is not intended to be exhaustive or exclusive.  The post holder may be required to undertake various other duties as deemed necessary and commensurate with the level of responsibility of the post.  The Authority reserves the right to update the Job Description to reflect the changing needs of the Service in consultation with the post holder.  This job description is intended to provide a broad outline of responsibilities, and reflects an initial assessment of the needs of the Directorate. As such, it is not intended to be exhaustive, and may be subject to on-going review and refinement to ensure the Directorate’s ability to meet the evolving needs of the business. Other reasonable duties may be assigned by the Director, Assistant Director, Head of Service and Functional Lead for Corporate Reporting in consultation with the Corporate Reporting Manager. 

Note, as the role carries regional responsibility travel across Education Authority sites will be required in order to attend meetings, participate in projects and fulfil full range of duties and responsibility.  The base location is to be agreed with the Functional Lead.

 In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times.

To view the summary of terms and conditions for this post, click here.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Section 1 - Essential Criteria

The following are essential criteria which will initially be measured at the shortlisting stage and which may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

Through the selection process we will also seek evidence that the personal values of candidates align with those of the EA. This will include evidence of commitment to equality and excellence in service delivery. These reflect our aim which is to meet the needs of all our children and young people equally, removing barriers to learning and ensuring equality of access to excellent education services so that every child can develop to his or her full potential.

DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND

The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’. 

In the event that you are recommended for appointed to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background.  Please note that you WILL be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate.  Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre-employment stage.

Further information can be accessed at NI Direct or the Department of Justice.

APPLICANT GUIDANCE NOTES

To view the applicant guidance notes, please click here.

To learn about the many great benefits of joining the Education Authority, click here

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.