THE BERKELEY INSTITUTE Invites applications from suitably qualified persons for the post of Director of Finance and Operations.

SUMMARY

The Berkeley Institute, a diverse Senior Secondary School with a rich heritage and tradition of excellence, requires a Director of Finance and Operations.

BACKGROUND

The Berkeley Institute (“Berkeley” or the “School”) is an Aided School within the Bermuda Public School System having first opened its doors to students in 1897. Presently a four-year senior secondary school, Berkeley commenced the transition to five-year Signature Learning Programming in September 2022.

The founding body of Berkeley is the Berkeley Educational Society (the “BES”). The Governing Body of The Berkeley Institute (the “Board of Governors” or the “Board”), as the Manager, is responsible for the oversight of the day-to-day operations.

The Principal is the chief educational leader, site manager, and the chief executive of the School. The Berkeley is seeking to recruit a Director of Finance and Operations who will be instrumental in managing and directing the day to-day non-academic operations of the School.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Director of Finance and Operations will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day non-academic operations of the School. The Director of Finance and Operations will report directly to the Principal and work closely with the Board to support the achievement of operating and strategic objectives. The Director of Finance and Operations will serve as the primary advisor to the leadership of the Berkeley on non-academic operational, capital and financial matters and be the principal accounting officer.

RESPONSIBILITIES

In consultation with the Principal, the Director of Finance and Operations’ primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provide leadership and oversight for the administrative and operational divisions of the school, inclusive of finance, information technology services, facilities, office management, property management, plant operations and security
• Manage the financial affairs of the School including but not limited to:
• Establishing and reporting on financial activities, processes and controls
• Receipt and recording of all monies due to the Berkeley Institute and the Board.
• Payment of the expenses of the Berkeley Institute and the Board Maintenance of payroll records relating to staff
• Prepare monthly and quarterly financial statements relevant to the operations and capital expenditures of the school and the Board
• Facilitate the annual audit of the Capitation Account including but not limited to:
• Preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or some other agreed upon basis of accounting.
• Preparation of any necessary supporting schedules and responses to the auditors’ enquiries

Additional responsibilities are to:

• Prepare the Capitation Account budget for presentation to the Treasurer of the Board, the Board and, ultimately, to the Ministry of Education.
• Oversee the management of Berkeley properties including but not limited to:
• Ensuring all buildings managed by the Board are in good repair and safe
• Managing relationships with property related service providers and tenants
• Overseeing relevant staff as required
• Advise on budget, strategic planning and capital justifications for long-term projects in alignment with the objectives of the school
• Actively participate in strategic initiatives as stipulated by the Principal and the Board.
• Support the Principal and the Board on human resource and personnel matters including but not limited to recruitment.
• Provide effective support to the negotiating team and lead negotiations with relevant Bargaining Units on behalf of the Board.
• Execute relevant projects and functions as assigned by the Principal and the Board from time to time.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Minimum qualifications include:

• A Bachelor’s degree in business or a business related discipline and a professional accounting designation with at least 10 years.
• Post qualification experience (within an educational environment would be advantageous)
• Strong management skills, demonstrating understanding of operating within an education environment.
• Possess strong communication, leadership, problem-solving, strategic thinking, and interpersonal skills
• Be proficient in QuickBooks and Microsoft Office
• Be a self-starter with independent decision making skills, and the ability to exercise good judgment, accuracy, flexibility, and well-developed critical thinking skills
• Have strong people, organisational, and time management skills, and be detailed oriented.
• Have demonstrated ability to prioritise tasks.
• Be able to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• Ability to work in an environment of shifting priorities, frequent interruptions, hectic pace, and a high level of interaction with students, staff and/or the public.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills including proficiency in business English, grammar, punctuation, and spelling
• Ability to handle highly confidential matters and materials with discretion
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, e.g. The Berkeley Institute Act, Education Act and Rules, would be advantageous
• Ability to work independently as well as be a collaborative team player in completing assigned tasks and meeting deadlines.

If you are looking for an exciting and challenging opportunity, and the chance to make a difference in a very dynamic environment, we invite your application for this position. All applicants must submit a letter of application as well as a resume detailing qualifications, relevant experience, and two written references to: 

The Office Manager
The Berkeley Institute
P.O. Box HM 2704
Hamilton HM KX

or

Email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Closing Date: Friday, June 14, 2024

Preference will be given to candidates who are Bermudian or Spouses of Bermudians