Business Manager

Position Description and Information Booklet

Business Manager

Our Governance

Our Board

Governance of Hunter Valley Grammar School is delegated to a School Board currently made up of seven volunteer members who each bring a diverse range of skills and expertise to the role. The Board is responsible for providing strategic direction to the School and setting priorities for longterm success.

Hunter Valley Grammar School Limited is a non-profit company committed to best practice governance principles.

The Board operates under a policy governance model, which ensures that the vision and objectives of the organisation are achieved. Day-to-day management of the college is delegated to the Principal and the Executive team.

Our Principal

Rebecca Butterworth is an experienced educator with over 20 years’ experience, Rebecca has taught in Australia, Singapore, China and Switzerland. Having taught overseas since 2003, Rebecca returned to Australia in 2022 with a wealth of knowledge and understands a global perspective on education. She is a vibrant and passionate Principal who is collaborative in approach, with high regard for integrity, humility and building capacity.

At its heart, HVGS is a values-driven organisation that places students at the centre of all we do. We live and breathe our values (compassion, integrity, courage, citizenship, responsibility, gratitude, optimism, and respect). From the minute you walk through the gates you see it in the greetings from students and staff, and the pride we take in our connection to land and the Australian bush. Gum trees tower over our buildings and grounds and our students share their campus with a plethora of bird life.

Our campus extends beyond the school gates to Duckenfield Berry Park on the banks of the Hunter River where we have our rowing complex, and to our working farm in South Maitland where students can spend the early mornings tending cattle and sheep. We have a working agricultural plot, vegie garden and free-range chickens on campus, as well as three full-size ovals.

Learning at HVGS is about striving for excellence in all that we do. As an inclusive school, HVGS supports a multifaceted approach to success and strives to meet all students where they are in their learning journeys. This has led to multiple learning pathways in Years 11 and 12, a team of psychologists on site, and a well-resourced student support services team that includes gifted and talent enrichment as well as support for students with complex learning profiles.

“Success through Endeavour” is our motto because we know that no matter who you are or how you learn, success comes through hard work and determination in a supportive and nurturing environment.

The Position

The Business Manager is an executive appointment with the primary function to support the Principal in managing all areas of Finance, Compliance and Risk Management, Business Administration, Operations, and Property and Facility Management. This role has responsibility for ensuring that the Financial and Operational Services of the School are conducted efficiently and effectively in accordance with established standards, and that all statutory and compliance obligations are met. In addition, the Business Manager will demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build a culture of shared ownership and responsibility across the operational functions of the School.

The Business Manager will take the lead in all aspects of financial strategy and management, seeking to ensure the long-term viability of the School and to maintain and update robust structures to monitor performance and reduce risk. They will work closely with the Principal and the Governing Body to adhere to the aims of the School and to enable the realisation of the School’s Strategic Vision and its Development Plans.

The Business Manager reports directly to the Principal and is an active participant on the HVGS Executive Team.

Responsibilities

Cultural Leadership

In conjunction with the Principal and other Executive members,

• Promote, develop and protect the School ethos and values.

• Strongly support the ethos and values through involvement in the broader community life of the School.

• Model School values in all dealings.

• Promote strong and healthy connections with other schools.

General Business Operations

• Formulate, with the Principal and Board, appropriate policies and procedures governing business relationships with students, parents, staff, suppliers and contractors.

• Provide business operations expertise and executive support to relevant projects and groups that may be engaged with the School from time to time, such as local community groups and sporting clubs.

• Assist with being an Employer Representative in relation to Enterprise Bargaining Negotiations that may occur from time to time with staff.

• Be a key business advisor to members of the Executive, Board and other School leaders.

• Provide strategic direction and planning advice in business and operational matters relating to the School, and remain up-to-date on emerging trends and opportunities.

• Be responsible for ensuring company registers are up to date and all compliance matters, with organisations such as Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission (ACNC), are met.

• Attend the Asset Management, Finance and Risk and Compliance Committee Meetings.

Financial Management

The Business Manager is required to oversee the finances of the School, including;

• Prepare and manage long term financial projections for the school including incomes and expenditures, capital requirements and cash flows.

• Work with the Principal, members of the Executive and the Board Finance Committee to create and monitor an annual budget that is in alignment with the School’s strategic vision.

• Supervise the Finance staff in the performance of their duties and responsibilities.

• Ensure that there is proper accounting for, and control over, all income and expenditure of the School.

• Demonstrate responsibility for policy development to ensure strong systems of internal control and segregation of duties where possible and continual improvement.

• Prepare end of year financial accounts and statutory returns in accordance with the Corporations Law and other relevant regulations, and ensure financial accounts are audited and lodged in a timely manner.

• Management of all interactions with the Australian Taxation Office, including lodgement of necessary taxation returns (BAS/PAYG/GST/FBT).

• Develop and maintain accounting policies and procedures.

• Prepare monthly finance reports for the Board and Executive.

• Appropriate monitoring and management of the School’s cash flow.

• Prepare and lodge appropriate grant applications.

• Lodge annual Financial Questionnaire and Census information to government bodies.

• Monitor government funding policies and requirements and ensure effective action in securing the School’s funding, particularly in terms of special purpose programs and funding opportunities.

• Participate in annual surveys such as Somerset benchmarking.

• Monitor insurance policies and claims and annual policy renewals and provide advice to the Principal and Board Finance Committee as appropriate.

• Manage payroll, ensuring that the payroll and all related conditions of employment are administered in accordance with the applicable MEA or Award.

Property and Assets Management

The Business Manager is required to oversee the property and facilities of the School, including;

• Work closely with the Facilities, Property, and Asset Manager to ensure oversight, coordination and reporting of all Capital Works planning and construction, including Masterplan development and implementation.

• Through the Principal, advise the Board of Capital project matters as required.

• Be responsible for the insurance and security of School buildings including Capital Works.

• Arrange all leasing as required including any vehicle/ maintenance machinery.

• Oversee property management activities in relation to the external hiring of HVGS facilities and equipment.

• Ensure appropriate security measures are in place to protect the assets, property and facilities of the School.

• Manage the School’s rental properties.

• Provide oversight and guidance on all school bus services, including liaising with the local bus service.

• Be responsible for the preparation (in conjunction with the Facilities, Property, and Asset Manager) of a maintenance schedule for all capital property and oversight of maintenance works.

• Overall management of the School’s onsite Restaurant and Cafe and Uniform Shop.

Risk and Compliance

The Business Manager provides strategic oversight of risk and compliance within the School in collaboration with the Compliance Manager. The Business Manager is a member of the Risk and Compliance Committee of the Board and of the Work Health Ssafety (WHS) Committee.

External Relations

The Business Manager is required to;

• Maintain regular contact with the School bankers, legal advisers, auditors and other suppliers for the position of effectively managing the School’s financial position.

• Regular attendance of Business Manager meetings, such as with The Association of School Business Administrators (ASBA).

• Liaise with local council and the local community to build partnerships as directed by the Principal.

People Leadership

The Business Manager is required to;

• Demonstrate team leadership embodying accountability, collaboration, and effective communication.

• Develop, coach and mentor direct reports (nine people).

• Foster a collaborative culture within the teams, to ensure teams work together effectively and efficiently.

• Consistently monitor employee engagement and identify issues and opportunities that are to be addressed.

Special Requirements

As with an Executive level position such as this one, the Business Manager is required to be available outside the ‘normal’ school hours, is required to participate fully in the life of the School, to attend meetings and make presentations when necessary.

The Business Manager will, from time to time, be asked to take on extra duties that are assigned by the Principal, that fall within the general scope of either the business and operations area of the School or within the duties of the Executive team.

About you

Selection Criteria

Personal Attributes

• Demonstrates a passion and commitment to the School’s values.

• Sensitivity to cultural nuances, a commitment to inclusion an active advocate for diversity.

• Displays empathy, enthusiasm, commitment, and a strong work ethic.

• Understanding of the principles of organisational culture and behaviour, including skills of effective leadership approaches and problem-solving.

• Ability to develop a sense of community, generate trust and build inﬂuence with all constituent groups.

• Ability to think strategically and systematically.

• Is flexible and has the ability to operate and adapt in an agile environment.

• Displays an outstanding commitment to delivering exceptional service.

• Outstanding interpersonal and consultation skills with effective communication skills.

• Displays strong organisational and time management skills, with an ability to prioritise tasks, meet prescribed deadlines, and concurrently manage several competing tasks and;

• Makes a demonstrated commitment to personal, professional development and learning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Business, Accounting, Commerce, Economics or equivalent tertiary qualification.

• Current membership to Chartered Accountants Australia or CPA Australia preferred.

Experience

• Previous experience in the education or not for profit sector is desirable.

• Proven strategic financial advice and planning skills to support Senior management in the implementation of finance-related policies, procedures and future focused plans to improve financial outcomes.

• Demonstrated knowledge of contemporary financial management practices and proven analytical and decisionmaking skills.

• Demonstrated team engagement and management experience in a culturally diverse environment, with an ability to coach, mentor and lead teams.

• Experience in developing comprehensive written documentation and reports.

Other

• Current Working With Children Check.

About Hunter Valley Grammar School

Hunter Valley Grammar School is an independent, nonselective, secular, coeducational day school for students from Preschool – Year 12. We are an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School proudly offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Career-related Programme (CP).

As a thriving learning community, we are steadfast in our view that every child feels valued, that they belong, and that their unique potential is understood and nurtured. Together, we are united in our goal that all students experience equity in their learning journey and can find their individual pathway to success.

A HVGS education represents a partnership between school and family where our values are at the heart of all we do. Our values are anchored in our culture and they guide us in our work and behaviours, in the decisions that we make, and how we treat ourselves and each other. Our values are responsibility, integrity,respect,citizenship,courage,compassion,optimism and gratitude

Our School motto, SuccessThroughEndeavour,perfectly encapsulates the HVGS attitude to life and learning.

Hunter Valley Grammar School is located two hours north of Sydney and 45 minutes from Newcastle. HVGS is in one of the fastest growing and flourishing regional centres in NSW, Australia. We enjoy an all-encompassing valley lifestyle with easy access to the mountains, vineyards, and beaches. We thrive in a collegial, inclusive and friendly workplace

Application procedure

Applicants for the position of Business Manager should include in their application the following information:

• Full name, address, telephone number and email address

• A full resume covering current position and areas of responsibility, plus a summary of prior experience

• Academic and professional qualifications

• A supporting statement outlining why the position is attractive to the applicant and in what ways the position is perceived as an appropriate congruence with skills and professional interests.

• In addition, applicants should include a supporting statement addressing the broad responsibilities of the position

• The names and contact details of three referees who may be approached in confidence about the applicant should also be included.

Applicants may be required to undergo a medical examination at the Schools’ expense, or may be asked to provide evidence of their fitness for the position prior to appointment.

Applications marked ‘Confidential’ may be lodged via email by 10 March 2023 to:

Resolve Consulting

David Bartlett, Partner david@resolveconsulting.net

The School reserves the right to fill the position by invitation, make an interim appointment or to re-advertise the position.

Further information about Hunter Valley Grammar School can be obtained by visiting the website at: www.hvgs.nsw.edu.au/

Condition of Appointment

The remuneration package will be commensurate with that of similarly placed Business Managers in Independent Schools of similar character to Hunter Valley Grammar School. The package will include superannuation and approved expenses in accordance with the role.