Senior Finance Officer - Schools - #2193727

Please note: Applications will only be considered from candidates with recent Local Government Finance experience. If you do not have current or recent experience working within a Local Authority finance function, please do not apply.

Senior Finance Officer - Schools

We are seeking an experienced Senior Finance Officer (Schools) to provide financial support across Schools and Education services within a local authority environment.

The successful candidate will work closely with budget holders, Headteachers, Education colleagues and senior finance staff, providing high-quality financial advice, budget monitoring and financial management support across Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) funded services and school-related budgets.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide financial support and challenge across Schools and Education services
• Support budget setting, budget monitoring and forecasting processes
• Monitor DSG-funded budgets and identify emerging financial risks and pressures
• Produce accurate monthly budget monitoring reports and forecasts
• Work closely with budget managers, Headteachers and service managers to support effective financial decision-making
• Support the development and delivery of savings plans where required
• Assist with year-end closedown activities, including accruals, provisions and reconciliations
• Support financial planning and medium-term financial strategy work relating to Education services
• Prepare financial returns, working papers and supporting documentation
• Respond to audit queries and provide supporting evidence where required
• Analyse financial information and present findings clearly to both finance and non-finance stakeholders
• Ensure compliance with Local Government finance regulations, accounting standards and council procedures

Essential Requirements

• Recent Local Government Finance experience is essential
• Experience supporting Schools, Education or DSG-funded services within a Local Authority
• Strong experience of budget setting, budget monitoring and forecasting
• Experience producing financial reports for senior stakeholders
• Strong understanding of Local Authority finance processes and governance
• Experience supporting year-end closure and audit requirements
• Excellent Excel and financial modelling skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Experience working with Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) budgets
• Knowledge of Schools Funding and Education Finance
• CCAB/CIMA qualified or part-qualified
• Experience supporting High Needs, SEND or wider Children's Services budgets

The successful candidate will be a technically strong Local Government finance professional with experience supporting Schools and Education budgets. You will be comfortable working with large and complex budgets, building relationships with stakeholders and delivering accurate financial information to support decision-making.

Candidates without recent Local Authority finance experience will not be considered for this role.