Job Description
11 months contract with a local authority
Job Title: Interim Group Accountant - High Needs Block
Job Purpose
* To provide strategic financial leadership within the Education and Inclusion service area, ensuring high-quality financial support and guidance aligned with the Council’s vision and values. The role will focus on managing the High Needs Block allocations and delivering robust financial monitoring and forecasting to senior stakeholders.
Key Duties/Accountabilities
* Act as the professional lead for financial matters within Education and Inclusion, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, financial reporting standards, and sector best practices.
* Serve as the principal point of contact for High Needs Block allocations, offering expert financial advice, support, and challenge to senior colleagues.
* Deliver high-quality financial services across all service areas, ensuring alignment with the Council’s strategic objectives.
* Produce clear, accurate, and timely monthly and quarterly financial monitoring reports, including detailed forecasts of financial outturns.
* Collaborate closely with senior stakeholders to ensure financial information is understood and used effectively in decision-making.
* Identify and mitigate financial risks, ensuring compliance with internal controls and external regulations.
* Contribute to the development and implementation of financial strategies and policies within the Education and Inclusion department.
Essential Experience Required
* Proven experience in a senior financial role, ideally within a public sector or education setting.
* Strong track record of financial planning, monitoring, and reporting.
* Experience managing complex budgets and funding streams, particularly High Needs Block or similar allocations.
* Demonstrated ability to influence and support senior stakeholders with financial decision-making.
* Familiarity with local government financial frameworks and compliance requirements.
Essential Qualification Required
* A recognised professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA).
Additional information to note
* Working hours: 36 hours per week
* Location: 255 - 259 High Road, Ilford, Greater London, IG1 1NN, United Kingdom
* The role closes on 24th Aug 2025, apply ASAP.
Requirements
Requirements
* Proven experience in a senior financial role
* Strong track record of financial planning, monitoring, and reporting
* Experience managing complex budgets and funding streams
* Demonstrated ability to influence and support senior stakeholders with financial decision-making
* Familiarity with local government financial frameworks and compliance requirements
* A recognised professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA)
Requirements
Providing high quality financial services to senior stakeholders across all Service Areas, in accordance with the Council�s vision and values. The Group Accountant will act as the principal point of contact and support for the High Needs Block allocations, providing effective support and challenge to these senior colleagues.