6 months contract with a Local Authority
Job Summary:
• An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Finance Officer to join a busy Schools Finance Team within a public sector Finance & ICT department.
• This temporary role will provide a broad range of financial support and guidance, ensuring the accurate preparation of financial returns, robust monitoring, and effective collaboration with stakeholders including Headteachers, school staff, and senior education leaders.
• The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in budgetary control, reporting, VAT monitoring, and deputising for the Finance Manager when required.
Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):
• Provide accurate financial and technical advice to service and team managers
• Produce costings and financial data to support service planning and resource allocation
• Support revenue budget monitoring and maintain effective budgetary control across services
• Deliver timely financial reports to internal stakeholders at various levels
• Deputise for the Finance Manager at meetings and assist in managing the team when needed
• Complete monthly VAT duties, including VAT returns and monitoring the Council's Partial Exemption status
• Offer flexible support during peak times, including evening meetings
• Work closely with schools, providing guidance on budget management and compliance
• Undertake other financial duties commensurate with the role
Skills/Experience:
• Demonstrable experience in a senior finance role within a public sector or education setting
• Strong understanding of public sector finance, budget preparation, and monitoring
• Proficiency in financial reporting, planning, and variance analysis
• Knowledge of VAT processes and partial exemption monitoring
• Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including schools and senior leaders
• High level of numeracy, attention to detail, and analytical thinking
• Ability to prioritise tasks, meet deadlines, and work flexibly to respond to business needs
• Strong IT skills including MS Excel and financial management systems
• Experience working in a school’s finance environment
• Understanding of funding mechanisms for education services
• Previous experience deputising for a Finance Manager or team leader
Additional Information:
• The closing date: 05/09/2025.
• The full-time role: 37 hours/week.