What's involved with this role: JOB TITLE: SEND Team - Finance Manager REF: Bristol 5280162 Pay rate: £300.00 per day PAYE Contract Type: Temporary, Anticipated 6 months Working Arrangement: The role offers flexible and remote working options, to be confirmed with manager upon starting. Basic DBS Check is essential The role: On behalf of a local council, we are seeking As SEND Finance Manager to lead a dedicated team SEND finance team. You will be overseeing financial planning and management for SEND services across Bristol. You’ll be responsible for ensuring the end to end process of funding requests is managed to a high standard, budgetary reporting, developing innovative solutions, and ensuring funding is used effectively to deliver positive outcomes. This is a strategic role where you’ll work closely with stakeholders, provide expert financial advice, and help shape the future of SEND provision. You’ll need strong leadership skills, experience in finance and SEND, and the ability to drive service improvements. The initial contract is for 6 months, with the possibility of extension based on service needs and performance and the candidate. Key Responsibilities: Provide confident leadership and clear management of SEND Finance processes. Maintain oversight of spend and to provide monthly budgetary reporting and supporting monthly forecasting. Maintain oversight and authorisation of SEND HNB funding in line with agreed parameters of the post holder. Develop innovative and creative solutions to improve financial practices and ensure that outcomes are achieved within designated budgets. Ensure the best mix of quality and effectiveness of services for improved outcomes for children and young people in line with Public Contract Regulations. Oversee the Personal Budget process for children with SEND, providing payment and monitoring usage within legislation What the client is looking for: Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Management, or a related discipline (or equivalent professional experience). CCAB or CIMA qualification (or working towards) preferred. Experience in financial management, planning, and reporting within a complex public sector or local government setting. Previous experience in SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) finance, funding mechanisms, and understanding of the High Needs Block (HNB) of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG). Experience in managing and developing a finance team, setting clear objectives, and delivering high-quality performance. Experience of working strategically with senior stakeholders, schools, education professionals, and service providers to support financial decision-making and improve outcomes for children and young people. Track record of budget management, forecasting, and developing financial strategies to ensure value for money and compliance with financial regulations. Experience in developing and implementing innovative financial solutions to improve efficiency and service delivery. Knowledge of Public Contract Regulations and commissioning frameworks in relation to education and SEND provision. Prior experience in local authority SEND services or education finance roles Experience in implementing personal budgets and monitoring spend for children and young people with SEND. Understanding of SEND legislation, funding guidance, and national policy developments affecting local authority SEND services. How to Apply Quote the Job Title and Reference Number in your application. Submit your CV in Word format. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis—early submission is recommended. We will also add your details to our mail out lists. Please note you may receive details of roles outside of your immediate vicinity, as many candidates are able to relocate temporarily for work. Please disregard any such emails that are not of interest and let us know if you would rather not receive such mailouts and/or if you wish us to delete your details and prefer to apply direct to our advertised roles. If you do not hear from us within three working days, unfortunately your application has not been shortlisted on this occasion. Thank you for your interest in working with us Please quote the Job Title & Vacancy Reference No. in your application, or we will be unable to match your CV to the role being applied for. AD Please note that clients invariably ask us to strip out contact details from CVs before we submit them for consideration. This is always quicker and easier to do if you send your CV to us in Word format, rather than as a PDF please.