Senior Finance Consultant

Do you thrive on providing strategic financial advice that drives real impact? Are you a qualified accountant with a solid understanding of the education sector and a passion for finance systems?

At School Business Services (SBS) , we\’re expanding our team of expert Finance Consultants – and we\’re looking for an experienced, dynamic, and collaborative Senior Finance Consultant to help schools and trusts make informed, effective financial decisions.

Who Are We?

SBS are one of the UK\’s leading providers of support services to schools and academies, offering a comprehensive range of Finance, ICT, MIS, HR, and Payroll solutions. Our trusted reputation is built on sector-specific expertise, high-quality service, and a genuine passion for improving outcomes in education.

About the Role:

In this senior-level role, you\’ll work alongside our Finance Service Lead and a team of knowledgeable consultants to deliver first-class financial services to schools and multi-academy trusts. From financial planning and reporting to system optimisation and compliance support, your work will empower school leaders to navigate their financial responsibilities with confidence.

You\’ll combine strong technical knowledge with outstanding client-facing skills, delivering services both remotely and, occasionally, on-site .

What You\’ll Be Doing:

• Preparing and advising on short- to long-term financial plans.

• Delivering expert guidance on budget management , forecasting, and financial returns.

• Preparing and submitting monthly and annual management accounts and reports to local authorities and the ESFA.

• Supporting internal scrutiny and meeting with auditors to ensure compliance and improve efficiency.

• Training Headteachers, School Business Leaders, and Trust Boards on financial systems and processes.

• Advising on procurement , contract management, and financial risk.

• Conducting independent verification of private fund accounts.

• Building trusted relationships with school stakeholders and SBS colleagues.

• Identifying new opportunities to improve financial operations within the education sector.

• Working with finance systems including PS Financials, Sage, FMS, RM, Arbor Finance, and Xero .

What We\’re Looking For:

• A qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA).

• Experience in a senior finance role , ideally within the education sector.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Ability to explain complex financial data clearly and confidently.

• Strong system knowledge and a passion for using technology to enhance processes.

• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement.

• Willingness to undergo an Enhanced DBS check and have the Right to Work in the UK.
  

What we Offer:

• 36 days annual leave (28 days + 8 bank holidays), plus 1 extra day for every year of service (up to 5 additional days).

• Remote-first working model with flexibility and autonomy.

• Termly in-person team meetings for collaboration and connection.

• A culture of support, learning and development , and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing.

• A flexible benefits package , including:

  • Healthcare scheme.

  • Option to purchase additional annual leave.

  • Opportunities for career progression in a growing organisation.

At SBS, we believe in empowering education through expertise – and that starts with investing in the right people. If you\’re ready to take the next step in your finance consultancy career and make a real impact in schools and trusts across the UK, we\’d love to hear from you.

Click \”Apply\” to send us your CV and join a team that truly makes a difference.