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- Tasks: Support schools with financial advice and manage budget allocations.
- Company: Join Milton Keynes City Council, a modern and diverse employer dedicated to community service.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, excellent pension, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education finance while developing your skills in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: AAT qualified or equivalent, with strong Excel skills and finance experience preferred.
- Other info: Home working available; minimum one day in the office per week.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Our Finance team take an active lead across the city council as colleagues and partners deliver essential and best-value services to our growing city. We’re seeking an enthusiastic and inquisitive person to join us as Schools Financial Advisor. This is a fast-paced area where finance plays a key part. You’ll build relationships with School Business Managers, providing them with financial information and advice and request and review information from school returns. In return, you’ll join a dynamic, energised Finance Team and have access to an excellent range of in-house training and development opportunities. We’re AAT employer accredited and several colleagues are studying for professional qualifications. We offer career progression with the opportunity to progress to a more senior role on completion of professional qualification and experience gained. This role may be suitable for home working, following an assessment. Home-based roles require a minimum of one day in the office/site per week.
Main Responsibility
- Informing Schools of their budget allocations.
- Management of the cash advance and VAT payments to schools.
- Preparation of year end adjustments.
- Provision of financial advice and support.
- Management of schools banking arrangements.
- Co-ordination and review of school returns in line with required deadlines.
The Ideal Candidate
- AAT qualified (or equivalent) with updated CPD (relevant to qualification).
- Comprehensive skills in all Microsoft Applications (particularly Excel).
- Experience of working in a finance environment, preferably schools finance.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to work as part of a team and on own initiative.
Package Description
- Great holiday benefits - most roles include 28 days annual leave every year on top of public (bank) holidays, increasing to 32 days after five years. In addition, there is a holiday purchase scheme allowing staff to purchase up to 5 additional days of leave each year.
- Excellent pension – everyone who works for us can join the national Local Government Pension Scheme, widely regarded as one of the best available.
- A full range of family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity support and a childcare subsidy.
- Access to an award-winning employee benefits programme that includes a health cash plan, a low-cost bike purchase scheme as well as high street discounts and money off entertainment and travel.
- Salary sacrifice car scheme – low-cost leasing of electric and low emission vehicles.
- Blue Light Card - employees working within social care can qualify for an additional range of discounts from national retailers and local businesses.
About The Organisation
Milton Keynes City Council is a large, modern and financially stable employer with around 2,500 people working across our eight areas. Together we provide local residents and businesses with a wide range of important round-the-clock services and aim to make our city a better place to live. We work hard because of the demands placed on us, like protecting children from harm or preventing homelessness. However, working for the city is always rewarding and everyone has the opportunity to make a real difference. We’re very proud of our diversity and are committed to having a workforce that reflects the community we serve. Whatever your background, you will be welcome here if you share our values of being dedicated, respectful and collaborative. We offer great training and support and because of the size and scale of the organisation there are always new opportunities to explore when it’s time for a new role.
Location: Civic Offices, 1 Saxon Gate East, Central Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom
Contact Detail:
Milton Keynes Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Schools Financial Advisor
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial regulations and guidelines that apply to schools. Understanding these will not only help you in your role but also demonstrate your commitment and knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Schools Financial Advisors if possible. They can provide insights into the role and share their experiences, which can be invaluable when preparing for your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your Excel skills, as this is crucial for the role. Consider taking an online course or tutorial to enhance your proficiency, which will make you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you would approach building relationships with School Business Managers. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully collaborated with others, as this will showcase your teamwork skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Schools Financial Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in finance, particularly in a school environment. Emphasise your AAT qualification and any specific skills in Microsoft Excel, as these are crucial for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the position. Mention your ability to build relationships with School Business Managers and your experience in providing financial advice. Be sure to align your values with those of Milton Keynes City Council.
Highlight Communication Skills: Since excellent written and oral communication skills are essential, provide examples in your application of how you've effectively communicated financial information in previous roles. This could include presentations, reports, or direct interactions with stakeholders.
Showcase Teamwork and Initiative: Demonstrate your ability to work as part of a team and take initiative. Include specific examples from your past experiences where you contributed to team success or took the lead on a project, especially in a finance context.
How to prepare for a job interview at Milton Keynes
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Schools Financial Advisor, you'll be dealing with budgets and financial data regularly. Brush up on your financial knowledge, especially regarding school funding and budget allocations, so you can confidently discuss these topics during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential for this role. Prepare to demonstrate how you've effectively communicated financial information in the past, perhaps through examples of reports or presentations you've delivered.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Microsoft Excel
Since comprehensive skills in Microsoft Applications, particularly Excel, are required, make sure you're comfortable with functions, formulas, and data analysis tools. You might even want to mention specific projects where you've used Excel to manage financial data.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Initiative
The role requires both teamwork and the ability to work independently. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in a finance environment, as well as instances where you've taken the initiative to solve problems or improve processes.
