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- Tasks: Manage financial processes and ensure compliance while collaborating with school leaders.
- Company: Dorset Studio School is a vibrant educational institution focused on creativity and ambition.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team dedicated to high standards and making a positive impact on students' lives.
- Qualifications: Part-qualified or fully qualified accountant (ACCA, AAT, or CIMA) required.
- Other info: Commitment to safeguarding children is essential; background checks will be conducted.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined , the UK\’s leading over-50s age-inclusive jobs board.
About the role
Hours: 22.5 hours per week
Location: Dorset Studio School
Dorset Studio School has a vacancy for a Finance Manager to join the team. You will be an integral part of the team responsible for ensuring high standards of financial integrity within the school.
You will manage the monthly and year-end financial processes, ensuring compliance with the Academies Financial Handbook .
Collaborate with the School Business Manager, Principal, and Senior Leaders on financial planning to support effective strategic decision-making.
Implement best practices and standardize processes and procedures as needed.
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure timely production and issuance of financial reports, cash flow forecasts, and returns
- Prepare monthly management accounts
- Provide financial reports, analysis, and updates for the Local Governing Body
- Develop the annual budget and reforecasts for approval by the LGB
- Oversee the academy\’s accounting procedures, ensuring policy adherence
- Serve as the Chief Financial Officer for the school
- Maintain finance records suitable for audit
- Manage and develop the school\’s finance staff, including training and performance reviews
- Work with senior leadership to ensure effective financial management and strategic decision-making
- Identify and pursue income-generating activities, including bids and grants
- Collaborate with the SENCO to secure high-needs funding
- Drive initiatives that promote compliance, value for money, and high standards
Qualification Criteria
- Right to work in the UK
- Part-qualified or fully qualified accountant (ACCA, AAT, or CIMA)
For more details, please review the Job Description .
Interested? Intrigued? Excited?
If you want to work in a good school with a creative and ambitious outlook, we would love to hear from you. We remain oversubscribed with both students and staff! We fill rare staff vacancies quickly. Please visit for more information.
Further Information
Safer Recruitment Procedure
The Dorset Studio School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment. The selection process includes at least two references, and background checks may be conducted to verify information.
Child Protection Statement
The successful candidate will require a Disclosure and Barring Service check, in line with national safer recruitment guidelines. An online search may be conducted as part of due diligence.
Equal Opportunities
The school values diversity and welcomes applications from all community sectors. This role is UK-based, and your Right to Work will need to be verified.
About Us
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Senior Finance Officer - Dorset Studio School employer: Dorset Council
Contact Detail:
Dorset Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Officer - Dorset Studio School
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Academies Financial Handbook. Understanding its guidelines will not only help you in the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance and financial integrity, which are crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the education finance sector. Attend local events or join online forums where you can connect with others in similar roles. This could provide valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with financial reporting and budgeting in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've contributed to financial planning and decision-making in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Dorset Studio School's values and recent initiatives. Tailoring your conversation to align with their mission and demonstrating how your skills can support their goals will make a strong impression during the interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Officer - Dorset Studio School
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in finance management, particularly in educational settings. Emphasise your qualifications (ACCA, AAT, or CIMA) and any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage financial processes effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for education and finance. Mention how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, such as financial reporting and budget management. Be sure to express your enthusiasm for contributing to the Dorset Studio School.
Highlight Compliance Experience: Since the role involves ensuring compliance with the Academies Financial Handbook, include any previous experience you have with financial regulations and compliance. This will show that you understand the importance of adhering to policies and procedures in an educational context.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Think about potential interview questions related to financial planning, team management, and strategic decision-making. Prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively with senior leadership.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dorset Council
✨Understand Financial Regulations
Familiarise yourself with the Academies Financial Handbook and other relevant financial regulations. Being able to discuss these during your interview will demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to compliance.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Finance Officer, you'll be managing finance staff and collaborating with senior leadership. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past to illustrate your leadership capabilities.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially in financial planning and budgeting. Think of specific scenarios where you had to make strategic decisions and be ready to discuss the outcomes.
✨Highlight Your Income-Generating Initiatives
The role involves identifying income-generating activities. Be prepared to share any past experiences where you've successfully pursued grants or funding opportunities, showcasing your proactive approach to financial management.
