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- Tasks: Provide strategic financial advice to schools and trusts, ensuring effective financial decisions.
- Company: Join School Business Services, a leading provider of support services in the education sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy 36 days annual leave, remote work flexibility, and a supportive learning culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while working with a passionate team of finance experts.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with senior finance experience, preferably in the education sector.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and a flexible benefits package available.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
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:
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Preparing and advising on short- to long-term financial plans.
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Delivering expert guidance on budget management , forecasting, and financial returns.
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Preparing and submitting monthly and annual management accounts and reports to local authorities and the ESFA.
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Supporting internal scrutiny and meeting with auditors to ensure compliance and improve efficiency.
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Training Headteachers, School Business Leaders, and Trust Boards on financial systems and processes.
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Advising on procurement , contract management, and financial risk.
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Conducting independent verification of private fund accounts.
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Building trusted relationships with school stakeholders and SBS colleagues.
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Identifying new opportunities to improve financial operations within the education sector.
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Working with finance systems including PS Financials, Sage, FMS, RM, Arbor Finance, and Xero .
What We\’re Looking For:
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A qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA).
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Experience in a senior finance role , ideally within the education sector.
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Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
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Ability to explain complex financial data clearly and confidently.
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Strong system knowledge and a passion for using technology to enhance processes.
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A proactive, solutions-focused mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement.
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Willingness to undergo an Enhanced DBS check and have the Right to Work in the UK.
What we Offer:
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36 days annual leave (28 days + 8 bank holidays), plus 1 extra day for every year of service (up to 5 additional days).
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Remote-first working model with flexibility and autonomy.
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Termly in-person team meetings for collaboration and connection.
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A culture of support, learning and development , and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing.
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A flexible benefits package , including:
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Healthcare scheme.
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Option to purchase additional annual leave.
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Opportunities for career progression in a growing organisation.
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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.
Senior Finance Consultant employer: School Business Services
Contact Detail:
School Business Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Consultant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial systems mentioned in the job description, such as PS Financials and Sage. Having hands-on experience or knowledge of these systems will give you an edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the education finance sector. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with current Finance Consultants. This can provide insights into the role and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in training and advising stakeholders, particularly Headteachers and Trust Boards. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully communicated complex financial data in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Research School Business Services (SBS) and their impact on the education sector. Understanding their mission and values will help you align your answers with what they are looking for in a candidate during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Consultant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your qualifications as an accountant and your experience in the education sector. Emphasise relevant skills such as financial planning, budget management, and stakeholder engagement.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for finance systems and your ability to provide strategic financial advice. Mention specific experiences where you've made a positive impact in previous roles.
Highlight Technical Skills: In your application, clearly outline your familiarity with finance systems like PS Financials, Sage, and Xero. This will demonstrate your readiness to hit the ground running in the role.
Showcase Soft Skills: Since the role requires excellent communication and client-facing skills, include examples of how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders and trained others in financial processes.
How to prepare for a job interview at School Business Services
✨Showcase Your Financial Expertise
As a Senior Finance Consultant, it's crucial to demonstrate your deep understanding of financial principles and practices. Be prepared to discuss your experience with financial planning, budgeting, and reporting, especially within the education sector.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
You’ll need to explain complex financial data to non-financial stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, using examples from your past experiences to illustrate your points.
✨Highlight Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Building trusted relationships is key in this role. Prepare to share examples of how you've successfully engaged with school leaders and other stakeholders, showcasing your ability to foster collaboration and trust.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Technology
With a focus on optimising finance systems, show your enthusiasm for using technology to enhance financial processes. Familiarise yourself with the specific systems mentioned in the job description and be ready to discuss how you’ve used similar tools in your previous roles.
