Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- 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 culture focused on development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while working with a passionate team of finance experts.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified accountant with senior finance experience, preferably in education.
- 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:
-
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.
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 already working in the education finance sector. Attend relevant webinars or local meetups to build connections and gain insights into the challenges and opportunities within this niche.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss real-life examples of how you've successfully managed budgets or improved financial processes in previous roles. This will demonstrate your practical experience and problem-solving skills to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your communication skills by practising how to explain complex financial concepts in simple terms. This is crucial for the role, as you'll be training school leaders and engaging with various stakeholders.
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 your skills in financial planning, reporting, and stakeholder engagement, as these are crucial for the Senior Finance Consultant role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for finance systems and your proactive approach to problem-solving. Mention specific examples of how you've made an impact in previous roles, particularly in educational settings.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, focus on your experience with finance systems like PS Financials or Sage. Discuss any training you've provided to stakeholders, as this aligns with the responsibilities of the role.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this position, ensure your application reflects your ability to explain complex financial data clearly. Use concise language and structure your application logically to demonstrate your communication prowess.
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 various stakeholders, such as school leaders and trust boards, to drive financial decisions.
✨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 the past.
