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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 culture focused on development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while working with a passionate team dedicated to improvement.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with senior finance experience, excellent communication skills, and a proactive mindset.
- 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
Network with professionals in the education sector, especially those who work in finance roles. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the specific challenges schools face in financial management.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the financial systems mentioned in the job description, such as PS Financials and Sage. Consider taking online courses or tutorials to enhance your skills and demonstrate your commitment to using technology effectively in finance.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in stakeholder engagement during interviews. Think of specific examples where you've successfully communicated complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders, as this is crucial for the role.
✨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, showing that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
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 helped schools or trusts improve their financial operations in the past.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, focus on your previous roles that involved budget management, compliance support, and training others on financial systems. This will demonstrate your capability to fulfil the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, provide examples of how you've effectively communicated complex financial data to non-financial stakeholders. This could be through presentations, reports, or training sessions.
How to prepare for a job interview at School Business Services
✨Showcase Your Financial Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your qualifications and experience in detail, especially your understanding of financial planning and reporting. Highlight specific examples from your previous roles that demonstrate your ability to provide strategic financial advice.
✨Understand the Education Sector
Familiarise yourself with the unique financial challenges faced by schools and multi-academy trusts. Research current trends and issues in the education sector to show your commitment and knowledge during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Since this role involves training and advising various stakeholders, practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. Be ready to showcase your client-facing skills and how you build relationships with school leaders and colleagues.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you would handle specific financial situations. Think of scenarios where you've successfully navigated financial challenges and be ready to share those experiences.
