At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage financial resources for SEND and coordinate data for statutory returns.
- Company: Join a Local Authority with a focus on education finance.
- Benefits: Remote work options, flexible hours, and potential for contract extension.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference in education finance while developing your Excel skills.
- Qualifications: Excel expertise and experience in finance or education preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Working on behalf of a Local Authority, Aatom Recruitment has a new opportunity for an Education Finance Officer on a 5 months contract initially with a possibility of further extension. The successful candidate will have Excel expertise as a default; any experience in LA processes, SEND and schools is a benefit. Any prospective candidates may be subject to an Excel skill test. Remote working is available, however there will be an expectation that they come into the office at least once/twice a week to work alongside others in the team. Also, for the first month, it is highly likely that they will be required to come in person to get an understanding of what is required.
Main Purpose of the Job/Key Objectives:
- Management of overall financial resources and procedures for SEND ensuring implementation of the new Schools Funding Arrangements 2013, including responsibility for SEN transport finance and post 16 transport finance.
- Co-ordination and production of data information for statutory returns to the DfE, Freedom of Information requests etc. using Synergy, Liquid Logic, excel spreadsheets and any other SEN sources of information.
- Administer the process for determining eligibility for free school meals, including liaising with schools and parents.
Job Context:
- Responsible to the Principal Education Finance Officer.
- Responsibility for SEN delegation, recoupment, contingency claims, income and expenditure, i-procurement, including transport budget and managing external contracts.
- Responsibility for the free school meals eligibility process and the free school meals eligibility traded service.
- The post holder is required by their line manager to work up to 36 hours per week.
Experience:
- The post holder is required to have a high level of numeracy and the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- They will also need to have the ability to deal professionally with internal clients, schools and academies and have a commitment to providing a quality service.
- The postholder must also be able to work effectively within a team, prioritising their own workload to meet conflicting deadlines while ensuring that critical fixed deadlines take absolute priority.
- A broad understanding of the different accounting principles and processes that relate to LA maintained schools, academies and free schools and of local authority accounting standards.
- Experience of working in a financial environment and of having used computerised financial systems e.g. Fusion would be an advantage.
- Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, including the development and use of macros, are essential together with a very good knowledge of Microsoft Word and Outlook.
If this sounds good to you, please apply for immediate contact or call us directly.
Education Finance Officer employer: Aatom Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Aatom Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Education Finance Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get your Excel skills sharp! Since the role requires advanced Excel expertise, brush up on those formulas and macros. We recommend doing some online tutorials or practice tests to feel confident before any assessments.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Education Finance Officers on LinkedIn. They can provide insights about the role and might even give you a heads-up on what to expect during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the in-person meetings! Since you'll need to come into the office at least once or twice a week, show your commitment by being ready to discuss how you can contribute to the team right from day one.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the quickest way to get noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to apply directly. Don’t forget to highlight your relevant experience in finance and your ability to work within a team!
We think you need these skills to ace Education Finance Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Excel Skills: Since Excel expertise is a must-have for this role, make sure to highlight your experience with it in your application. If you've used advanced features like macros, definitely mention that – it’ll show we’re serious about our skills!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the key objectives mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your experience aligns with managing financial resources and working within local authority processes.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your communication is professional yet approachable. This will help us see your ability to communicate effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Aatom Recruitment
✨Master Your Excel Skills
Since the role requires advanced Excel skills, make sure you brush up on your knowledge before the interview. Practice using macros and complex formulas, as you might be tested on these during the interview process.
✨Know Your Local Authority Processes
Familiarise yourself with the local authority processes related to SEND and schools. Understanding how funding arrangements work will show that you're proactive and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Team Dynamics
As remote work is part of the job, but in-person collaboration is also expected, think about how you can contribute to team dynamics. Be ready to discuss your experience working in teams and how you handle communication effectively.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
This role involves liaising with schools and parents, so be prepared to demonstrate your communication skills. Think of examples where you've successfully communicated complex information clearly and professionally.