At a Glance
- Tasks: Support schools with financial management and budget planning to enhance educational outcomes.
- Company: Join Birmingham City Council, a supportive and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Flexible working, career development, and access to learning opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team dedicated to improving school finances.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while developing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance, especially in education, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 28350 - 34650 £ per year.
Help Schools Make Every Pound Count
Are you an experienced finance professional with a passion for supporting schools to achieve the best outcomes for children and young people?
Birmingham City Council is seeking motivated and customer-focused
Schools Finance Officers to join our Schools Financial Services team.
This is an exciting opportunity to work directly with schools and academies across Birmingham, providing expert financial advice, budget management support, and strategic guidance to school leaders and governing bodies.
As part of a dedicated team, you will play a vital role in helping schools manage their finances effectively, ensuring resources are used efficiently to support education and improve outcomes for pupils.
- Please note there are 4 roles on offer - 2 permanent and 2 short term FTC's
- What You\'ll Be Doing
- Provide financial and business management support to schools and academies.
- Assist schools with budget preparation, financial planning, and monitoring.
- Produce detailed financial reports and present findings to Governing Bodies and Finance Committees.
- Advise Headteachers, School Business Managers and Bursars on financial management issues.
- Support schools in achieving compliance with financial regulations and standards, including the Schools Financial Value Standard.
- Identify opportunities for process improvements and support implementation of effective solutions.
- Conduct audits of unofficial school funds and provide recommendations for improvement.
- Build positive relationships with school leaders, colleagues, and external stakeholders.
- Support training and development activities for school-based and internal staff.
- Help identify and support schools facing financial challenges.
About You, We\'re Looking For Someone Who Can Bring
- Experience of school financial management, including budget preparation and budgetary control.
- Knowledge of school financial management systems and processes.
- Understanding of Fair Funding and Local Management of Schools.
- Experience producing and presenting financial monitoring and strategic reports.
- Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Excel and Word.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain financial information to a range of audiences.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
- A proactive and flexible approach, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Essential Requirements
- 5 GCSEs at Grade A-C / 9-4 (or equivalent), including English and Maths.
- Experience in a finance-related role, ideally within the education sector.
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
Why Join Birmingham City Council?
At Birmingham City Council, We're Committed To Creating a Workplace Where Everyone Can Thrive. We Offer
- Flexible and hybrid working opportunities where business needs allow.
- A supportive and collaborative working environment.
- Access to learning and development opportunities.
- Inclusive staff networks and wellbeing support.
- Career development pathways within one of the UK's largest local authorities.
- A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we encourage applications from disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria for the role.
Safeguarding
Birmingham City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk.
This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and safer recruitment procedures.
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Schools Finance Officer in Birmingham employer: Birmingham City Council
Birmingham City Council is an excellent employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive work environment for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. With a strong commitment to staff development, hybrid working arrangements, and a collaborative culture, employees are empowered to grow professionally while contributing to meaningful community outcomes in Birmingham.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Schools Finance Officer in Birmingham
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Birmingham City Council. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Schools Finance Officer in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Birmingham City Council.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Birmingham City Council's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Birmingham City Council
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Birmingham City Council.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Birmingham City Council will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Birmingham City Council employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
