This Principal Finance Officer post sits in Bradford Council's School Funding Team within Education and Schools Finance. The role centres on statutory school finance work, including year-end closedown, Dedicated Schools Grant funding and monitoring of maintained school budgets. It is distinct for a small team, the management of senior finance officers and presenting to Bradford Schools' Forum. A professional finance qualification or degree and senior finance experience are needed, and interviews are held in person.
What the job involves
- Ensure maintained schools follow correct accounting procedures and policies
- Advise schools in line with Council and Department for Education policies
- Manage statutory school finance processes, including year-end closedown and Consistent Financial Reporting, meeting deadlines for statutory returns
- Oversee school bank accounts and SAP ledger reconciliation, including closing accounts when maintained schools convert to academy status
- Deliver designated elements of the annual DSG funding scheme for schools and early years, modelling complex data and consulting on proposals
- Present DSG formula funding and other school finance matters to audiences including Bradford Schools' Forum
- Analyse income and expenditure monitoring reports from maintained schools and take risk-based follow-up action
- Ensure schools adhere to protocols for deficit and excess surplus balances
- Take part in training for governors, business managers and headteachers
- Build and maintain working relationships with school finance managers, including through the Business Manager Forum
- Manage and develop designated Senior Finance Officers
- Lead the team's delivery of excellent customer service
What’s required
Qualifications
- Professional finance qualification or degree
Experience
- Experience of working in a senior finance role
Skills & knowledge
- Excellent IT skills
- Proven analytical skills
- Proven problem-solving skills
- Proven time management skills
- Attention to detail
Other
- Inspires confidence
- Thrives in a busy, friendly team
Nice to have
- Experience of an education-based finance role in a school, academy or local authority
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Principal Finance Officer Schools in Bradford employer: Bradford Council
Bradford Theatres is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where creativity and collaboration thrive. With a commitment to employee growth and development, staff members benefit from opportunities to engage with renowned production companies and contribute to a vibrant arts scene in Bradford. The inclusive culture fosters respect and support, ensuring that every team member feels valued while enjoying the unique advantage of working in a city celebrated for its cultural richness.
