At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial management for schools, ensuring compliance and accurate reporting.
- Company: Join Halton Borough Council, dedicated to serving the local community with impactful services.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, a competitive salary, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education finance while developing your skills in a collaborative setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in local authority finance, strong Excel skills, and excellent communication abilities required.
- Other info: Initial 6-month contract with potential for extension; applications from all backgrounds encouraged.
Halton Borough Council is seeking an experienced Finance Officer to join our dedicated team on an initial 6-month contract, with the potential for extension. This is an excellent opportunity for a finance professional with experience in local authority finance, particularly within schools and the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG).
About the Role
As a Finance Officer, you will play a key role in supporting the financial management of our education and schools' services, ensuring accurate reporting and compliance with financial regulations. You will work closely with internal stakeholders, including schools and education teams, to provide expert financial guidance.
Key Responsibilities:
- Supporting the financial management of schools' budgets and DSG funding
- Assisting with budget setting, monitoring, and forecasting
- Preparing financial reports and analysis for senior management
- Ensuring compliance with local authority financial regulations and policies
- Providing financial advice and support to schools and education services
- Contributing to financial planning and decision-making processes
About You
To be successful in this role, you will need:
- Experience working in local authority finance, particularly within education and DSG
- Strong knowledge of financial regulations and budget management within the public sector
- Proficiency in financial systems and Microsoft Excel
- Excellent analytical and communication skills
- The ability to work independently and as part of a team
What We Offer
- Hybrid working - a mix of office and remote working
- Competitive salary from £30,000 per annum
- The opportunity to make a real impact within the local community
- A supportive and collaborative team environment
If you have the skills and experience required for this role, we would love to hear from you.
Finance Officer employer: Connect2Halton
Contact Detail:
Connect2Halton Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in local authority finance, especially those who have experience with schools and the Dedicated Schools Grant. Attend relevant workshops or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the specific challenges they face.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the financial regulations and policies specific to local authorities and education funding. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding the role's requirements.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with financial systems and Microsoft Excel in detail. Be ready to provide examples of how you've used these tools to manage budgets or prepare reports, as this will showcase your technical skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Halton Borough Council and its education services to understand their current financial challenges and priorities. Tailoring your discussions around how you can contribute to their goals will make you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in local authority finance, particularly within education and the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG). Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills in budget management and compliance with financial regulations.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your motivation for applying to Halton Borough Council. Emphasise your relevant experience and how it aligns with the key responsibilities of the Finance Officer role. Be sure to mention your proficiency in financial systems and Microsoft Excel.
Showcase Analytical Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've used your analytical skills in previous roles. Discuss any financial reports or analyses you've prepared and how they contributed to decision-making processes.
Highlight Teamwork and Independence: Demonstrate your ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Include examples from your past experiences where you successfully collaborated with stakeholders or managed tasks autonomously.
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Halton
✨Know Your Financial Regulations
Make sure you brush up on local authority financial regulations and policies, especially those related to education and the Dedicated Schools Grant. Being able to discuss these confidently will show your expertise and understanding of the role.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills
Prepare to showcase your analytical skills during the interview. You might be asked to solve a financial problem or analyse a budget scenario, so practice explaining your thought process clearly and logically.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Financial Systems
Since proficiency in financial systems and Microsoft Excel is crucial, be ready to discuss your experience with these tools. Consider bringing examples of reports or analyses you've created in the past to illustrate your capabilities.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Highlight your experience working with internal stakeholders, such as schools and education teams. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve provided financial guidance in the past and how you can contribute to collaborative decision-making processes.