Remote Schools Accountant/School Business Manager in Eastbourne

6-7 months contract with a local authority.

Job Purpose

This position has come about as a consequence of more schools purchasing support from the LA. The successful candidate will be expected to support a range of schools based on the individual support the school has purchased. The focus is purely finance – not the wider role that SBMs normally have e.g. health and safety.

Key Duties/Accountabilities

• Transactional support – payments, month end reconciliation, VAT submittal.
• Strategic support – analysis of budgets and spend, including reporting to Governing Body and/or headteachers.
• Supporting the school to develop Deficit recovery plans.
• Implementing of new finance systems - training.
• Ability to deal with difficult and challenging situations in a professional manner.
• Clear and concise communication skills – both written and oral.
• Able to engage with stakeholders using persuasive language, not confrontational.
• Ability to work under pressure, juggling various priorities and timelines.

Essential Experience Required

• Experience with Schools Funding, ability to engage with and influence Heads and Governors with quality information and data for decision making is essential.
• Expertise in at least one of the following systems – ACCESS, RM, Sims/FMS is essential.
• Experience with national policy affecting funding in schools is essential.

Essential Qualification Required

• Educated to graduate level or equivalent, with management qualification or equivalent experience is desirable.
• Degree level or equivalent qualification in Building Construction/Maintenance or contract management is desirable.

Additional information to note

• Working hours: 35 hours per week.
• Hybrid working: there will be opportunities to work from school and from home.
• The length of the role is dependent on the continuation of the schools purchasing of our services.
• The role requires a DBS.

The closing date for this position is 5th May 2025.