At a Glance
- Tasks: Support schools with financial advice, manage budgets, and deliver training.
- Company: Join Cumberland Council's Schools Finance Team, making a difference in education.
- Benefits: Hybrid work, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to your career development.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that empowers schools and shapes the future of education.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance, strong communication skills, and a passion for collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Hours: 37 hours per week
Location: Hybrid – 1 Day per week minimum office presence at Parkhouse Building, Carlisle, CA3 8QG
Contract: Fixed Term (Maternity Cover) until 30th September 2027
About This Opportunity
We are looking to recruit a Principal Finance Officer to join our Schools Finance Team within the Finance Business Partnering Service. The team plays a key role in supporting maintained schools by providing high‑quality technical, operational and strategic financial advice. This enables maintained schools across Cumberland to manage their budgets effectively, make informed decisions and deliver a high quality of education for our children and young people.
As a Principal Finance Officer, you will support the Schools Finance Manager in overseeing the review of school’s budgets, working with schools in deficit, developing and delivering training for schools, leading on financial year end closedown, completion of statistical and grant returns, and taking enquiries from schools.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide flexible and professional financial services to managers across the Council. This will include consulting on their requirements and formulating proposals to enhance service delivery and financial performance.
- Maintain accounting records to a high standard, and complete financial statements, grant claims, returns etc., accurately and within the required deadlines.
- Develop effective working relationships with budget managers to ensure an effective business partnering role between finance and services.
- Ensure managers have appropriate financial skills to enable them to effectively manage the budget and utilise financial systems through training and coaching.
- Proactively work with services to identify and resolve financial issues through utilising best practice and innovative solutions.
- Communicate effectively through understanding the needs and presentational requirements of the audience. Influence and encourage managers to consider financial issues within decision making.
- Be an advocate for supporting the cultural change required to develop budget monitoring processes and systems to increase budget management capabilities.
About You
You will have a strong understanding of financial management and accounting processes, with good attention to detail and the ability to communicate financial information clearly to non‑finance colleagues. You will be adaptable, collaborative and committed to providing high‑quality financial support across the organisation. An experienced finance professional (Fully qualified member of the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) or part qualified CCAB/CIMA Accountant) or sufficient schools finance experience and experience of working with financial systems, budgets and ledger maintenance are essential.
Who We’re Looking For
We’re looking for individuals who embody our organisation's core values: ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative. We believe in the power of these values to drive positive change, deliver excellent public services and shape a better future for our communities. We’re also about potential over perfection and we can help you grow in the role and thrive in your career.
Be sure to take a look at the post specification for the essential criteria for this role.
Contact
For more information about the role or to arrange an informal chat prior to your application, please contact Sophie Scott by email at Sophie.Scott@cumberland.gov.uk
Diversity, Inclusion & Adjustments
We’re dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our workforce and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. That’s why we’re a proud Disability Confident Leader and also an Age Friendly Employer – to provide opportunities for everyone to thrive. If you need any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know by emailing Resourcing@Cumberland.gov.uk. While adjustments aren’t always guaranteed, we’ll always listen and we’ll try our best to accommodate your needs.
Principal Finance Officer-CMB2613i in Carlisle employer: Cumberland Council
Cumberland Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people at risk of exploitation. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and professional development, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and well-being. Working in the beautiful Cumberland region, staff enjoy a fulfilling career with competitive salaries and the opportunity to make a real difference in their community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Finance Officer-CMB2613i in Carlisle
✨Join Financial Networking Events
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We think you need these skills to ace Principal Finance Officer-CMB2613i in Carlisle
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Cumberland Council will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Cumberland Council. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Cumberland Council confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cumberland Council
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Cumberland Council.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Cumberland Council that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
