Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead funding for schools, manage budgets, and deliver financial training.
- Company: Join Dorset Council, dedicated to creating a fairer and sustainable community.
- Benefits: Enjoy part-time flexibility, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on education funding while balancing work and life commitments.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with strong communication skills and experience in financial management.
- Other info: This role involves office and remote work, with travel to local schools.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About the role
Join our Schools Finance & Support Team in Children’s Services and play a key role in shaping how education is funded across Dorset. You’ll work in a supportive environment where professional development is encouraged, with the flexibility of a part-time role that helps balance work and life commitments. This is an opportunity to use your expertise to directly support schools, ensuring they are well-funded and financially secure.
What you’ll be doing
As the team’s Accountant, you’ll lead on setting and monitoring funding for schools in Dorset, making sure we meet the national funding formula and local priorities. Each autumn, you’ll manage the annual budget process for the Schools Block of the Dedicated Schools Grant, consulting with schools and working closely with the Dorset Schools’ Forum.
You’ll design budget-setting tools for maintained schools, review submitted budgets and forecasts, and carry out detailed monitoring to keep schools on track. The role also involves regular meetings with schools and delivering tailored financial training. Alongside this, you’ll manage Finance Officers who support school budgets.
About you
- qualified AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians)
- experienced in working through complex financial issues with internal and external partners
- an excellent communicator, confident presenting, training and engaging with different audiences
- able to balance multiple priorities under pressure while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail
- experienced in managing or supporting a team, fostering collaboration and development
- up-to-date with education funding, or willing to quickly learn Department for Education requirements and share updates
If you’re looking to make a meaningful impact by supporting Dorset’s schools to thrive financially, we’d love to hear from you.
Further Information
For further information, please contact Vanessa Eddey, Team Manager – Schools, Finance & Support on 01305 225918 or by email: vanessa.eddey@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
This is a part time role at 20 hours per week.
About Us
At Dorset Council, we are working together to create a fairer, more prosperous, and more sustainable Dorset for everyone, now and in the future.
We:
- provide essential services that support over 380,000 residents
- work in partnership to make a real difference
- value every role and the impact it has on our communities
- support our employees to grow, develop, and thrive
You will:
- be part of a team that works together for a better Dorset
- have access toa range of benefits and support
- have access to range of training opportunities which will help with your personal development and career progression
We arecommitted to building a diverse and inclusive organisationwhere different skills, perspectives, and backgrounds strengthen both our council and the communities we serve.
We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be aDisability Confident Employer.If you declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. We also want our recruitment process to be accessible. If you need any reasonable adjustments, just let us know on your application.
This role is UK-based, and we will need to confirm your Right to Work as part of the appointment process. We use generic job descriptions and person specifications, so the job title in any attachments may differ from the advert. If needed, we will provide additional details in a context statement.
If you’re passionate about making a difference, we’d love you to join us.
Find out more abouthow to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Accountant employer: Dorset Council
Contact Detail:
Dorset Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the national funding formula and local priorities in Dorset. Understanding these key elements will not only help you during the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to supporting schools effectively.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing budgets and working with schools. Think of specific examples where you've successfully navigated complex financial issues, as this will showcase your expertise and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your communication skills, especially in presenting and training. Since the role involves engaging with various audiences, being able to convey financial concepts clearly will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the current trends in education funding and be prepared to discuss how they might impact schools in Dorset. Showing that you're proactive about staying informed will reflect well on your dedication to the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your qualifications as an accountant, particularly any CCAB qualifications. Emphasise your experience with financial issues and your ability to communicate effectively with various audiences.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for supporting schools financially in Dorset. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your skills in budget management and team leadership, aligning them with the role's requirements.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on roles where you managed budgets or worked with educational funding. Highlight any experience in training or presenting to different audiences, as this is crucial for the position.
Prepare for the Interview: If selected for an interview, be ready to discuss your understanding of the national funding formula and how it applies to local priorities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully balanced multiple priorities under pressure while maintaining accuracy.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dorset Council
✨Showcase Your Qualifications
As a qualified Accountant, make sure to highlight your CCAB qualification and any relevant experience. Be prepared to discuss how your technical skills can directly benefit the Schools Finance & Support Team.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Since the role involves engaging with various audiences, practice articulating complex financial concepts in simple terms. Prepare examples of past experiences where you successfully trained or presented to different groups.
✨Prepare for Budget Discussions
Familiarise yourself with the national funding formula and local priorities in education. Be ready to discuss how you would approach the annual budget process and any tools you might design for budget-setting.
✨Emphasise Team Management Experience
If you have experience managing or supporting a team, be sure to share specific examples. Discuss how you foster collaboration and development within your team, as this is crucial for the role.
