Finance manager in education in London

The London Borough of Harrow is seeking an experienced and strategic Finance Manager (Education/DSG) to play a pivotal role in supporting the financial sustainability and effective delivery of education services across the borough. Reporting to the Head of Finance, you will provide expert financial leadership, business partnering and strategic advice across the Education Directorate, with particular responsibility for the management, planning and oversight of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) and other education-related funding streams.

The role will lead on all aspects of DSG financial management, including budget setting, forecasting, monitoring, funding allocations, statutory reporting and financial planning. You will work collaboratively with education colleagues to manage financial pressures, assess funding opportunities, develop sustainable solutions and ensure compliance with government regulations and guidance.

As a trusted finance business partner, you will also play an important role in wider corporate finance activities, supporting budget setting, capital programmes, transformation initiatives and year-end processes, while driving continuous improvement across financial management practices and systems.

You will be a qualified finance professional with a strong background in local government finance and experience of supporting education services or managing complex grant-funded budgets, together with a detailed understanding of the Dedicated Schools Grant framework, education funding arrangements and the financial responsibilities of local authorities within the education sector.

You will be confident working with senior stakeholders, school leaders and elected members, providing clear financial advice, constructive challenge and practical solutions to complex issues. With excellent analytical and communication skills, you will be able to interpret financial information, identify risks and opportunities, and translate technical concepts into meaningful insights that support strategic decision-making.

You will also be a proactive and collaborative leader, committed to continuous improvement, developing colleagues and delivering high-quality financial services that support both educational outcomes and the Council’s wider objectives.

• A CCAB professional accountancy qualification.
• Evidence of continuing professional development and a commitment to maintaining professional expertise.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of local authority financial management and the associated legislative framework.
• A sound understanding of education funding arrangements and the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG).
• Knowledge of DSG conditions of grant, statutory responsibilities of local authorities and the governance and accountability arrangements within schools.
• Experience of managing or supporting DSG-funded budgets and education-related funding streams.
• Experience of leading or supporting the DSG budget-setting process and financial planning activities.
• Strong working knowledge of the Authority Proforma Tool (APT) and statutory education finance returns, including Section 251 returns.
• Experience of preparing and presenting financial information to Schools Forum and other education stakeholders.
• Understanding of capital budgets, capital financing and the associated legislative requirements.
• Demonstrable experience of delivering the key responsibilities associated with a finance management or business partnering role.
• Experience of annual budget setting, medium-term financial planning and monitoring of significant revenue and capital budgets.
• Experience of providing financial advice and support for projects, service improvements and transformation programmes.
• Experience of reviewing and authorising grant claims and statutory returns.
• Experience of supporting year-end closedown processes, including accruals, working papers, Statement of Accounts requirements and external audit queries.
• Proven ability to provide constructive challenge to financial forecasts, budget assumptions and performance information.
• Demonstrable experience of employing continuous improvement techniques to strengthen financial management and processes.

At Harrow, we are proud to be a diverse, ambitious and resident-focused council. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where our people can thrive, develop their careers and make a meaningful difference to the communities we serve. In return, you will have the opportunity to work alongside talented professionals, contribute to important corporate priorities, support our climate ambitions and help shape the future of local government finance. If you are looking for a rewarding role where your expertise will be valued and your contribution recognised, we would love to hear from you.