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- Tasks: Analyse financial data and support budget management for schools in Brent.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Brent, committed to fairness and community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holidays, flexible working, and pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local education funding while developing your finance career.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with experience in DSG and stakeholder engagement.
The predicted salary is between 66378 - 69984 £ per year.
Salary: £66,378 - £69,984 (depending on experience as per the job description)
Hybrid - 3 days in the office, 2 days from home
Your new organisation
At London Borough of Brent, finance is more than just producing the accounts, it’s about enabling transformation, safeguarding public resources, and helping shape the future of our borough. Working closely with colleagues across the council to ensure that financial insight is at the heart of decision-making. Their work is grounded in fairness, inclusion, and respect, and great pride is taken in creating a team environment where every voice is heard, and every success is celebrated. These values are not just aspirations, they are embedded in how they lead, how they support each other, and how they deliver for Brent’s communities.
Your new role
We are seeking an experienced finance professional with a strong background in Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) and, ideally, hands-on involvement with the High Needs Block. This is a specialist role suited to someone who can combine technical expertise with confident stakeholder engagement and a proactive, analytical mindset.
Key Requirements
- Proven experience working on DSG budgets, with a clear understanding of the complexities and pressures within the High Needs Block
- Previous involvement in the Safety Valve or Delivering Better Value programme (highly desirable)
- Intermediate to advanced Excel capability, including complex formulas, pivot tables and data modelling
- Highly analytical skill set with exceptional attention to detail
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence, challenge and build effective working relationships
- Solid understanding of local government finance, funding frameworks and statutory reporting requirements
- Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outputs to tight deadlines
- Experience supporting budget holders, providing financial advice, challenge and insight to drive informed decision-making
What you’ll need to succeed
You will be a fully qualified accountant. Excellent communications skills and the ability to challenge and influence a range of stakeholders. Experience of supporting budget management, you will ideally have a good understanding of schools funding through working in local government or a school environment where you have assumed responsibility for budgetary control.
What you'll get in return
- Competitive salary
- The opportunity to join the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Generous holiday entitlements starting from 27 days' holiday a year
- A full range of family-friendly policies, including generous maternity and paternity entitlements and childcare schemes
- Flexible working patterns, including hybrid working
- Training and development opportunities
- Good travel links in and out of Wembley and a range of cost-saving travel schemes
- Access to My Brent Rewards, our dedicated website for staff with big brand discounts and local offers
- Work at the outstanding state-of-the-art Brent Civic Centre
- Season ticket loan for public transport
- Cycle to work scheme and good on-site facilities
The closing date is 17th May. Please do not wait until the closing date to apply. We will be assessing candidates as they apply.
Locations
Senior Financial Analyst - DSG in London, Wembley employer: Hays
Contact Detail:
Hays Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Financial Analyst - DSG in London, Wembley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience with DSG or local government. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the High Needs Block and the Safety Valve programme. We want you to showcase your expertise and how it aligns with the role at Brent. Practice common interview questions and think about how you can demonstrate your analytical skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. We’re all about making the application process smooth and straightforward, so don’t miss out on the chance to land that Senior Financial Analyst role!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Financial Analyst - DSG in London, Wembley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Senior Financial Analyst. Highlight your experience with Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) and any relevant projects you've worked on, especially those involving the High Needs Block.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your analytical skills and stakeholder management experience, and don’t forget to show your passion for supporting local government finance.
Showcase Your Excel Skills: Since advanced Excel skills are a must-have, consider including specific examples of how you've used complex formulas or data modelling in your previous roles. This will demonstrate your technical expertise right off the bat!
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the closing date to submit your application. We’re assessing candidates as they come in, so get your application in through our website as soon as you can to increase your chances!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know Your DSG Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the Dedicated Schools Grant and the High Needs Block. Be prepared to discuss specific challenges and complexities you've faced in previous roles, as well as how you've navigated them. This will show that you not only understand the technical aspects but also the real-world implications.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Since this role requires a strong analytical mindset, come ready with examples of how you've used data to drive decision-making. Whether it's through Excel modelling or budget analysis, be specific about the tools and techniques you've employed to deliver insights that influenced outcomes.
✨Engage Stakeholders Effectively
Highlight your experience in stakeholder management during the interview. Prepare anecdotes that demonstrate your ability to influence and challenge effectively. Think about times when you’ve had to build relationships or navigate difficult conversations, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Demonstrate Your Independence
This role requires someone who can manage competing priorities and work independently. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully juggled multiple tasks in the past, particularly under tight deadlines. Show them that you can deliver high-quality outputs without constant supervision.