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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse financial data and support budget management for schools funding.
- 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 role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a difference in local education finance while enjoying a supportive team culture.
- 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
- Benefits include: 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.
Senior Financial Analyst - DSG in Wembley employer: Hays
Contact Detail:
Hays Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Financial Analyst - DSG in Wembley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the London Borough of Brent on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your DSG knowledge. Make sure you can discuss the complexities of the High Needs Block confidently. We want you to show off that analytical mindset and stakeholder management skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! You’ll need to influence and challenge stakeholders, so role-play common scenarios with a friend. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and effectively during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Financial Analyst - DSG in 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 early through our website to increase your chances of standing out!
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. Understand the complexities and pressures involved, as well as any recent changes or challenges in the funding landscape. This will show that you're not just familiar with the basics but are genuinely invested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples where your analytical skills made a difference. Whether it’s through complex Excel modelling or data analysis, be ready to demonstrate how your attention to detail has led to informed decision-making. Bring along any relevant reports or analyses you've worked on to illustrate your points.
✨Engage Stakeholders Effectively
Think about your past experiences in stakeholder management. Be prepared to share how you've influenced and built relationships with various stakeholders. Highlight instances where you’ve had to challenge decisions or provide financial advice, showcasing your communication skills and ability to navigate complex situations.
✨Demonstrate Your Independence and Time Management
Since this role requires managing competing priorities, come prepared with examples of how you've successfully handled multiple tasks under tight deadlines. Discuss your strategies for staying organised and ensuring high-quality outputs, which will reassure them of your ability to work independently in a hybrid environment.