Schools Finance Support Manager

About Us

Located in the heart of South London, Lambeth Borough is a vibrant community of over 317,600 residents. Stretching from the dynamic neighbourhood of Streatham in the South to the iconic landmarks of Waterloo in the North, we are proud to be the 9th largest borough in London. Our diversity is our strength, with more than 130 languages spoken, making Lambeth the home of the Windrush generation, London's largest LGBTQ+ community, and a thriving Portuguese-speaking community. It is an exciting time to join Lambeth Council, we have bold ambitions for the future of Lambeth’s communities and residents through our Lambeth 2030 Plan ‘Our Future, Our Lambeth.’ With exceptional schools, lush green spaces including Brockwell Park, cultural gems like the Black Cultural Archives, and world-renowned institutions such as St Thomas’s Hospital, Lambeth offers an enriching and dynamic environment.

About the Team

The Schools Finance Team in Lambeth plays a critical role in supporting schools to remain financially sustainable while continuing to deliver high-quality education. We work collaboratively with headteachers, governors, and senior leaders across the borough to navigate an increasingly complex financial landscape. In the context of tightening budgets, falling pupil rolls, and rising cost pressures across London, our team provides expert advice, practical tools, and strategic challenge to help schools plan effectively and make informed decisions. We create a supportive, solutions-focused culture, where innovation, professional development, and continuous learning are encouraged. This role offers excellent opportunities to deepen expertise in public sector finance, influence strategic outcomes, and contribute to meaningful impact across the education system.

About the Role

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Schools Finance Support Manager to provide high-quality financial support and challenge to Lambeth schools facing significant budgetary pressures. The role will focus on helping schools respond to financial challenges arising from falling rolls, reduced funding, and increasing operational costs, which are contributing to growing deficit budgets across the borough. Three roles are available and would suit an experienced School Business Manager or School Finance Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing expert financial advice, guidance, and challenge to headteachers, School Business Managers and governing bodies on budget planning, monitoring, and recovery strategies.
• Supporting schools in deficit to develop and implement robust financial recovery plans.
• Analyzing financial data and trends to identify risks, pressures, and opportunities for improved financial sustainability.
• Delivering training and support to school leaders on financial management, efficiency strategies, and best practice.
• Ensuring compliance with financial regulations, including the Scheme for Financing Schools, and promoting strong financial governance.
• Supporting schools with financial compliance processes, audit requirements, and maintaining accurate and robust financial records.
• Assisting in the effective management of school accounts, ensuring transparency, accuracy, and accountability.
• Providing hands-on support and guidance on schools’ financial systems, including use of Access and other budgeting and financial planning tools.

This is a high-impact role requiring strong analytical skills, the ability to influence and challenge constructively, and a commitment to supporting schools through a period of significant financial pressure. The successful candidate must be available to be in the office or on site in a Lambeth school three days per week.

At Lambeth, we are dedicated to providing quality services and equal opportunities for all. We are committed to safer recruitment and are proud to be a Stonewall diversity champion, a Living Wage Employer, and to guarantee interviews for all disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the role.