At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial management and provide expert advice across Education and SEND services.
- Company: Join a dynamic council focused on improving educational outcomes.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, professional development, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for growth and impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education finance while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: CCAB or CIMA qualified with significant finance experience.
The predicted salary is between 60.21 - 60.21 £ per hour.
- Position
- Interim Group Accountant- High Needs Block
- Details
- Contract Duration: 3+ Months
- Working Hours: 36 hours per week
- Pay Rate: PAYE: £60.21 per HOUR
- Job Responsibilities
- Lead the delivery of strategic financial management and business partnering services across Education, Inclusion, and SEND services.
- Act as the principal finance lead for the High Needs Block, providing expert financial advice to senior managers and stakeholders.
- Prepare and deliver monthly and quarterly budget monitoring, financial forecasting, and performance reports.
- Develop complex financial models, scenario planning, and options appraisals to support strategic decision‑making.
- Support service transformation programmes through financial analysis, business case development, and investment appraisals.
- Identify financial risks, develop mitigation strategies, and support the delivery of savings and recovery plans.
- Produce statutory financial reports, support the year‑end closedown process, and contribute to the preparation of the Statement of Accounts.
- Ensure compliance with local authority financial regulations, statutory accounting requirements, and audit standards.
- Develop and improve financial systems, controls, reporting processes, and management information.
- Provide financial guidance to budget holders to promote value for money and sustainable financial management.
- Advise on funding opportunities, policy changes, and the financial implications of service developments.
- Prepare and present financial reports to senior leadership, elected Members, committees, and external stakeholders.
- Represent the Council at regional and national meetings, forums, and partnership groups.
- Lead, manage, mentor, and develop the SEND Finance Team, ensuring high‑quality service delivery and staff performance.
- Promote continuous improvement, collaboration, and customer‑focused financial services across the organisation.
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications
- CCAB or CIMA qualified, or substantial equivalent senior‑level finance experience.
- Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD).
Essential Experience
- Significant experience in financial management within a large and complex organisation.
- Extensive experience in financial modelling, forecasting, and budget management.
- Experience providing strategic financial advice and business partnering to senior stakeholders.
- Experience supporting service transformation, business case development, and financial planning.
- Experience preparing statutory accounts and supporting local authority year‑end closedown processes.
- Experience of local authority finance, statutory accounting, and financial reporting.
- Experience managing, developing, and leading professional finance teams.
- Experience managing projects and delivering outcomes across multidisciplinary teams.
Essential Knowledge
- Strong knowledge of local government finance and statutory accounting requirements.
- Understanding of High Needs Block funding and SEND financial management.
- Knowledge of financial governance, audit requirements, and financial regulations.
- Understanding of public sector commercialisation, financial risk management, and value‑for‑money principles.
Essential Skills
- Excellent financial analysis, forecasting, and modelling skills.
- Strong leadership and people management abilities.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex financial information to non‑financial audiences.
- Strong influencing, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Excellent organisational and project management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work to challenging deadlines.
- Strong problem‑solving and strategic decision‑making abilities.
- High level of proficiency in financial systems, reporting tools, and Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to build collaborative relationships across services and with external partners.
- Customer‑focused, proactive, and committed to continuous improvement.
Disclaimer: By applying for this vacancy, you consent to your personal information being shared with our client and any relevant third parties we engage with, for the purpose of assessing your suitability for the role.
You acknowledge that it is your responsibility to inform i‑Jobs in advance if there are any specific organisations or hirers to whom you do not wish your details to be disclosed.
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Interim Group Accountant- High Needs Block in London employer: i-Jobs
i-jobs is an exceptional employer that values collaboration and community impact, making it a rewarding place to work for those passionate about environmental services. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, the company offers a supportive work culture where innovative ideas are encouraged, and team members can thrive in their roles. Located in Liverpool, employees benefit from a vibrant city atmosphere while contributing to meaningful improvements within the council.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Group Accountant- High Needs Block in London
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like i-Jobs.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like i-Jobs might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Group Accountant- High Needs Block in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at i-Jobs will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at i-Jobs. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give i-Jobs confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at i-Jobs
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with i-Jobs.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure i-Jobs that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
