Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee financial management for schools and ensure effective use of public funds.
- Company: Join Lambeth Council, a vibrant community-focused organisation in South London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary with annual increments, plus great staff benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the financial sustainability of schools in a diverse borough.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 51228 - 54360 £ per year.
Overview
Accountant – Schools
Full time/Permanent
PO4: £51,228pa rising in annual increments to £54,360pa incl. LW
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 sits within Lambeth Council's Corporate Finance function and provides financial oversight, assurance and support to schools across the borough. The team works closely with schools, education colleagues and senior stakeholders to ensure public funds are managed effectively and in line with statutory requirements. We are a collaborative and supportive team, committed to continuous improvement and high-quality financial governance.
About the Role
As Schools Accountant, you will play a key role in overseeing the financial management of Lambeth schools. On a day-to-day basis, you will lead on the monitoring and reporting of the Schools Block of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) and other school-related grants, manage monthly financial processes, and provide assurance on schools' financial performance. The role includes leading the year-end closure of schools' accounts, analysing complex financial data, and supporting the development of improved systems and controls. You can expect a varied workload, balancing statutory deadlines with advisory work, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on financial sustainability across schools.
How to Apply
To be considered for interview, your CV and supporting statement will clearly evidence how you meet the shortlisting criteria on the personal specification marked "A" for application: JD and Person Specification. We operate an anonymised application process, so be sure to remove personal details when uploading your CV or personal statement.
Contact Information
If you would like any further information regarding the post or discussion regarding any of the job requirements, please contact Dominique Johnston-Franklin, Group Manager – Schools and Education. Telephone: 020 792 63274 Email: DJohnston-Franklin@lambeth.gov.uk
Recruitment Timelines
Closing date: 4th of February at midnight Interviews: w/c 9th of February
You will be required to undertake a Cifas check. Further information about Cifas can be found here.
Accountant - Schools in London employer: Lambeth Council
Contact Detail:
Lambeth Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Accountant - Schools in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Lambeth Council on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Lambeth's Schools Finance Team. Knowing their recent projects or challenges shows we’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to financial management and governance. We want to sound confident and knowledgeable about the role of an Accountant in schools.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Accountant - Schools in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Schools Accountant. Highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job description, especially around financial management and oversight.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Clearly demonstrate how you meet the shortlisting criteria and provide specific examples of your achievements in financial governance.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we want you to be professional, don’t hesitate to let your personality shine through. A touch of authenticity can make your application stand out in a sea of formalities.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. Remember to remove any personal details from your CV and statement as we operate an anonymised application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lambeth Council
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Accountant for Schools, it's crucial to be well-versed in financial data. Brush up on your knowledge of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) and other school-related grants. Be prepared to discuss how you would monitor and report on these funds effectively.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
The role involves working closely with schools and senior stakeholders. Highlight your experience in teamwork and collaboration during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've successfully worked with others to achieve financial goals or improve processes.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect questions about how you would handle complex financial data and year-end closures. Prepare to discuss past challenges you've faced in financial management and how you resolved them. This will show your ability to think critically and adapt in a dynamic environment.
✨Align with Lambeth's Values
Familiarise yourself with Lambeth Council's One Lambeth Values and Behaviours. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding community engagement and continuous improvement. This connection can set you apart as a candidate who truly fits the team.
