At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Lancashire schools with financial management and budget monitoring.
- Company: Join a supportive team at County Hall, Preston.
- Benefits: Flexible working, great annual leave, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Travel to various schools and engage with diverse teams.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education finance while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including maths and English, plus 2 years in finance.
The predicted salary is between 32061 - 36363 £ per year.
We are currently recruiting for a fixed term maternity cover for the post of Schools Finance Officer within the Financial Management: Development and Schools Finance Team. This role provides a unique opportunity to contribute and support traded functions of the Schools Finance Team.
Role Responsibilities
- Provide traded support to Lancashire schools, including receiving an allocation of schools to support with financial management, including budget monitoring, reconciliations, communicating with school bursars and senior leadership teams to support and challenge to ensure a balanced budget is maintained.
- Be required at times to travel to schools across the county to deliver our services.
- Be part of a large and supportive team, supporting over 500 schools and academies within Lancashire.
- Support statutory functions including, but not restricted to, year end and associated processes; processing of grant allocations/funding payments to schools; preparation of DfE returns such as Consistent Financial Reporting (CFR) return; and academy conversions.
About you / Qualifications
- A minimum of 5 GCSE's or equivalent maths and English grade A - C.
- At least two years’ experience in accounting, audit or related financial work.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to advise and present information to senior staff and customers.
- Ability to work well in a team but also independently without close supervision.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word, and adaptability to new financial systems.
- Self‑motivated, organised and able to deal with complex issues constructively and work accurately under pressure.
- Valid driving licence and access to a car (essential for this role).
Benefits
- Flexible working opportunities.
- Travel to a variety of schools and meet with different traded customers.
- Great annual leave entitlement of 26 days per financial year, increasing with length of service; 8 bank holidays; 2 additional statutory bank holidays during the Christmas period; and option to purchase additional leave each year.
- Staff discount scheme in partnership with Vivup.
- Great career development.
Contact
To discuss the role further contact Alison Standring on 01772 537970 or email alison.standring@lancashire.gov.uk.
Legal and application requirements
The post you are applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). If successful you will be required to apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for a ‘disclosure’. You will be required to provide a car for use in connection with the duties of this post and must be insured for business use. However, we may consider you if you cannot drive because of a disability. Please ensure you have uploaded and attached your supporting statement to evidence how you meet the criteria for this role. The panel may be unable to shortlist you for interview without this evidence.
The closing date is 29th June 2026. Interviews are planned provisionally on Thursday 9th July and/or Friday 10th July 2026.
School Finance Officer in Preston employer: Lancashire County Council
Join a dynamic and supportive team at County Hall, Preston, where you will play a vital role in supporting over 500 schools and academies across Lancashire. With flexible working opportunities, generous annual leave, and a strong focus on career development, this position as a School Finance Officer offers a meaningful chance to make a difference in the education sector while enjoying a collaborative work culture.
