Financial Planning Advisor-School Strategic in Blaby

Financial Planning Advisor-School Strategic in Blaby

Blaby Full-Time 42000 - 46000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support schools in financial planning and improve their financial health.
  • Company: Leicestershire County Council, dedicated to making a difference in communities.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Join a supportive team with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on education by enhancing financial sustainability in schools.
  • Qualifications: Degree in finance or management and experience in financial planning.

The predicted salary is between 42000 - 46000 £ per year.

Organisation: Leicestershire County Council

Work Location: County Hall, Leicester Road, Glenfield, Leicester LE3 8RAS

Salary: £49,221- £53,826 per annum (pro-rata for part-time)

Working Hours: 37 hours per week

Contract Type: Fixed term for 3 years

Closing Date: 22nd March 2026

Interview Date(s): Monday 30th March or Tuesday 31st March

About the Role

Leicestershire County Council is seeking a knowledgeable and experienced School Strategic Financial Planning Advisor to join our Education Effectiveness service within Children and Family Services. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference by supporting schools to improve their financial health and sustainability through strategic planning and effective performance frameworks.

As part of this key role, you will work closely with school leadership teams, governors, and business managers to strengthen financial planning processes and ensure schools can effectively manage budget pressures and long-term financial planning.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and deliver a programme to enhance strategic financial planning knowledge and capacity within schools.
  • Provide expert advice and support to headteachers, business managers, and governing bodies on financial management and planning strategies.
  • Develop and promote best practice in financial planning by creating tools, guidance, and training resources.
  • Monitor and report on schools' financial performance, identifying at-risk budgets and recommending strategies for improvement.
  • Support schools in linking financial planning to school development plans and curriculum delivery.
  • Provide guidance on strategy options for delivering the curriculum within financial constraints.
  • Identify and develop new commercial opportunities to generate income and manage costs effectively.
  • Develop and deliver training sessions to school-based staff on financial management and strategic planning.
  • Contribute to the development of local authority strategies for sustainable schools and effective resource management.

An enhanced with barred list DBS check is required for this post.

About You

To apply for this post, you must be able to evidence in your application how you meet the following criteria:

We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled professional with a strong background in financial planning and management. The ideal candidate will have:

  • A management or finance-related degree (or equivalent experience).
  • Significant experience providing financial planning advice within a complex organisation.
  • Strong understanding of financial planning frameworks and benchmarking tools.
  • Experience in scenario planning, financial risk analysis, and budget forecasting.
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present financial information clearly to different audiences.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Knowledge of school funding models and financial management in an educational context would be an advantage.

In addition, we also expect you to share our commitment to our values and will ask you to evidence when you have demonstrated them as part of the selection process.

Reasonable adjustments will be considered for applicants with a disability. We are a Disability Confident Employer.

Interested in Flexible Working?

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which may include part time working, job sharing, term-time working, flexible start and finish times, and hybrid working, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

If you would like to discuss the possible flexible working options that might be applicable to this role, please contact the person named below.

For more information or an informal discussion, please contact: Rebecca Wakeley, Senior Education Effectiveness Partner.

How to Apply

At Leicestershire County Council we're looking for top talent from all walks of life. Whoever you are, wherever you're from, and whatever your background - we care about what you bring to our organisation, not just what's on your CV. That's why we've designed a recruitment process that's fair, accessible, and focused on potential.

If you share our passion to make a difference for the people of Leicestershire, we'd love to hear from you. Click the apply button to submit your application, ensuring that you upload a supporting statement that explains how you meet the criteria listed in the 'About You' section above. Without this information, we won't be able to assess your suitability for the role, and your application will be rejected.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

About Leicestershire County Council

At Leicestershire County Council, we're committed to making a real difference in people's lives. Our aim is to work with communities and partners to deliver public services that make Leicestershire the best possible place to live and work for everyone. Our employees play a key role in supporting this goal and helping us deliver the vital services we provide to the people of Leicestershire.

Whether you're starting your career or looking for your next challenge, you'll find a place with us where your ideas are valued, and your work has purpose.

Financial Planning Advisor-School Strategic in Blaby employer: Leicestershire County Council

Leicestershire County Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its employees. With a strong commitment to flexible working arrangements, a supportive work culture, and opportunities for meaningful contributions to the community, you will find a rewarding environment where your expertise in financial planning can truly make a difference in the lives of local schools and families.

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Contact Details:

Leicestershire County Council Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Financial Planning Advisor-School Strategic in Blaby

Tap into Campus Networks

If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.

Get Certified

Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.

Connect on Professional Platforms

Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.

Apply Directly and Be Proactive

Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Leicestershire County Council. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Financial Planning Advisor-School Strategic in Blaby

Financial Planning
Budget Forecasting
Financial Risk Analysis
Scenario Planning
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Knowledge of School Funding Models

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Leicestershire County Council.

Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.

Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Leicestershire County Council's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Leicestershire County Council

Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills

Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Leicestershire County Council.

Prepare for Case Studies

Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.

Show Your Passion for Finance

Since this is a full-time position, employers at Leicestershire County Council will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.

Network with Industry Professionals

Before your interview, reach out to current or former Leicestershire County Council employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.