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- Tasks: Lead financial management for schools, supervise a team, and provide budget guidance.
- Company: Join North Lanarkshire Council, dedicated to supporting education and community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, hybrid working, and extensive learning opportunities.
- Other info: Guaranteed interviews for disabled applicants and care-experienced individuals.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education finance while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: HNC in Accounting or AAT Level 2 required, plus two years of relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 35800 - 42600 £ per year.
Location: Civic Centre, Windmillhill Street, ML1 1AB
Salary: £41,587 – £47,575 per year
Contract Type: Permanent
Position Type: Full Time
Hours: 35 hours per week
Work From Home: Hybrid
INTERNAL APPLICANTS MUST APPLY VIA MYSELF
To enable officers to discharge their financial management duties and responsibilities in accordance within the Council’s approved Financial Regulations, as a professional advisory and support function, the Finance and Technology Service aims to ensure that Council Services are provided with the necessary financial support and advice in a targeted, value-added, risk-based, and appropriate manner. In doing so, a key objective of Finance and Technology Service is to support Council Services in delivering on the priorities and shared ambition of North Lanarkshire.
Working within the Finance and Technology Service of the Council, as a key officer within the management structure of the Education & Families Finance Team, you will be a confident, enthusiastic, and self-motivated individual who exhibits a positive and professional disposition.
Responsible for the day-to-day supervision and management of a team of Assistant Accountant (Schools), you will be the lead finance officer concerning the preparation and monitoring of school-based budgets, as well as having the responsibility of reporting the financial position of aligned educational establishments in accordance with the Council’s Financial Regulations, Scheme of Delegation, and Devolved School Management (DSM) Scheme. Additionally, aligned to the line management responsibilities of the role, you will be required to display initiative and work well and collaboratively within a team environment, ensuring that the necessary mechanisms are in place to deliver effective outcomes, as well as developing the skills and expertise of individuals and contributing to the enhancement of workplace practices.
As part of your remit, you will also provide targeted financial guidance, information, advice, training, and support to Head Teachers / Heads of Establishment, as well as other senior leaders and headquarters staff. Through appropriate client engagement and liaison, this includes providing the necessary financial advice and support concerning the monitoring of devolved school-based budgets; ensuring the adequate implementation of Council policies and procedures; and ensuring that the proper application of accounting and finance best practice and regulations is demonstrated to enable evidenced-based and informed budgetary decisions.
Accordingly, suitable candidates must have either an HNC in Accounting, or Association of Accounting Technician (AAT) Level 2 qualification (Certificate in Accounting – SCQF Level 6), or equivalent, relevant qualification. In addition, suitable candidates will also require a minimum of two-years practical experience within an accounting and finance environment; experience of financial ledger / accounting systems coupled with demonstrating other pertinent ICT knowledge and transferable skills; and be able to evidence analytical, numeracy, communication, and interpersonal skills. Additionally, given the role is situated within accounting and finance environment, candidates must also have the ability to organise their work effectively to meet deadlines.
You will be joining a dynamic and flexible team within Finance and Technology who currently operate a hybrid model of home-working and office-based work at the Civic Centre offices in Motherwell.
You will require to become a Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme member prior to commencing in this role.
Working here at North Lanarkshire Council
If you’re considering a career with us, you’ll be keen to know what’s in it for you. We have a great package of benefits available, from health and wellbeing to finances and family. This includes 27 days annual leave and 6 public holidays*, and a wide range of benefits available to you, find out more at work well NL. We also have a full package of learning and development through our learning academy LearnNL to help you reach your full potential and further your career.
*For all casual/sessional roles, you will receive 12.1% of your hourly rate for every hour worked in total recompense for annual leave, including public holidays. These rates will be indicated separately on your payslip. You will only be paid for the hours that you work.
We are a Disability Confident Leader and offer a guaranteed interview to applicants who consider themselves to be disabled, as long as they meet the essential criteria of the person specification/job description.
We have also adopted the Armed Forces Community Covenant to show our support for service personnel, veterans and their families. We offer a guaranteed interview for service leavers, spouses, reservists and veterans, as long as they meet the essential criteria of the person specification/job description.
North Lanarkshire Council is committed to #KeepingThePromise. This means that if you have ever been in care (looked after at home with a social worker, lived with a relative other than your parents, experienced foster, residential or secure care) you are entitled to a guaranteed interview for this post, as long as you meet the essential criteria of the person specification/job description. This is one way North Lanarkshire is demonstrating our commitment to supporting Care-Experienced People.
The Plan for North Lanarkshire is to be the place to live, learn, work, invest and visit. The Council recognises that work is an important part of adult life and is critical to our wellbeing and shaping how we live. The Fair Work Convention’s Framework defines Fair Work as work that offers effective voice, fulfilment, opportunity, respect and security. We believe Fair Work can boost creativity, realise untapped potential and increase productivity. To find out more click on the link.
Alternative Application Packs can be requested in other formats for example, Large Print, Braille, and Audio. To request an alternative Application Pack please phone 01698 403151.
The following link contains our Easy Read documents which will help explain the process and what happens during the selection process: Easy Read – My NL
***PLEASE NOTE WE DO NOT ACCEPT CVS IN PLACE OF THE APPLICATION FORM. TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS VACANCY YOU MUST ENSURE AN APPLICATION FORM IS SUBMITTED. ANY CV SUBMISSIONS WILL BE DISREGARDED.***
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School Finance Officer - REQ04655 employer: North Lanarkshire Council
Contact Detail:
North Lanarkshire Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Finance Officer - REQ04655
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with North Lanarkshire Council's financial regulations and policies. Understanding these will not only help you in the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to aligning with their operational standards.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the Finance and Technology Service. They can provide insights into the team dynamics and expectations, which can be invaluable during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with financial ledger systems and accounting practices in detail. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully managed budgets or improved financial processes in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your interpersonal skills by preparing to discuss how you've effectively communicated financial information to non-financial stakeholders. This is crucial for the role as you'll be advising Head Teachers and senior leaders.
We think you need these skills to ace School Finance Officer - REQ04655
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the School Finance Officer position. Highlight key skills and experiences that align with the role.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your application form to reflect your relevant qualifications and experience. Use specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your financial management skills and ability to support educational establishments.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Make sure to clearly state your qualifications, such as your HNC in Accounting or AAT Level 2. Include any additional training or certifications that are relevant to the finance and accounting field.
Showcase Soft Skills: In addition to technical skills, emphasise your interpersonal and communication abilities. Provide examples of how you've successfully worked in a team environment and supported others in a professional setting.
How to prepare for a job interview at North Lanarkshire Council
✨Know Your Financial Regulations
Familiarise yourself with the Council’s approved Financial Regulations and the Devolved School Management Scheme. Being able to discuss these regulations confidently will demonstrate your understanding of the role and its responsibilities.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a School Finance Officer, you'll be supervising a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on your ability to develop skills and enhance workplace practices.
✨Prepare for Client Engagement Scenarios
Think about how you would provide financial guidance to Head Teachers and senior leaders. Be ready to discuss your approach to client engagement and how you ensure effective communication and support.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills
Be prepared to showcase your analytical and numeracy skills during the interview. You might be asked to solve a financial problem or interpret data, so practice explaining your thought process clearly.