At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert financial advice to schools and help manage their budgets effectively.
- Company: Join Portsmouth City Council, a unique organisation committed to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and the chance to shape future services.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and development in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education finance during an exciting time of change.
- Qualifications: AAT-qualified or equivalent with strong analytical skills and budget management experience.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
We are looking for a Schools Finance Officer to join our Finance team to deliver high quality financial support and advice to schools across Portsmouth!
This is an exciting opportunity to work in partnership with School Business Managers, Bursars, Finance Officers, Headteachers and Governing Bodies, providing expert financial advice and support to help schools manage their budgets effectively and sustainably. You will support budget setting, forecasting and long-term financial planning, while delivering training, coaching and on-site guidance to school leaders and finance staff.
Working as a trusted finance partner, you will help schools maximise resources, strengthen financial resilience and make informed decisions that support positive outcomes for children and young people. This term-time role (2-3 days per week) involves regular travel across the city and offers the chance to make a real difference at an exciting time of change within the education sector, including supporting Local Government Reorganisation activity where required.
Who is the person:
We're looking for an AAT-qualified finance professional (or equivalent) with strong post-qualification experience, excellent analytical skills and advanced Excel expertise. You will have a proven track record of budget setting, forecasting, financial reporting and providing trusted financial advice to managers and budget holders. Confident in presenting complex financial information to a wide range of audiences, you will build strong relationships with Headteachers, School Business Managers and Governors, offering both support and constructive challenge. You'll be highly organised, customer-focused and able to manage competing priorities, while also delivering training and mentoring to help develop financial understanding across schools. Experience of Oracle Fusion, Business Intelligence tools or similar financial systems would be advantageous.
As regular visits to school sites are required, you must be able to travel independently across the city. Desirable experience includes working within local government or wider public sector finance, with an understanding of the financial frameworks and regulations that support effective service delivery. Experience of school finance, school funding arrangements and education finance regulations would be advantageous; however, we are equally keen to hear from candidates with a strong interest in education finance and a willingness to develop specialist knowledge in this area.
About Portsmouth City Council:
Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act. We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals.
As part of Local Government Reorganisation, current plans will see Portsmouth City Council combine with the district and borough councils of Fareham, Gosport and Havant and parts of East Hampshire and Winchester district councils to form a new, larger unitary authority for south east Hampshire. We are working towards an implementation date of 1st April 2028, known as vesting day, subject to Parliamentary approval. Until then, we remain focused on maintaining continuity, supporting our workforce, and continuing to deliver excellent services to our residents throughout the transition to the new unitary authority. This is an exciting time to join us, offering the opportunity to contribute to organisational transformation, develop your career, and help shape future services for our communities.
Additional Information:
Please ensure that you read the job profile for full details on the post. We offer hybrid working with the expectation to attend the office minimum 2 days a week (pro rata for part time), this remains flexible, depending on the role and subject to business needs. We are not able to offer sponsorship for this position.
Interview date: w/c 7th September
Our recruitment process:
Full information about our recruitment process can be found on our support for applicants' page. You must demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person' points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work/personal experience, which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it had. If you apply without a detailed personal statement, it is unlikely that you will be successful.
Please note we reserve the right to close the advert early if we have a large number of applications. We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found at Equality, diversity and inclusion.
You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.
Schools Finance Officer - Portsmouth employer: Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation. With a focus on employee growth, the council provides numerous training opportunities and a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the public sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Schools Finance Officer - Portsmouth
✨Connect with Campus Reps
If you're looking for part-time work in banking, try to connect with your university's career services and campus representatives from banks. They often host recruitment events or provide exclusive job listings, which can give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Get Involved in Financial Societies
Join finance or investment clubs at your university. These societies not only provide fantastic networking opportunities but also often collaborate with financial institutions for internships or part-time roles, making it easier for us to land those positions.
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Keep an eye on LinkedIn for part-time opportunities at banks, specifically targeting roles like customer service or administrative support. Companies like Portsmouth City Council often post openings there first, so be on the lookout and don’t forget to engage with their content!
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When applying for a part-time role, consider creating a simple portfolio that highlights your finance-related skills or projects. Whether it's a personal finance blog, a financial analysis you've done, or any relevant coursework, having this ready can impress hiring managers at Portsmouth City Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Schools Finance Officer - Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In the banking and financial services world, it's all about numbers. Highlight any relevant coursework, grades, or certifications, like AAT or CFA, on your CV. If you can point to specific projects or tasks where you managed finances or analysed data, that's a big plus!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Us:When writing your cover letter, don’t just reiterate your CV. Tell us why you want to work at Portsmouth City Council and how this part-time role fits into your career goals. Map your skills and experiences directly to the job spec, and don’t forget to weave in any technical skills you have, like experience with financial software!
Marry Experience with Availability:Since this is part-time, it’s super important to state your availability clearly in your application. Highlight any previous work experience, even if it's not directly in finance, that shows your reliability and ability to juggle various commitments. Flexibility can be a real asset!
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While you want to keep a professional tone, don’t be afraid to inject a bit of your personality into your application. Especially for a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who's not just skilled but also a good fit for the team at Portsmouth City Council. A little light-heartedness can go a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨Brush Up on Your Numbers
For a role in banking and financial services, you’ll likely encounter numerical tests that gauge your analytical skills. So, let’s whip out those maths skills! Practise mental arithmetic and get comfy with basic financial concepts; this'll really help you shine during the assessment stages.
✨Know Your Financial Products
Knowing your stuff about the various financial products and services is crucial. Be prepared to discuss topics like loans, mortgages, investment funds, and credit options. Having a finger on the pulse of current market trends and economic events can also give you an edge—the interviewers will appreciate your insight!
✨Flexibility and Commitment are Key
Since you're aiming for a part-time position, emphasise your flexibility and willingness to commit your time effectively. Highlight your ability to balance studies or other commitments while delivering results at work. This kind of attitude can set you apart from the competition.
✨Showcase Your Portfolio of Experience
Even though it’s a part-time role, companies want to see your motivation and past experience. Bring examples of relevant projects or roles, including internships or coursework that demonstrate your understanding and passion for banking and finance. The more tangible your examples, the more convincing you’ll be!
