Overview
In this role you will provide strategic financial support to Children's Services, Education and SEND, focusing on education funding, DSG and High Needs. You will partner with senior leaders, headteachers and service managers to ensure robust financial governance, sustainability and value for money. You will lead financial planning, forecasting and analyses that shape service delivery and transformation programmes. This is an impactful opportunity to improve outcomes for children and families while working in a collaborative, values-driven council. You will be central to balancing complex budgets with strategic advice and governance.
Pay / Benefits
- excellent benefits
- competitive remuneration package
- development opportunities
- hybrid working model
- supportive culture
- opportunity to make a real difference
Responsibilities
- Act as a trusted financial adviser to Children's Services, Education and SEND leadership teams
- Lead financial planning, budget setting, forecasting and monitoring across Children's Services and Education portfolios
- Strategic oversight of Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) funding across Schools, High Needs, Early Years and Central School Services Blocks
- Develop financial models and analyses to support SEND sustainability, High Needs management and long-term planning
- Support education and transformation programmes to improve outcomes and financial sustainability
- Produce demographic, activity and demand-led forecasting models for decision-making
- Prepare and present financial reports to senior leaders, elected members, Schools Forum and stakeholders
- Support development of school funding formulae, budgets and statutory submissions
- Lead on statutory returns, grant monitoring and financial reporting requirements
- Support financial planning across SEND commissioning, specialist education provision and home-to-school transport
- Identify financial risks, opportunities and efficiencies while promoting value for money and governance
- Ensure compliance with financial regulations, audit requirements and year-end accounting processes
- Lead, develop and motivate Finance colleagues to deliver high-quality financial support
Key requirements
- CCAB-qualified accountant with CPD
- Significant experience in finance business partnering or financial management, preferably in local government/public sector
- Experience supporting Children’s Services, Education, Schools Finance, DSG or SEND budgets
- Strong knowledge of financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and reporting
- Experience developing financial models, business cases and strategic analysis
- Ability to analyse complex financial information and translate into clear recommendations
- Proven ability to build relationships with senior stakeholders and provide constructive challenge
- Understanding of financial governance, statutory reporting and regulatory frameworks
- Experience leading and developing teams
- Excellent communication, presentation and stakeholder management skills
- Strong organisational and problem-solving abilities with ability to manage priorities and deadlines
- Collaborative, customer-focused approach with commitment to continuous improvement and value for money
- stakeholder management
- communication
- collaboration
- financial planning
- budgeting
- forecasting
Finance Business Partner (Children’s) in Oldbury employer: Sandwell Metropolitan Council
As a Finance Business Partner within our values-driven council, you will enjoy a supportive culture that prioritises employee development and well-being. With excellent benefits, a competitive remuneration package, and a hybrid working model, this role offers the unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on children's services while collaborating with senior leaders and stakeholders. Join us in shaping financial governance and sustainability, all while contributing to improved outcomes for children and families in our community.
Contact Details:
Sandwell Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
