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- Tasks: Help schools manage finances, prepare reports, and provide strategic advice.
- Company: Join School Business Services, a leader in education support services across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy 36 days annual leave, hybrid working, and a flexible benefits package.
- Other info: Remote work available; commitment to diversity and ongoing learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while working in a supportive and inclusive culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance consultancy, especially in education, with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Are you a confident finance professional with experience in the education sector and a passion for systems and service excellence? Join School Business Services (SBS) – a trusted leader in education support services – and help schools and academies achieve financial clarity and efficiency.
We\’re expanding our talented team of Finance Consultants and are looking for someone who can blend technical expertise with outstanding client service.
Who Are We?
At SBS , we support schools and trusts across the UK with a full suite of services, including Finance, HR & Payroll, ICT, and MIS . Our teams are known for their deep sector knowledge, collaborative approach, and practical support that makes a real difference to the day-to-day running of education settings.
About the Role:
As a Finance Consultant , you\’ll play a pivotal role in helping schools and academies manage their finances efficiently, meet statutory deadlines, and adopt best-practice financial systems. You\’ll work closely with school leaders, governors, and your SBS colleagues – on-site and remotely – to deliver expert support tailored to each school\’s needs.
What You\’ll Be Doing:
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Preparing and advising on short- and long-term financial plans.
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Supporting budget setting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
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Training school leaders and governors on finance systems and compliance.
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Preparing and submitting monthly and annual management accounts , statutory returns, and other financial reports.
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Conducting internal scrutiny and supporting audits to drive improvements.
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Providing strategic advice on contracts, procurement, risk , and compliance.
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Helping schools identify opportunities for improved financial efficiency.
- Working with a range of finance systems, including PS Financials/IRIS, Sage, FMS, RM, Xero, and Arbor Finance.
Please note that this role involves remote, home-working.
About You:
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Proven experience in a finance consultancy or advisory role – ideally in education.
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Solid working knowledge of school finance systems and procedures.
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A proactive communicator with strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
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Experience working with accounting systems and enthusiasm for using tech to improve efficiency.
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Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative, supportive team.
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Excellent attention to detail, problem-solving mindset, and a passion for making a difference in schools.
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Willingness to undergo an Enhanced DBS check and proof of Right to Work in the UK.
What we Offer:
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36 days annual leave (28 days + 8 bank holidays), plus one extra day for every year of service (up to 5 additional days).
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Hybrid or remote working available, with national coverage.
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Supportive and inclusive culture with ongoing learning & development opportunities.
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Flexible benefits package , including:
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Healthcare scheme.
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Ability to purchase additional annual leave.
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Opportunities to grow within a dynamic and expanding business.
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At SBS, we celebrate diversity, champion flexibility, and believe in empowering our team to deliver their best. If you\’re ready to bring your skills to a role that genuinely supports education, we\’d love to hear from you.
Finance Consultant employer: School Business Services
Contact Detail:
School Business Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Consultant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific finance systems mentioned in the job description, such as PS Financials and Sage. Having hands-on experience or knowledge of these systems will give you a significant edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Finance Consultants at SBS or similar organisations. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights into the role and help you tailor your approach when applying.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss real-life scenarios where you've improved financial efficiency in previous roles. Being able to share specific examples will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and your ability to make a tangible impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your communication skills by preparing to explain complex financial concepts in simple terms. This is crucial for training school leaders and governors, and it will highlight your ability to connect with diverse stakeholders.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Consultant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Finance Consultant at School Business Services. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in finance consultancy, particularly within the education sector.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your proven experience in finance consultancy or advisory roles, especially if it relates to schools. Mention specific finance systems you have worked with, such as PS Financials or Sage, to demonstrate your technical expertise.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since the role requires strong interpersonal skills, provide examples in your application that showcase your ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders. Highlight any experience you have in training or advising school leaders and governors.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure your application is tailored specifically for this position. Use keywords from the job description, such as 'financial clarity', 'efficiency', and 'best-practice financial systems', to align your skills and experiences with what SBS is looking for.
How to prepare for a job interview at School Business Services
✨Showcase Your Sector Knowledge
Make sure to highlight your experience in the education sector during the interview. Discuss specific challenges schools face and how your expertise can help them achieve financial clarity and efficiency.
✨Demonstrate Technical Proficiency
Be prepared to talk about your familiarity with various finance systems like PS Financials, Sage, or Xero. Providing examples of how you've used these systems to improve financial processes will show your technical expertise.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
As a Finance Consultant, you'll need to work closely with school leaders and governors. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders in the past.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think of scenarios where you had to provide strategic advice on contracts or compliance, and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes.