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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.
- 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.
- Other info: Remote working available; commitment to diversity and ongoing development.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ 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
Network with professionals in the education finance sector. Attend relevant conferences or webinars where you can meet current Finance Consultants and learn about their experiences at SBS. This can give you valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific finance systems mentioned in the job description, such as PS Financials and Sage. Consider taking online courses or tutorials to enhance your skills in these systems, which will demonstrate your commitment and readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing finances within educational settings during interviews. Think of specific examples where you've improved financial efficiency or supported schools in meeting statutory deadlines, as this will showcase your relevant expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Research School Business Services (SBS) thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and the services they provide. Tailoring your conversation to align with their goals during interviews can help you stand out as a candidate who is genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Consultant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in finance consultancy, particularly within the education sector. Emphasise your technical skills with finance systems and any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to improve financial efficiency.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for education and your understanding of the role. Mention how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, such as preparing financial plans and supporting audits.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on your interpersonal and stakeholder management skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully communicated with school leaders or governors, and how you’ve used technology to enhance financial processes.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a Finance Consultant role.
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 financial expertise can help address these issues. This will demonstrate your understanding of the unique environment SBS operates in.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about various finance systems mentioned in the job description, such as PS Financials or Sage. Brush up on your knowledge of these systems and be ready to discuss how you've used them in previous roles to improve financial efficiency.
✨Emphasise Client Service Skills
Since the role involves working closely with school leaders and governors, be prepared to share examples of how you've provided outstanding client service in the past. Highlight your communication skills and ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Be ready to discuss specific instances where you've identified financial inefficiencies and implemented solutions. This will showcase your proactive mindset and ability to make a real difference in the financial management of educational institutions.