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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 36000 - 60000 £ 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 events or webinars where you can meet current Finance Consultants or those working at SBS. Building these connections can provide insights into the role 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 their financial goals, as this will showcase your expertise and relevance to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research School Business Services (SBS) thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and the services they offer. Tailoring your conversation to align with their goals will show that you're 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 experience in finance consultancy, particularly within the education sector. Emphasise your knowledge of school finance systems and any relevant 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 commitment to service excellence. Mention specific examples of how you've supported schools or academies in the past and how you can bring value to School Business Services.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on key skills such as stakeholder management, problem-solving, and your proficiency with finance systems like PS Financials or Sage. These are crucial for the role and should be clearly articulated.
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 essential for a Finance Consultant.
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 impress the interviewers.
✨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.
