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- Tasks: Lead strategic financial planning and provide tailored solutions for schools and academies.
- Company: Join School Business Services, a trusted partner in education support across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy 36 days of annual leave, hybrid work options, and a flexible benefits package.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on educational institutions while collaborating with school leaders.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in finance systems and a passion for education required.
- Other info: Training provided for finance systems; commitment to diversity and inclusion celebrated.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
About Us:
At School Business Services (SBS) , we are proud to be a market leader in providing education support services across the UK. Our comprehensive portfolio includes expertise in Finance, Management Information Systems (MIS), and ICT services. Renowned for our professionalism, depth of knowledge, and commitment, we are considered a trusted partner by schools and academies. Every day, our teams help educational institutions navigate their financial and operational needs with confidence.
About the Role:
Are you a qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA) with experience in the education sector and a strong interest in finance systems?
As a Senior Finance Consultant , you will play a pivotal role in delivering strategic financial advice and guidance to our clients, helping schools and academies thrive. You will work independently across a variety of educational settings, providing tailored solutions to meet diverse needs.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading strategic financial planning and advising on resource optimization.
- Preparing short, medium, and long-term financial plans, statutory returns, and annual budgets.
- Delivering insightful financial reporting, including management accounts, to key stakeholders.
- Supporting procurement, risk management, and compliance with educational finance regulations.
- Training school leaders on financial processes, systems, and effective management practices.
- Keeping abreast of education sector trends and ensuring clients remain compliant with changes in legislation.
- Building strong relationships with clients and providing ongoing support to ensure the highest standards of service delivery.
This is a dynamic and varied role where no two days are the same. It offers a unique opportunity to work collaboratively with school leaders, governors, and trustees to make a meaningful impact on the financial health of educational institutions.
About You:
We are looking for an experienced finance professional with a passion for education and a commitment to delivering excellence. The ideal candidate will have:
- Strong experience in financial planning, reporting, and management.
- An in-depth understanding of the education sector, including maintained schools, academies, and free schools.
- Proficiency in finance systems (e.g., IRIS Financials, Sage, FMS, Arbor Finance, Access, Xero, Bromcom) – training can be provided.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information in an accessible way to diverse audiences.
- A proactive, adaptable approach to working across varied settings and challenges.
- The ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain confidentiality, and build trusted relationships with clients.
Relevant qualifications in finance, accounting, or a related field, alongside a commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD), are essential.
Our Benefits:
As an equal opportunities' employer, we celebrate diversity and flexibility, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for our incredible team. We offer:
- Generous annual leave allowance of 36 days (28+8 bank holidays) +1 for every year of service (up to a maximum of 5)
- Hybrid or remote working across the country
- Learning & Development
- Flexible benefits package including Healthcare Scheme and ability to purchase additional Annual Leave.
Please click on the APPLY button to send your CV for this role.
SBSINDEED!
Senior Finance Consultant employer: School Business Services
Contact Detail:
School Business Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Consultant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific finance systems mentioned in the job description, such as IRIS Financials and Sage. Even if you haven't used them before, showing a willingness to learn and adapt can set you apart.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in the education sector during networking opportunities. Connect with professionals in educational finance on platforms like LinkedIn to gain insights and potentially get referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss recent trends in the education sector and how they impact financial planning. This shows your proactive approach and understanding of the challenges schools face.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. Being able to communicate effectively with diverse audiences is crucial for this role, so consider role-playing with a friend or mentor.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Consultant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your qualifications as a finance professional, particularly your experience in financial planning and reporting within the education sector. Use specific examples that demonstrate your expertise with finance systems.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for education and your commitment to delivering excellence. Mention how your skills align with the responsibilities of the Senior Finance Consultant role and how you can contribute to the success of schools and academies.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasize your experience working with educational institutions. Discuss any previous roles where you provided strategic financial advice or training to school leaders, as this will resonate well with the hiring team.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, provide examples of how you've effectively presented complex financial information to diverse audiences. This could include training sessions, reports, or stakeholder meetings.
How to prepare for a job interview at School Business Services
✨Showcase Your Financial Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your qualifications and experience in financial planning, reporting, and management. Highlight specific examples from your past roles, especially those related to the education sector, to demonstrate your depth of knowledge.
✨Understand the Education Sector
Familiarize yourself with the current trends and challenges in the education sector. Be ready to discuss how these factors impact financial planning and compliance, and how you can help schools navigate these complexities.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice presenting complex financial information in a clear and accessible manner. The ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, including school leaders and governors, is crucial for this role.
✨Demonstrate Relationship-Building Skills
Prepare to discuss how you have built and maintained trusted relationships with clients in previous roles. Share examples of how you provided ongoing support and tailored solutions to meet their needs.
