Group Accountant - High Needs Block in London

Group Accountant - High Needs Block in London

London Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Service Care Solutions Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial strategy for High Needs Block funding and support service transformation.
  • Company: Join a dynamic local authority focused on education and inclusion.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
  • Other info: Shape the future of SEND finance while enjoying career progression opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families.
  • Qualifications: Experience in group accounting and leading finance teams in local authority settings.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

  • Overview
  • Job Opportunity: Group Accountant - High Needs Block
  • Location: Lynton House, Ilford (Hybrid Working – minimum 2 days per week in our client)

Are you an experienced finance professional eager to make a meaningful impact in local authority education services?

Our client Borough is seeking a highly qualified Group Accountant - High Needs Block to join our Education & Inclusion Directorate.

If you possess strategic financial expertise, leadership flair, and a passion for supporting children and young people with SEND, this is your chance to shape the future of SEND finance in London.

Responsibilities

  • Provide expert financial guidance and strategic advice for the High Needs Block funding and expenditure.
  • Lead monthly and quarterly budget monitoring, forecasting, and financial performance reporting.
  • Support service transformation through financial modelling and business case development.
  • Manage the preparation of statutory accounts, financial returns, and external audits.
  • Drive continuous improvement in financial systems, control processes, and reporting accuracy.
  • Support senior leadership in decision-making, risk management, and service redesign.
  • Lead, motivate, and develop a team of finance staff, fostering a culture of excellence and growth.
  • Represent the council at regional and national forums, sharing expertise and best practices.
  • Assist in identifying savings opportunities, managing financial risks, and developing recovery plans when needed.
  • Support funding applications and strategic project evaluations through financial analysis.
  • Ensure compliance with local authority financial regulations, statutory requirements, and closedown processes.

Qualifications / Requirements

  • Experience in group accounting or equivalent financial leadership within local authority education services, preferably related to SEND.
  • Experience leading a team of finance professionals (e. g., up to four staff) and managing stakeholder relationships.
  • Strong financial modelling, budgeting, forecasting, and performance reporting skills.
  • Experience with statutory accounts, financial returns, external audits, and closedown processes.
  • Knowledge of local authority financial regulations and governance frameworks.
  • Ability to support strategic transformation, risk management, and service redesign initiatives.

Benefits of Joining

  • Hybrid working with flexible arrangements.
  • Opportunities for ongoing professional development and career progression.
  • Dynamic and supportive team environment.
  • Influence and shape local authority services supporting vulnerable children and families.
  • Commitment to safeguarding, equality, and inclusion.
  • #J-18808-Ljbffr
Service Care Solutions Ltd

Contact Details:

Service Care Solutions Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Group Accountant - High Needs Block in London

Tap into Campus Networks

If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.

Get Certified

Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.

Connect on Professional Platforms

Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.

Apply Directly and Be Proactive

Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Service Care Solutions Ltd. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Group Accountant - High Needs Block in London

Strategic Financial Expertise
Leadership Skills
Budget Monitoring
Financial Performance Reporting
Financial Modelling
Business Case Development
Statutory Accounts Preparation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Service Care Solutions Ltd.

Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.

Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Service Care Solutions Ltd's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Service Care Solutions Ltd

Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills

Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Service Care Solutions Ltd.

Prepare for Case Studies

Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.

Show Your Passion for Finance

Since this is a full-time position, employers at Service Care Solutions Ltd will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.

Network with Industry Professionals

Before your interview, reach out to current or former Service Care Solutions Ltd employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.