At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial management and provide strategic support for schools and the Dedicated Schools Grant.
- Company: Local authority in West Yorkshire with a focus on education finance.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, opportunity to influence education funding, and professional development.
- Other info: Temporary contract with potential for significant career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education finance while leading a dedicated team.
- Qualifications: Experience in local government finance and strong leadership skills required.
Location: West Yorkshire
Contract: Temporary (6 months)
Salary: £350‑£400 per day
Start Date: ASAP.
Service Care Solutions is recruiting on behalf of a local authority in West Yorkshire for a Principal Management Accountant to join the team on a temporary basis. The postholder will deliver high‑quality financial management and strategic support across maintained schools and the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) portfolio. Reporting into senior finance leadership, you will manage a small team of finance professionals and provide expert financial advice, analysis, and oversight across a complex and high‑profile area of service delivery.
Key Responsibilities- Lead financial management, monitoring, reporting and governance across a portfolio of maintained schools and the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), including the High Needs Block.
- Support the development of medium‑term financial planning, budget setting, forecasting, statutory returns, grant claims and final accounts in line with regulatory requirements.
- Manage, develop and support a team of school finance professionals, ensuring the delivery of high‑quality financial services and advice.
- Act as a key finance partner to operational managers and senior stakeholders, providing strategic financial guidance and deputising for senior finance leadership when required.
- Significant experience within local government finance, education finance, DSG management, SEND funding, or a closely related financial environment.
- Strong understanding of budget management, financial reporting, forecasting and financial recovery strategies, including managing financial pressures and deficits.
- Proven leadership experience with the ability to manage, motivate and develop finance teams while influencing senior stakeholders.
- Ideally CCAB qualified (or equivalent); candidates with substantial relevant experience will also be considered.
For more information, please contact Rachel at Service Care Solutions (01772208969) or email rachel.burgess@servicecare.org.uk.
Principal Management/Financial Accountant in Wakefield employer: Service Care Solutions Ltd
Service Care Solutions is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in West Yorkshire where you can make a meaningful impact on local education finance. With a strong focus on employee development and a supportive culture, you will have the opportunity to lead a dedicated team while receiving competitive pay and the chance to contribute to strategic financial management in a high-profile area. Join us to enhance your career in a role that values expertise and fosters professional growth.
Contact Details:
Service Care Solutions Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Management/Financial Accountant in Wakefield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in local government or education finance. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial management skills and understanding of the Dedicated Schools Grant. We recommend practising common interview questions and scenarios related to budget management and financial reporting to show you’re the right fit.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Principal Accountant role. We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to employers looking for top talent like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Management/Financial Accountant in Wakefield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Management Accountant role. Highlight your experience in local government finance and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your leadership experience and how you can support financial management across schools. Let us know why you’re excited about this opportunity!
Showcase Relevant Experience:When filling out your application, be sure to showcase your experience with budget management and financial reporting. We’re keen to see examples of how you've handled financial pressures and supported teams in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Service Care Solutions Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Principal Management Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets and forecasts in previous roles. This will show that you can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
You'll be managing a team, so it's crucial to highlight your leadership experience. Prepare examples of how you've motivated and developed finance teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them to inspire confidence in your ability to lead.
✨Understand the Local Authority Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the local authority's financial environment, especially regarding education finance and the Dedicated Schools Grant. Being able to discuss current trends or challenges in this area will demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the role.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Since you'll be acting as a key finance partner to senior stakeholders, practice articulating your strategic financial guidance. Be ready to discuss how you've influenced decision-making in the past and how you can bring that expertise to the new role.
