At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial management of education funding and collaborate with key stakeholders.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on improving education funding in Bedford.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive pay, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth and professional development in local government finance.
- Why this job: Impact children's education while developing your finance skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance, especially with education funding, and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
Finance Analyst (Education Funding / DSG)
Location
Bedford (Hybrid)
Contract
Initial 3-Month Contract
Working Pattern
Hybrid, with a minimum of 1 day per month onsite in Bedford
The Role
We are seeking a motivated and experienced Finance Analyst to join the Education Finance team, supporting the financial management of education funding across Bedford.
This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to services that directly impact children and young people while playing a key role in the strategic management of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG).
The successful candidate will support the financial planning, monitoring and reporting of the DSG, working closely with education stakeholders, budget holders and senior leaders.
The role will focus on ensuring robust financial management across the Schools Block and High Needs Block (HNB), whilst supporting service improvement and transformation initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the financial management, forecasting and monitoring of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG).
- Assist with budget setting, financial planning and in-year forecasting processes.
- Monitor and report on Schools Block and High Needs Block (HNB) expenditure and funding.
- Support the delivery and monitoring of the DSG Management Plan.
- Provide financial advice, guidance and challenge to education services and key stakeholders.
- Produce accurate financial reports, analysis and management information to support decision-making.
- Identify financial risks and opportunities and provide recommendations to mitigate issues.
- Support change projects aimed at improving financial processes, controls and reporting.
- Work collaboratively with internal and external partners, including education providers and senior leadership teams.
- Ensure compliance with relevant financial regulations and local authority procedures.
- Proven experience working within Local Government finance.
- Strong experience of Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) funding.
- Experience of financial monitoring, forecasting and budget management.
- Excellent financial analysis and reporting skills.
- Experience providing financial advice to non-finance stakeholders.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Advanced Excel skills.
- Experience of High Needs Block (HNB) funding and SEND services.
- Experience supporting DSG Management Plans or DSG deficit recovery programmes.
- Knowledge of education funding regulations and local authority education finance.
- Experience leading or supporting financial improvement projects.
Qualifications
- AAT Qualified, part-qualified accountant, or Qualified by Experience (QBE).
- CIPFA, ACCA or CIMA qualifications are welcome but not essential
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Financial Analyst in Bedford employer: SRG
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Analyst in Bedford
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like SRG.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like SRG might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Analyst in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at SRG will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at SRG. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give SRG confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at SRG
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with SRG.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure SRG that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
