Interim Group Accountant in London

Interim Group Accountant in London

London Temporary 65000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Supply Staff Limited

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial management and strategic advice for SEND services in Redbridge.
  • Company: Join the London Borough of Redbridge, shaping the future of education finance.
  • Benefits: Competitive daily rate, flexible working, and impactful community work.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and leadership.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with special educational needs.
  • Qualifications: CCAB or CIMA qualified with strong financial management experience.

The predicted salary is between 65000 - 75000 £ per year.

Redbridge Council are looking for an Interim Group Accountant - High Needs Block.

575 per day.

1 or 2 days in the office IG1 1NN.

Shape the Future of SEND Finance in Redbridge

The London Borough of Redbridge is seeking an experienced and strategic Group Accountant High Needs Block to join our Education & Inclusion Directorate.

This is a high-profile leadership role providing expert financial management, business partnering, and strategic advice to senior stakeholders across Education, Inclusion, and SEND services.

As the principal finance lead for the High Needs Block, you will play a vital role in supporting service transformation, delivering robust financial planning and forecasting, ensuring statutory compliance, and helping shape sustainable services for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

This is an exciting opportunity for a qualified finance professional who combines technical expertise with strong leadership, business partnering, and influencing skills.

About the Role

Working within a matrix management environment, you will

  • Lead the provision of high-quality financial management and strategic advice across Education and Inclusion services.
  • Act as the key financial advisor for High Needs Block funding and expenditure.
  • Deliver monthly and quarterly budget monitoring, forecasting, and financial performance reporting.
  • Support service transformation programmes through financial modelling, business case development, and options appraisals.
  • Work closely with senior managers to identify savings opportunities, manage financial risks, and develop recovery plans where required.
  • Contribute to the production of statutory accounts, financial returns, and external audit requirements.
  • Manage and develop the SEND Finance Team, ensuring excellent service delivery and staff development.
  • Support senior leadership and directors by providing financial advice for decision-making and governance processes.
  • Represent Redbridge at regional and national forums, promoting the Council's interests and contributing to sector-wide discussions.

Key Responsibilities

  • Strategic Financial Leadership
  • Provide expert financial advice to senior leaders and key stakeholders.
  • Deliver complex financial modelling and scenario planning.
  • Support commercial opportunities, investment decisions, and service redesign initiatives.
  • Identify risks and develop practical mitigation strategies.
  • Prepare reports and present financial information to senior management, Members, and external partners.
  • Financial Management & Business Partnering
  • Lead budget monitoring, forecasting, and financial planning activities.
  • Develop systems and processes that improve financial control and transparency.
  • Support budget holders to deliver value for money and achieve financial sustainability.
  • Produce clear and insightful management information to inform decision-making.
  • Advise on funding opportunities and financial implications of policy changes.
  • Service Improvement & Transformation
  • Provide financial support for business transformation and innovation programmes.
  • Conduct options appraisals and sensitivity analysis for strategic projects.
  • Drive continuous improvement in financial systems, processes, and reporting.
  • Team Leadership
  • Manage, motivate, and develop a team of finance professionals.
  • Set priorities and ensure resources are effectively deployed.
  • Promote a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and customer focus.

About You

We are looking for an accomplished finance professional with the ability to influence strategic decisions and build strong partnerships across complex organisations.

Essential Requirements

  • CCAB or CIMA qualified, or substantial equivalent senior-level finance experience.
  • Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
  • Significant experience in financial management within a large and complex organisation.
  • Extensive experience of financial modelling and forecasting.
  • Experience of project management and delivering outcomes across multidisciplinary teams.
  • Strong track record of influencing and negotiating with senior stakeholders.
  • Knowledge of local authority finance, financial reporting, and statutory accounting requirements.
  • Experience supporting the local authority closedown and Statement of Accounts process.
  • Understanding of public sector commercialisation and associated financial risks.
  • Experience managing and developing professional finance teams.
  • You’ll Also Have
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • The ability to communicate complex financial information to non-finance audiences.
  • Strong customer focus and relationship-building skills.
  • A proactive and strategic mindset.
  • The ability to manage competing priorities and challenging deadlines.
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Interim Group Accountant in London employer: Supply Staff Limited

At Supply Staff Limited, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment that empowers our educators to thrive. Located in the vibrant community of Hertfordshire, we offer competitive benefits, professional development opportunities, and a culture that values creativity and innovation in teaching. Join us to inspire the next generation of performers while enjoying a fulfilling career in a dynamic educational setting.

Supply Staff Limited

Contact Details:

Supply Staff Limited Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Interim Group Accountant in London

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We think you need these skills to ace Interim Group Accountant in London

Financial Management
Business Partnering
Strategic Financial Leadership
Financial Modelling
Forecasting
Budget Monitoring
Statutory Accounting

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 Supply Staff Limited 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 Supply Staff Limited. 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 Supply Staff Limited confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Supply Staff Limited

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 Supply Staff Limited.

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 Supply Staff Limited 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.