Senior Finance Officer - Education and Schools

Permanent Opportunity With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

To provide high-quality financial support, advice and analysis across Education and Schools Services, ensuring effective financial management, budget monitoring and statutory compliance.

The postholder will support the delivery of a comprehensive finance service, contributing to budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, reconciliations and year-end processes. Working closely with schools, education services and key stakeholders, the role will help ensure education funding and resources are managed effectively and in accordance with relevant financial regulations and corporate policies.

The Senior Finance Officer will play a key role in delivering accurate financial information, supporting decision-making and contributing to the continuous improvement of financial processes within the Education and Schools Finance Team.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide financial support, advice and guidance to Education and Schools Services.
• Support schools and service managers in understanding financial information and budget performance.
• Assist with the preparation, monitoring and management of budgets.
• Produce financial forecasts and assist in identifying financial risks and opportunities.
• Support monthly, quarterly and annual budget monitoring processes.
• Prepare and analyse management accounting information and financial reports.
• Coordinate financial returns and ensure submissions are completed accurately and on time.
• Undertake account reconciliations and investigate financial discrepancies.
• Support year-end closure activities, working papers and financial statements preparation.
• Analyse financial data and provide recommendations to support decision-making.
• Respond to financial queries from schools, managers and other stakeholders.
• Liaise with internal departments, schools and external bodies regarding financial matters.
• Monitor education funding allocations and expenditure.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations, accounting standards and audit requirements.
• Maintain accurate financial records and documentation.
• Assist with the development and improvement of financial systems, processes and controls.
• Support the delivery of an efficient, customer-focused finance service.
• Contribute to service improvement initiatives and finance projects as required.

Requirements

Essential

• Experience working within a finance, accounting or budget management environment.
• Experience supporting budget monitoring, forecasting and financial reporting activities.
• Experience undertaking account reconciliations and financial analysis.
• Strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Experience working within a complex organisation.
• Ability to interpret and present financial information clearly.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including the use of formulas, spreadsheets and financial reporting tools.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work to deadlines.
• Experience maintaining accurate financial records and supporting audit requirements.

Desirable

• Experience working within Local Government, Education Finance or the Public Sector.
• Knowledge of education funding arrangements and school finance.
• Accounting qualification or part-qualified accountancy status (AAT, CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Experience supporting year-end accounts and statutory returns.
• Experience using financial management systems within a local authority environment.
• Knowledge of local government finance regulations and processes.

Additional Information

• Location: Enfield Civic Centre
• Hours Per Week: 37 Hours
• Payment Frequency: Bi-Weekly Payments
• Base Salary: £44,184.00
• Top Point salary: £47,262.00