Job Description:

Finance Officer

• Location: Romford. Hybrid Working (Office attendance required every Wednesday, plus travel to schools as required)
• Hourly Rate: £18.92 per hour PAYE or £24.63 per hour Umbrella
• Contract: Temporary, initially for 3 months with view for further extension thereafter

We are currently seeking an experienced and highly motivated Finance Officer to join a busy Education Finance team. This is an excellent opportunity for a candidate with a background in education, school finance, school business management, or SEND funding to play a key role in supporting schools, academies, early years providers, and educational settings.

The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting the effective management of financial resources relating to SEND services, school funding, and education budgets, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and the Council's financial framework.

This role would particularly suit candidates with experience working within a local authority education setting, school business management, school finance, or SEND services.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain financial and operational data relating to SEND funding and education services.
• Produce accurate reports and undertake detailed data analysis using Excel and other systems.
• Calculate and administer High Needs funding allocations for schools, academies, and early years settings based on Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) data.
• Monitor and revise funding allocations throughout the academic year.
• Lead on SEND recoupment processes between local authorities and schools.
• Support the administration and management of Post-16 and SEN funding arrangements.
• Provide financial advice, guidance, and support to:
• Headteachers
• School Business Managers
• SENCOs
• Governing Bodies
• Early Years Providers
• Deliver training sessions to schools and educational providers on funding allocations and budget management.
• Assist with annual budget preparation, financial monitoring, forecasting, and year-end accounting processes.
• Prepare statutory returns, audit files, funding claims, and reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Support the administration of Free School Meals eligibility assessments and reporting.
• Work collaboratively with Education, SEND, Finance, School Improvement, and Early Years teams.

About You

We are looking for someone who can combine strong financial and analytical skills with excellent stakeholder management and communication abilities.

Essential Experience

• Previous experience working within education, schools, local government, or a related financial environment.
• Strong understanding of school funding arrangements and education finance.
• Excellent numerical and analytical skills.
• Experience producing reports and analysing complex data sets.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work to strict deadlines.
• Experience building positive working relationships with schools and educational professionals.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including financial modelling and complex spreadsheet development.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable Experience

• School Business Manager experience.
• Experience supporting schools experiencing financial challenges or budget deficits.
• Knowledge of SEND funding arrangements and EHCP processes.
• Experience working with local authority education services.
• Understanding of academy and maintained school funding regulations.

Working Arrangements

• Hybrid working model.
• Office attendance required every Wednesday.
• Travel to schools and educational settings across the borough as required.
• Enhanced DBS clearance is essential due to regular school visits.

Why Apply?

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful impact within education by supporting schools, SEND services, and vulnerable children and young people. You will work alongside experienced education and finance professionals, helping to ensure resources are managed effectively to achieve the best outcomes for learners across the borough.

Apply today if you have a passion for education, finance, and supporting schools to succeed.

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