Assistant Finance Manager Agency
Hours per week: 37
Contract: Initial 3 months
Hybrid working, 2 days in office in office per week and would need to go on school visits (Maintained school sites, travel to one school site a week possibly more.)
Required to have access to your own vehicle with full driving license
What are the top three criteria you need for this role?
Schools Finance experience
Qualified Accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA, CIPFA)
Experience report writing and presenting information using powerBI
Main duties
To effectively support a finance team, including line management of accountants, that undertakes financial planning, budgetary control, accountancy advice, financial administration and training of budget managers
To support key accounting functions including but not exclusively to, budget build, budget monitoring and final accounts closedown. To liaise with other stakeholders, and report to the Finance Business Partner
To deputise for the Finance Business Partner as required
To provide expert advice and support to Finance colleagues, to other managers within the organisation and to elected members
To effectively support a finance teams, ensuring delivery of the relevant strategic and service objectives set out in the annual service plan and ensuring strong and effective resource management within the team.
Strategic Finance Leadership
Maintaining expert level knowledge of local authority legislation and guidance
Leading the preparation, maintenance and continuous review of long term and short term budget and forecast models for the relevant service area, ensuring alignment with the Medium-Term Financial Strategy
Continuously reviewing opportunities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the team, including delivery of continuous improvement and best value. Ensure practices remain compliant and fit for purpose
Financial Planning, Reporting & Insight
Leading engagement with budget managers, service directors and stakeholders, critically providing advice and ensuring value for money and policy compliance. Communicating and presenting complex financial information clearly to non financial audiences, including senior officers and elected Members
Overseeing daily operations including monitoring budgets, forecasting, surpluses and deficits
Leading preparation of high-quality papers and reports for relevant committees, ensuring alignment with financial reporting and statutory requirements.
Supporting delivery of financial management training for stakeholders to maintain informed decision making
Financial Accounting, Controls & Governance
Maintaining oversight of accounting treatment, reconciliations and disclosures within the Statement of Accounts and government returns.
Monitoring compliance, investigating variances, and escalating risks or potential breaches through appropriate governance channels.
Making sound, timely financial decisions under pressure, drawing on technical knowledge and professional judgement
Technical Expertise & Systems
Experience using financial management systems and complex financial models
