Salary
£26.00-£40.00, per hour, inc benefits
Location
Wakefield, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Job type
Temporary
Sector
Accountancy & finance
Job ref
X3-1288030
Job posted
Posted 4 days ago
Principal Management / Financial Accountant – Dedicated Schools Grant & Maintained Schools (Wakefield)
In this role, you will support Group Finance Managers in developing the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy, considering expected government funding, income projections, and financial pressures from demand, inflation, and legislative change.
Working with the Group Finance Manager, you will help ensure strong financial governance, effective administration, and optimal use of Council resources.
Key responsibilities include working with finance and operational teams to prepare revenue and capital budgets and Final Accounts, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and best practice. You will maintain robust, auditable systems and processes to demonstrate adherence to financial policies.
You will support budget management by providing timely financial information for analysis, forecasting, and strategic planning, and offer professional advice on service delivery, policy changes, and financial implications.
The role includes attending meetings and working groups, ensuring accurate and timely grant claims, and providing financial returns to external bodies including Central Government, CIPFA, and the Department for Education.
You will deputise for the Group Finance Manager when required, attending senior meetings and budget reviews.
A key focus is financial oversight of maintained schools in Wakefield, including management and reporting of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), with updates to Schools Forum and the DfE.
Role Overview
Reporting to senior finance leadership, you will manage a small team and oversee a portfolio of maintained schools, including line management of school finance professionals.
Key Responsibilities
Lead financial management for maintained schools
Manage and develop a team of finance staff
Ensure effective budget monitoring, reporting, and governance
Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG)
Manage and monitor the DSG, particularly the High Needs Block, which is subject to reform and increased scrutiny. Relevant experience in DSG or education finance is essential.
Deputising & Stakeholder Engagement
Act as deputy to senior finance leaders
Attend and contribute to senior meetings
Work with stakeholders to support service delivery
Qualifications & Experience
Ideally CCAB qualified (or equivalent)
Experience in local government finance or education funding preferred
Private sector candidates considered with relevant knowledge
Compliance & Working Arrangements
No enhanced DBS required
Occasional accompanied site visits
Job Details
Contract: Fixed-term with potential extension
Working Pattern: Hybrid (typically 2 office / 3 remote) with some flexibility
Candidate Profile
Strong background in education finance, DSG, or SEND
Experience managing financial pressures and recovery plans
Ability to influence senior stakeholders
Proven leadership and team management skills
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