Education Finance Officer

Job Title: Education Finance OfficerLocation: East LondonContract: 6 MonthsIR35 Determination: Inside IR35

An exciting opportunity has become available for a skilled and dedicated Education Finance Officer to join a well-established team within the education sector. This key position focuses on managing financial resources and procedures for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and supporting the implementation of new Schools Funding Arrangements (2013). The successful candidate will also play a central role in managing SEN transport finance, post-16 transport finance, and the free school meals eligibility process.

Key Responsibilities for an Education Finance Officer:

• Financial Management: Oversee the financial resources for SEND, ensuring compliance with the Organisations Financial Framework. This includes managing budgets for SEN and Post-16 transport and recoupment claims between local authorities for Looked After Children (LAC).
• Data Coordination: Coordinate and produce financial data for statutory returns to the Department for Education (DfE), Freedom of Information requests, and other necessary reports using Synergy, Liquid Logic, Excel spreadsheets, and additional SEN data sources.
• Free School Meals Administration: Administer the process for determining eligibility for free school meals and liaise with schools and parents to ensure the timely processing of claims.
• Budgeting & Forecasting: Assist in the preparation of detailed annual revenue budgets and monitor spending to ensure that allocations align with service priorities and avoid penalties. Provide accurate forecasts for funding and assist in the management of all SEND-related budgets, including contingency claims and external contracts.
• Support & Training: Provide guidance and support to Headteachers, SENCOs, and other education providers in managing their devolved budgets effectively, ensuring that local financial systems meet the Organisations requirements.
• Audit & Compliance: Liaise with auditors and corporate finance teams to ensure compliance with internal and external audit procedures. Help prepare audit files and draft action plans in response to audit reports.

Experience & Skills Required for an Education Finance Officer:

• Confident Communication: Ability to demonstrate the confidence and self-assurance to work effectively with Headteachers, school governors, and other agencies.
• Initiative & Judgement: Ability to use initiative to seek out information for management reporting, resolve service delivery problems, and work independently while prioritising workloads.
• Team Collaboration: Ability to work effectively in a team and on your own initiative.
• Safeguarding Knowledge: Detailed knowledge of safeguarding statutory guidance and legislation as it impacts schools.
• SEND Knowledge: Knowledge and understanding of the role and remit of other professionals working with children and young people with SEND and their families. Knowledge of SEND legislation is desirable.
• Financial Systems: Advanced knowledge of financial procedures relating to the delegation of resources to schools, with prior experience in a similar role.
• IT Proficiency: Advanced ability to use Microsoft Excel to record and maintain data and manipulate financial data, with working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook), and an ability to learn bespoke software as needed.
• Negotiation & Relationship Building: Good negotiation and influencing skills with the ability to establish and maintain collaborative, constructive relationships with a wide range of people, including parents, schools, social workers, and other agencies.

Key Result Areas for an Education Finance Officer:

1. Financial Allocation: Ensure accurate and timely allocation of financial resources for SEND and related services.
2. Budget Forecasting & Monitoring: Effectively forecast and monitor budgets to ensure cost-effective provision to meet student needs.
3. Free School Meals Management: Oversee the successful management of the free school meals eligibility process, ensuring accurate and up-to-date data is provided to schools and parents.
4. Compliance: Ensure all financial activities comply with statutory and financial requirements, and funds are managed according to national guidelines and Organisations frameworks.

Additional Requirements for an Education Finance Officer:

• A valid DBS check and previous experience within the education sector are ESSENTIAL.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of work.
• A flexible approach to working hours, with the potential to work outside of normal office hours as required.
• A strong focus on maintaining confidentiality and adhering to data protection regulations.

If you are passionate about working within education finance and want to make a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply for this exciting 6-month Education Finance Officer opportunity TODAY.

*Please Note: The client are only allowing 5 candidates to be submitted.*