R2R105091 - 130025 - Schools Finance Officer

Your New Organisation

Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.

 

Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

Your new role

The council are looking to recruit a School Finance Officer on a full time and fixed term contract (6 months) basis. As a School Finance Officer, you will provide a full range of accountancy information and services in accordance with accounting principles and DFE standards within timetables set, to Headteachers, Governors and school finance staff. You must be available to carry out meetings in person at the schools’ premises. This role includes all areas of financial management, e.g. maintenance of the financial system, bank accounts, cash flow (treasury Management) VAT, procurement, income generation.

 

You will visit Headteachers and finance staff in schools with deficit budgets on a monthly basis to review the budget, advise and assist on a recovery plan. You will prepare and deliver training courses for Headteachers, Governors and school finance staff. You will carry out monthly/quarterly monitoring against revenue and capital budgets and investigate where necessary, report variations to the appropriate school member of staff (Headteacher or finance staff) adhering to strict deadlines.

 

You will carry out monitoring of year end reports ensuring the schools adhere to accruals principles, the balances agree to Southend City Council in line with CFR guidance and are checked and prepared in readiness of external audit. You will also be required to assist on the selection and appointment of school finance staff.

What you'll need to succeed

Previous accountancy experience gained within a school setting is essential for this role. To be successful in this role, you will need to be AAT qualified (level 4) and it would be advantageous if you are familiar with the financial arrangements relating to services provided by Local Authorities. You will need high levels of proficiency in MS packages i.e Excel, Doc which will be used daily.

 

Effective communication, committing to and demonstrating our organisation’s values and behaviours is essential for this role, as you will be liaising with the Council’s internal and external stakeholders. At least GCSE Grade A-C or equivalent is essential for this role and this must be evidenced with a certificate.

 

Your application will not be considered if :

• You are not AAT (level4) qualified.
• You do not have a full and clean driving license and access to own vehicle for school visits

What you'll get in return

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.

What you need to do now

If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

 

If you would like a copy the Job Description, please click here

 

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.

 

All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.

 

The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.