Group Accountant – High Needs Block (SEND Finance)

About the role

This senior finance leadership position sits within the Education & Inclusion Directorate of a London borough, providing strategic financial management and business partnering for SEND services and the High Needs Block. The role is hybrid, requiring 1‑2 days per week in the Ilford office.

Key responsibilities

• Lead finance for the High Needs Block and SEND services, delivering complex financial modelling and scenario planning.
• Identify financial risks and develop mitigation plans.
• Prepare and present financial reports for senior leadership and key stakeholders.
• Oversee budget monitoring, forecasting, and financial planning activities.
• Support budget holders to improve performance and deliver value for money.
• Develop and improve financial systems, controls, and reporting processes.
• Provide financial analysis and business case support for transformation projects.

Required profile

• Recent, substantial experience in Local Government finance.
• Direct experience managing or supporting High Needs Block budgets and SEND services.
• Strong understanding of Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) funding and related financial management.
• Experience with local authority budget setting, forecasting, reporting, and year‑end processes.
• CCAB or CIMA qualification, or equivalent senior‑level finance experience.
• Previous experience managing finance staff.

Required skills

• Financial modelling and scenario planning.
• Budget monitoring, forecasting and financial planning.
• Strategic financial analysis and business case development.

What we offer

• Competitive daily rate on an umbrella contract.
• Hybrid working arrangement.
• Opportunity to influence finance strategy within a public sector education setting.