Interim DSG Consulting Finance Manager (Local Authority)

About the role

Spencer Clarke Group is supporting a local authority in Slough to find an interim DSG Consulting Finance Manager for the Finance and Commercial directorate. The role is temporary (3‑6 months) and will be based in Berkshire, with two days a week on site. It is ideal for a qualified local‑authority finance professional with experience in Dedicated Schools Grant finance.

Key responsibilities

• Support the management, monitoring and forecasting of DSG / schools budgets.
• Work with budget managers and senior officers to review pressures, savings and financial risks.
• Prepare statutory returns and government reports linked to education finance.
• Provide financial advice, challenge and analysis to service leads and senior stakeholders.
• Assist with budget preparation, monthly monitoring, year‑end and account closure.
• Ensure reconciliations, working papers and financial controls are robust.
• Advise on financial regulations, standing orders and local government finance procedures.
• Manage and support finance staff where required.

Required profile

• CCAB / CIMA qualification (or overseas equivalent) – essential.
• Strong experience in local authority finance.
• Specific experience in DSG, schools finance, education finance or children’s services finance.
• Knowledge of DSG budget monitoring, forecasting, statutory returns and funding pressures.
• Proven ability to work with budget holders, senior managers and external stakeholders.

Required skills

• Budget monitoring and forecasting
• Statutory reporting and financial controls
• Financial analysis and advice

What we offer

• Daily rate of £400 (PAYE) or £540 (Umbrella).
• Fixed‑term contract of 3‑6 months.
• Full‑time hours (7.5 hours per day) with two days on site.