SEND High Needs Accountant – Hybrid (North London)

About the role

We are seeking an experienced SEND High Needs Accountant to lead financial management for the High Needs Block within a North London Local Authority. This full‑time interim contract (initially three months) offers a hybrid working pattern with two days on‑site.

Key responsibilities

• Lead financial management for the High Needs Block and Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) budget, including monitoring, forecasting and reporting.
• Partner with senior leaders across Education, SEND and Inclusion to provide strategic financial advice.
• Develop financial models and business cases to support service transformation.
• Produce statutory financial information and manage year‑end close‑down processes.
• Identify financial risks, efficiencies and savings opportunities.
• Lead and develop a small finance team.

Required profile

• CCAB, CIPFA, CIMA, ACCA or ACA qualification (or equivalent experience).
• Strong experience in local authority finance, preferably supporting SEND, schools or high‑needs blocks.
• Proven ability to work with senior stakeholders and deliver business‑partnering outcomes.

Required skills

• Financial modelling
• Budgeting
• Forecasting
• DSG funding knowledge
• Statutory accounting
• Local government finance expertise

What we offer

• Competitive daily rate of £475‑£575 (umbrella).
• Hybrid working (2 days on‑site).
• Support from a specialist recruitment consultancy with a guaranteed weekly payment process.