Finance and Data Analyst (SEND Reforms)

Bedford Borough Council; Bedford; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fixed-term contract

Hybrid working

Senior leadership exposure

Finance, BI role

CPD

Supportive team

LGPS

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Bedford Borough Council is seeking an experienced Finance and Data Analyst to support the SEND reform programme. The role combines finance, performance reporting and data analytics to inform senior leaders and improve outcomes for children and young people.

The post involves developing dashboards using Excel, Power BI and SQL, analysing complex financial and performance information, and providing robust reporting to DfE and stakeholders. Hybrid working arrangements are available.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in finance, data analysis or performance reporting.
• Ability to analyse complex financial and performance information to support decision-making.
• Experience producing dashboards and management information using reporting tools such as Excel, Power BI, SQL or similar.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to explain complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Organised, analytical and committed to improving outcomes for children and young people.

Responsibilities

• Lead analysis, reporting and monitoring of programme performance and finances.
• Develop dashboards, identify trends and risks.
• Support strategic decision-making and ensure robust reporting to the Department for Education and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Bedford Borough Council, the NHS and wider partners.

Skills

Finance analytics

Data analysis

Dashboards

Power BI

SQL

Excel

Communication

Tools

Power BI

SQL

Excel

Job description

Bedford Borough is delivering an ambitious programme of SEND transformation, bringing together education, health and care partners to improve outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

We are looking for an experienced Finance and Data Analyst to play a key role in delivering our Local SEND Reform Plan. This is an exciting opportunity to combine financial expertise with data analysis, helping senior leaders make informed decisions that improve services and deliver better outcomes for children and young people.

Working across Bedford Borough Council, the NHS and wider partners, you will lead the analysis, reporting and monitoring of programme performance and finances. You will develop dashboards, identify trends and risks, support strategic decision-making and ensure robust reporting to the Department for Education and other key stakeholders.

If you enjoy turning complex data into meaningful insight, have a keen eye for financial performance and want your work to make a real difference, we would love to hear from you.

We Offer

• Fixed-term contract within our ambitious SEND Reform Programme
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements where appropriate
• Opportunities to work alongside senior leaders across education, health and local government
• A varied role combining finance, performance and business intelligence
• Continuing Professional Development opportunities
• A supportive and collaborative team environment
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Generous annual leave entitlement

To Join Us, You Will

• Have significant experience in finance, data analysis or performance reporting
• Be confident analysing complex financial and performance information to support decision-making
• Have experience of producing dashboards and management information using reporting tools such as Excel, Power BI, SQL or similar
• Have excellent communication skills and be able to explain complex information clearly to a range of audiences
• Be organised, analytical and committed to improving outcomes for children and young people

You will be required to complete a basic criminal records check for unspent convictions

Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

Interview Date: 22 October 2026.

Bedford Borough Council is a member of the Armed Forces and Care Leavers Covenants, we pledge to interview any eligible applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the job they are applying for. Bedford Borough Council is also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer and guarantees to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria.