Finance Business Partner (Children's)

Sandwell Council; West Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 57,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Sandwell Council's Finance Division is seeking a Finance Business Partner to provide strategic financial support across Children's Services, with a focus on education funding, DSG, High Needs and related budgets. This full-time, permanent role is based from the Oldbury office with a hybrid pattern of 3 days in the office and 2 days from home.

You will lead on financial planning, forecasting and reporting, engaging with senior leaders, schools and service managers to drive value for money and

Qualifications

• CCAB-qualified accountant with continuing professional development.
• Experience in finance business partnering or financial management in local government or public sector, related to Children's Services.
• Experience in supporting Children's Services, Education, DSG or SEND budgets.
• Strong knowledge of financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and reporting.
• Ability to translate complex financial data into clear recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Act as trusted financial adviser to Children's Services, Education and SEND leadership.
• Lead financial planning, budget setting, forecasting and monitoring.
• Manage Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) funding including Schools, High Needs, Early Years and CSSB.
• Develop financial models and analysis to support SEND sustainability and long-term planning.
• Support education and transformation programmes and improve financial sustainability.
• Produce demographic, activity and demand-led forecasting for decision-making.
• Prepare and present financial reports to senior leaders and stakeholders.
• Lead on statutory returns, grant monitoring and financial reporting requirements.
• Develop and motivate Finance colleagues to deliver high-quality support.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Financial modelling

Budget forecasting

Strategic financial analysis

Education

CCAB-qualified accountant

Job description

Job Title: Finance Business Partner (Children's)

Grade/Salary: Band I, SCP 44-47 (£57,444 - £60,973 per annum)

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

Working Pattern: 37 Hours, Monday - Friday

Location: Sandwell Council House, Freeth St Oldbury B69 3DE

Closing Date: 30/09/2026

Sandwell Council's Finance Division is seeking a Finance Business Partner to join its team on a full-time, permanent basis, to be based from its Oldbury office. The organisation works to a hybrid working model of 3 days in the office and 2 days from home.

We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Finance Business Partner to provide strategic financial support across Children's Services, with a particular focus on education funding, SEND, High Needs and the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG). Working closely with senior leaders, headteachers, Schools Forum members and service managers, you will play a key role in ensuring robust financial management, sustainability and value for money across a complex and high-profile portfolio.

You will lead on financial planning, forecasting and strategic financial analysis, helping to shape service delivery, support transformation programmes and contribute to improved outcomes for children, young people and families across Sandwell.

About the Role

• Act as a trusted financial adviser to Children's Services, Education and SEND leadership teams.
• Lead financial planning, budget setting, forecasting and monitoring across Children's Services and Education portfolios.
• Provide strategic oversight and management of Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) funding, including Schools, High Needs, Early Years and Central School Services Blocks.
• Develop financial models and analysis to support SEND sustainability, High Needs management and long-term financial planning.
• Support education and transformation programmes, including initiatives aimed at improving outcomes and financial sustainability.
• Produce demographic, activity and demand-led forecasting models to inform decision-making and budget management.
• Prepare and present financial reports to senior leaders, elected members, Schools Forum and other stakeholders.
• Support the development of school funding formulae, school budget allocations and statutory submissions.
• Lead on relevant statutory returns, grant monitoring and financial reporting requirements.
• Support financial planning across SEND commissioning, specialist education provision and home-to-school transport services.
• Identify financial risks, opportunities and efficiencies while promoting value for money and strong financial governance.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations, audit requirements and year-end accounting processes.
• Lead, develop and motivate Finance colleagues, ensuring the delivery of high‑quality financial support across Children's Services.

About You

• CCAB-qualified accountant with evidence of continuing professional development.
• Significant experience in a finance business partnering or financial management role, within local government or the public sector, directly related with Children's Services.
• Experience of supporting Children's Services, Education, Schools Finance, DSG or SEND budgets.
• Strong knowledge of financial planning, budget management, forecasting and financial reporting.
• Experience of developing financial models, business cases and strategic financial analysis to support decision-making.
• Ability to analyse complex financial and operational information and translate this into clear recommendations.
• Experience of building effective relationships with senior stakeholders and providing constructive challenge.
• Strong understanding of financial governance, statutory reporting requirements and regulatory frameworks.
• Proven experience of leading, developing and motivating individuals or teams.
• Excellent communication, presentation and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong organisational and problem‑solving abilities, with the ability to manage competing priorities and tight deadlines.
• A collaborative and customer‑focused approach, with a commitment to continuous improvement and delivering value for money.

Why Sandwell Council?

At Sandwell Council, our work has a real impact. We are proud to be a values‑led organisation that supports its employees with excellent benefits, a competitive remuneration package, and a strong focus on development. By joining us, you'll play a key role in delivering services that make a real and lasting difference to thousands of people across the borough.

If you are an internal candidate and currently at risk, please let the recruiting manager know.

We place equality, diversity and inclusion at the core of who we are and how we lead, where every voice matters.

At Sandwell, we recognise and value the richness that comes from diverse lived experiences, perspectives, backgrounds and identities.

This diversity makes us a stronger and more effective council.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building a workplace where everyone feels they belong, are treated fairly, and have the opportunity to thrive.

Creating an environment where colleagues feel respected, supported and able to contribute fully is central to our culture and the way we work.

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants and employees have equitable access to opportunities.

Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process and within the workplace so that everyone has the support they need to perform at their best and succeed in their role.