Interim DSG Finance Lead: High Needs & Education Budgeting

Vivid Resourcing Ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Vivid Resourcing Ltd is assisting a local authority client in London to recruit a senior finance lead for DSG/High Needs Block management. The role demands credible senior stakeholders engagement and deep expertise in deficit recovery and policy development.

The successful candidate will model reforms, monitor funding arrangements and deliver robust financial forecasts across SEND and education sectors, with a focus on risk management and strategic planning.

Qualifications

• Proven senior experience in DSG/High Needs Block within a local authority.
• Ability to model financial impact of reforms and monitor funding arrangements.
• Experience translating demand drivers into robust financial forecasts.

Responsibilities

• Lead the council's response to Local SEND Reform Plan with financial modelling.
• Model impact of High Needs Stability Grant and plan residual 10% repayment.
• Lead or support DSG Deficit Recovery/Management Plan.
• Improve monitoring and accountability of High Needs spend.
• Develop policy on budgetary deficits across schools and FE settings.
• Produce quarterly budget monitoring and variance reporting to key stakeholders.
• Collaborate with SEND, Education and Children's Services to forecast demand drivers.
• Liaise with DfE and external auditors on deficit reporting.

Skills

Senior-level experience

Deficit management

Financial modelling

Budget forecasting

Stakeholder engagement

Education

CCAB-qualified accountant (CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA, ACA)

Job description

Vivid Resourcing Ltd is assisting a local authority client in London to recruit a senior finance lead for DSG/High Needs Block management. The role demands credible senior stakeholders engagement and deep expertise in deficit recovery and policy development.

The successful candidate will model reforms, monitor funding arrangements and deliver robust financial forecasts across SEND and education sectors, with a focus on risk management and strategic planning.