Interim Group Accountant

CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD; Ilford; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in Ilford is hiring an Interim Group Accountant to provide strategic financial leadership within the Education and Inclusion service area. The ideal candidate will manage High Needs Block allocations and ensure high-quality financial support. Applicants must have a strong financial background, preferably in public sector or education, and hold a recognized accounting qualification. This role includes a contract of 11 months with a working schedule of 36 hours per week.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in senior financial roles, ideally in public sector or education.
• Strong track record in financial planning, monitoring, and reporting.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders in financial decisions.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial matters within Education and Inclusion.
• Provide support and expert advice on High Needs Block allocations.
• Deliver timely financial monitoring reports.

Skills

Financial planning

Budget management

Financial reporting

Stakeholder management

Education

Recognised professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA)

Job description

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Job Details

11 months contract with a local authority

Job Title: Interim Group Accountant - High Needs Block

Job Purpose

To provide strategic financial leadership within the Education and Inclusion service area, ensuring high-quality financial support and guidance aligned with the Council’s vision and values. The role will focus on managing the High Needs Block allocations and delivering robust financial monitoring and forecasting to senior stakeholders.

Key Duties/Accountabilities

• Act as the professional lead for financial matters within Education and Inclusion, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, financial reporting standards, and sector best practices.
• Serve as the principal point of contact for High Needs Block allocations, offering expert financial advice, support, and challenge to senior colleagues.
• Deliver high-quality financial services across all service areas, ensuring alignment with the Council’s strategic objectives.
• Produce clear, accurate, and timely financial monitoring reports, including forecasts of financial outturns.
• Collaborate closely with senior stakeholders to ensure effective use of financial information in decision-making.
• Identify and mitigate financial risks, ensuring compliance with controls and regulations.
• Contribute to developing and implementing financial strategies and policies within Education and Inclusion.

Essential Experience and Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior financial role, preferably in the public sector or education setting.
• Strong track record in financial planning, monitoring, and reporting.
• Experience managing complex budgets and funding streams, especially High Needs Block or similar.
• Ability to influence and support senior stakeholders in financial decision-making.
• Familiarity with local government financial frameworks and compliance requirements.
• Recognised professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA).

Additional Information

• Working hours: 36 hours/week
• Application deadline: 24th Aug 2025, apply ASAP.