Interim Group Accountant- High Needs Block

i-jobs; Greater London; On-site; GBP 154,291,200 - 157,046,400; Full time

Job summary

i-jobs is recruiting an Interim Group Accountant for the High Needs Block in Ilford. You will lead strategic financial management and act as the principal finance lead for the High Needs Block, advising senior managers and stakeholders.

You will oversee monthly/quarterly budget monitoring, forecasting, and reporting, build complex financial models, and support transformation programmes while ensuring regulatory compliance and producing statutory accounts.

Qualifications

• CCAB or CIMA qualified or substantial senior-level finance experience.
• Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD).

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of strategic financial management and business partnering services across Education, Inclusion, and SEND services.
• Act as the principal finance lead for the High Needs Block, providing expert financial advice to senior managers and stakeholders.
• Prepare and deliver monthly and quarterly budget monitoring, financial forecasting, and performance reports.
• Develop complex financial models, scenario planning, and options appraisals to support strategic decision-making.
• Support service transformation programmes through financial analysis, business case development, and investment appraisals.
• Identify financial risks, develop mitigation strategies, and support the delivery of savings and recovery plans.
• Produce statutory financial reports, support the year-end closedown process, and contribute to the preparation of the Statement of Accounts.
• Ensure compliance with local authority financial regulations, statutory accounting requirements, and audit standards.
• Develop and improve financial systems, controls, reporting processes, and management information.
• Provide financial guidance to budget holders to promote value for money and sustainable financial management.
• Advise on funding opportunities, policy changes, and the financial implications of service developments.
• Prepare and present financial reports to senior leadership, elected Members, committees, and external stakeholders.
• Represent the Council at regional and national meetings, forums, and partnership groups.
• Lead, manage, mentor, and develop the SEND Finance Team, ensuring high-quality service delivery and staff performance.
• Promote continuous improvement, collaboration, and customer-focused financial services across the organisation.

Skills

Financial analysis

Forecasting

Modelling

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

CCAB or CIMA

CPD

Tools

Microsoft Office

Financial systems

Job description

Position

Interim Group Accountant- High Needs Block

Details

Location: 255 - 259 High Road, Ilford, IG1 1NN

Start Date: ASAP

Contract Duration: 3+ Months

Working Hours: 36 hours per week

Pay Rate: PAYE: £60.21 per HOUR

Job Reference: OR107715

Job Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of strategic financial management and business partnering services across Education, Inclusion, and SEND services.
• Act as the principal finance lead for the High Needs Block, providing expert financial advice to senior managers and stakeholders.
• Prepare and deliver monthly and quarterly budget monitoring, financial forecasting, and performance reports.
• Develop complex financial models, scenario planning, and options appraisals to support strategic decision‑making.
• Support service transformation programmes through financial analysis, business case development, and investment appraisals.
• Identify financial risks, develop mitigation strategies, and support the delivery of savings and recovery plans.
• Produce statutory financial reports, support the year‑end closedown process, and contribute to the preparation of the Statement of Accounts.
• Ensure compliance with local authority financial regulations, statutory accounting requirements, and audit standards.
• Develop and improve financial systems, controls, reporting processes, and management information.
• Provide financial guidance to budget holders to promote value for money and sustainable financial management.
• Advise on funding opportunities, policy changes, and the financial implications of service developments.
• Prepare and present financial reports to senior leadership, elected Members, committees, and external stakeholders.
• Represent the Council at regional and national meetings, forums, and partnership groups.
• Lead, manage, mentor, and develop the SEND Finance Team, ensuring high‑quality service delivery and staff performance.
• Promote continuous improvement, collaboration, and customer‑focused financial services across the organisation.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications

• CCAB or CIMA qualified, or substantial equivalent senior‑level finance experience.
• Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD).

Essential Experience

• Significant experience in financial management within a large and complex organisation.
• Extensive experience in financial modelling, forecasting, and budget management.
• Experience providing strategic financial advice and business partnering to senior stakeholders.
• Experience supporting service transformation, business case development, and financial planning.
• Experience preparing statutory accounts and supporting local authority year‑end closedown processes.
• Experience of local authority finance, statutory accounting, and financial reporting.
• Experience managing, developing, and leading professional finance teams.
• Experience managing projects and delivering outcomes across multidisciplinary teams.

Essential Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of local government finance and statutory accounting requirements.
• Understanding of High Needs Block funding and SEND financial management.
• Knowledge of financial governance, audit requirements, and financial regulations.
• Understanding of public sector commercialisation, financial risk management, and value‑for‑money principles.

Essential Skills

• Excellent financial analysis, forecasting, and modelling skills.
• Strong leadership and people management abilities.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex financial information to non‑financial audiences.
• Strong influencing, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work to challenging deadlines.
• Strong problem‑solving and strategic decision‑making abilities.
• High level of proficiency in financial systems, reporting tools, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships across services and with external partners.
• Customer‑focused, proactive, and committed to continuous improvement.

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