School Financial Adviser for Maintained Schools

Leicestershire County Council; Glenfield; Hybrid; GBP 33,000 - 35,000; Part time

Job summary

Leicestershire County Council is seeking a School Finance Advisor to support budgets, compliance, and strategic financial planning for schools and academies. The post, based across County Hall and school locations, reports to the Head of Professional & Business Services and includes a commercial focus to grow the service and revenue.

You will manage school financial systems, prepare multi-year budgets, produce reports for governors, and promote best practice while ensuring statutory requirements

Qualifications

• Finance Qualification Equivalent to NVQ Level 4, Bookkeeping or accounting experience and ideally experience working in school finance and a Diploma in School Business Management would be desirable.
• Proven significant ICT experience with evidence of operating at a practitioner level (SFIA level 2) in a large ICT environment.
• Strong experience of financial management software and budget management in schools. Demonstrable Bookkeeping/Accounting experience.
• Experience using spreadsheets, databases, and reporting systems to produce financial information and forecasts.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to explain financial information to varied audiences.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, planning, and organisational skills. Ability to analyse information, solve complex problems and develop practical solutions that support service delivery and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Supporting schools with financial management systems, accounts, records, and statutory financial returns.
• Preparing, monitoring, and evaluating annual and multi-year budgets, including financial forecasting.
• Producing financial reports and budget monitoring information for school leaders, business managers, and governors.
• Working with colleagues and stakeholders to ensure consistent delivery of service standards and financial best practice.
• Promoting the service and ensuring it reflects current financial, legislative, and compliance requirements.

Skills

ICT experience SFIA level 2

Budget management in schools

Bookkeeping/Accounting experience

Communication skills

Analytical/problem-solving

Education

Finance qualification equivalent to NVQ Level 4

Diploma in School Business Management desirable

Tools

Finance software

Spreadsheets

Budgeting tools

Job description

Organisation: Leicestershire County Council

Work Location: Leicestershire County Council, Glenfield, LE3 8RA

Salary: £33,129 - £35,493 Per annum (Pro rata for part time)

Working Hours: 37 hours

Contract Type: Fixed term / Secondment for 6-9 months

Closing Date: 31/10/2026

Interview Date(s): to be confirmed

Are you looking for a rewarding career where you can make a difference?

Do you want a job where no two days are the same?

About the Role

The School Finance Advisor role is within Leicestershire Traded Services, supporting schools and academies with financial management, budgeting, compliance, and strategic financial planning. The post reports to the Head of Professional & Business Services and is based across County Hall and school locations.

The role is responsible for delivering a comprehensive school-based financial management service, helping schools manage their finances effectively while ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.

The post also has a commercial focus, identifying opportunities to grow the service, increase the customer base, sales and revenue.

The role also includes:

• Supporting schools with financial management systems, accounts, records, and statutory financial returns.
• Preparing, monitoring, and evaluating annual and multi-year budgets, including financial forecasting.
• Producing financial reports and budget monitoring information for school leaders, business managers, and governors.
• Working with colleagues and stakeholders to ensure consistent delivery of service standards and financial best practice.
• Promoting the service and ensuring it reflects current financial, legislative, and compliance requirements.

About You

To apply for this post, you must have:

• Finance Qualification Equivalent to NVQ Level 4, Bookkeeping or accounting experience and ideally experience working in school finance and a Diploma in School Business Management would be desirable.
• Proven significant ICT experience with evidence of operating at a practitioner level (SFIA level 2) in a large ICT environment.
• Strong experience of financial management software and budget management in schools. Demonstrable Bookkeeping/Accounting experience.
• Experience using spreadsheets, databases, and reporting systems to produce financial information and forecasts.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to explain financial information to varied audiences.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, planning, and organisational skills. Ability to analyse information, solve complex problems and develop practical solutions that support service delivery and continuous improvement.

In addition, we also expect you to share our commitment to our values and delivering accessible and inclusive services which meet the needs of all of our residents. You will be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these commitments as part of the selection process.

Interested in Flexible Working?

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which may include part time working, job sharing, term-time working, flexible start and finish times, and hybrid working, depending on the requirements of the role and the service. If you would like to discuss the possible flexible working options that might be applicable to this role, please contact the person named below.

For more information or an informal discussion, please contact:

Margot Welland, Head of Professional & Business Services

Telephone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]