Schools Finance Advisor — Hybrid Coventry Role

Coventry City Council; Rishton; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Flexi-time scheme

Local Government Pension Scheme

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Coventry City Council is seeking a proactive Schools Finance Officer to advise a portfolio of Coventry schools on managing finances effectively and sustainably. You will engage with Headteachers, School Business Managers and Governors, building strong relationships and providing practical financial guidance.

You’ll support schools through the annual financial cycle, crafting realistic budgets, monitoring spend, identifying risks, and planning for future challenges while turning complex data into

Qualifications

• Understanding of accounting principles and financial management.
• Experience of working within a complex financial environment.
• Experience of budgeting, financial planning, forecasting and financial control.
• Strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to interpret and apply financial procedures and regulations.
• Confidence using financial systems, spreadsheets and Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge of school finance would be an advantage.
• Ability to travel to schools across Coventry.

Responsibilities

• Provide trusted financial advice to a portfolio of Coventry schools.
• Support schools throughout the annual financial cycle with budgets and spending oversight.
• Analyse financial information and translate into clear, practical guidance for school leaders.
• Attend meetings with Headteachers, School Business Managers and Governors to present financial information.
• Deliver training and respond to emerging financial pressures with potential savings.

Skills

Budgeting

Forecasting

Financial analysis

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Right to work

Education

AAT qualification

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Financial systems

Job description

Coventry City Council is seeking a proactive Schools Finance Officer to advise a portfolio of Coventry schools on managing finances effectively and sustainably. You will engage with Headteachers, School Business Managers and Governors, building strong relationships and providing practical financial guidance.

You’ll support schools through the annual financial cycle, crafting realistic budgets, monitoring spend, identifying risks, and planning for future challenges while turning complex data into