Strategic Group Accountant – High Needs Block (Hybrid Remote)

Carrington Blake Recruitment; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 93,600 - 114,400; Full time

Job summary

The London Borough of Redbridge is seeking a Group Accountant High Needs Block to lead financial management and strategic partnering within the Education & Inclusion Directorate. This senior role focuses on High Needs funding, budgeting, forecasting, and statutory reporting to support SEND services.

You will lead a team, model options, drive cost savings, and provide robust financial advice to senior stakeholders.

Qualifications

• CCAB or CIMA qualified, or substantial equivalent senior-level finance experience.
• Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
• Experience in financial management within a large and complex organisation.
• Extensive experience of financial modelling and forecasting.
• Experience of project management across multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong track record of influencing and negotiating with senior stakeholders.
• Knowledge of local authority finance, financial reporting, and statutory accounting requirements.
• Experience supporting the local authority closedown and Statement of Accounts process.
• Understanding of public sector commercialisation and financial risks.
• Experience managing and developing professional finance teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-quality financial management and strategic advice across Education and Inclusion services.
• Act as the key financial advisor for High Needs Block funding and expenditure.
• Deliver budget monitoring, forecasting, and financial performance reporting.
• Support service transformation programmes with modelling, business cases, and appraisals.
• Identify savings opportunities and manage financial risks with recovery plans.
• Contribute to statutory accounts, financial returns, and external audits.
• Lead SEND Finance Team development and performance.
• Advise senior leadership for governance and decision-making.
• Represent Redbridge at regional and national forums.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Influencing stakeholders

Strategic mindset

Prioritisation under deadlines

Education

CCAB or CIMA qualified

CPD (Continuing Professional Development)

Job description

The London Borough of Redbridge is seeking a Group Accountant High Needs Block to lead financial management and strategic partnering within the Education & Inclusion Directorate. This senior role focuses on High Needs funding, budgeting, forecasting, and statutory reporting to support SEND services.

You will lead a team, model options, drive cost savings, and provide robust financial advice to senior stakeholders.