Schools Finance Lead & Strategy Partner (Hybrid)

Reading Borough Council; United States; Hybrid; USD 81,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave entitlement

Flexible and hybrid working options

Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)

Life Assurance for LGPS members

Modern working environment at Civic HQ

Outstanding on-site nursery provision

Season Ticket Loan scheme

Lease car salary sacrifice scheme

Job summary

Reading Borough Council is seeking an experienced and professionally qualified finance specialist to lead its schools finance support offer, working with maintained schools to deliver strong financial management and the best outcomes for children.

You will advise, challenge, and support headteachers, governors and SBM networks, drive budget planning, reporting and financial resilience across the borough.

This role offers hybrid working, a competitive salary and LGPS benefits.

Qualifications

• Qualified professional finance qualification (CCAB or equivalent) with CPD demonstrated.
• Minimum of five years' experience in a School Business Manager role or equivalent local authority school finance position.
• Experience supporting schools through financial challenges and recovery planning.
• Experience in business partnering and influencing financial decision-making.
• Strong knowledge of school funding, relevant legislation and statutory financial frameworks.
• Advanced Excel and financial modelling skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to explain complex financial information clearly.

Responsibilities

• Build strong relationships with headteachers, governors and school finance staff to promote effective financial management.
• Support schools with budget setting, forecasting, monitoring and financial planning.
• Provide expert advice on school funding, statutory requirements and the Scheme for Financing Schools.
• Support schools experiencing financial difficulties, including those operating licensed deficits.
• Lead the Local Authority's financial support role where delegated authority has been removed from a school.
• Identify financial risks, trends and opportunities and support early intervention where required.
• Lead and develop the schools budget planning tool (Orovia).
• Deliver financial training and development opportunities for governors, headteachers and School Business Managers.
• Facilitate school finance forums, SBM networks and engagement events throughout the year.
• Prepare and present financial reports for Schools' Forum, the Strategic School Finance Group, senior leaders and other stakeholders.
• Support robust month-end, year-end and statutory reporting processes.
• Lead School Resource Management Advisor (SRMA) reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage and develop the Finance Service Level Agreement (SLA) offer to schools.
• Lead independent reviews of School Fund accounts.
• Line manage the School Finance Accountancy Assistant and Casual School Business Managers.
• Promote strong governance, financial control and best practice across Reading schools.

Skills

Financial analysis

Forecasting

Budgeting

Stakeholder management

Communication

Presentation

Education

CCAB qualification or equivalent

Tools

Orovia budgeting tool

Excel

Job description

Reading Borough Council is seeking an experienced and professionally qualified finance specialist to lead its schools finance support offer, working with maintained schools to deliver strong financial management and the best outcomes for children.

You will advise, challenge, and support headteachers, governors and SBM networks, drive budget planning, reporting and financial resilience across the borough.

This role offers hybrid working, a competitive salary and LGPS benefits.