Financial Analyst

Positive Employment is currently recruiting for a Financial Analyst for our client, a local government organisation based in Bedford.

The successful post holder will be a motivated and highly skilled finance professional who wants to make a difference to the lives of children and young people. Working within the Education Division, they will support a diverse range of education funding activities while contributing to the strategic financial planning and management of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG).

The role will include financial management of the DSG Schools and High Needs Blocks, including monitoring the DSG management plan, providing expert advice and guidance to partners, and leading or supporting change projects to improve financial processes and services. This is a challenging but rewarding opportunity offering scope for creativity, service development and strategic financial improvement within education and finance.

This role is a temporary contract with an initial contract length of 3 months with the possibility to extend. Hybrid working with at least 1 day per month in the office.

• Support the strategic financial planning and management of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG).
• Undertake financial management and monitoring of the DSG Schools Block and High Needs Block.
• Monitor and support delivery of the DSG management plan.
• Analyse financial information, trends and forecasts to support effective decision-making.
• Provide financial advice, guidance and support to internal colleagues, schools and external partners.
• Support the development and delivery of education funding strategies and plans.
• Monitor financial performance against budgets and forecasts, identifying risks, pressures and opportunities.
• Produce accurate and timely financial reports, analysis and management information.
• Support budget setting, forecasting and financial planning processes.
• Analyse the financial implications of changes to education funding, services and demand.
• Develop and maintain financial models, reports and analytical tools to support decision-making.
• Support the management of financial risks associated with the DSG and education funding.
• Lead and support change projects to improve financial processes, systems and services.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, effectiveness and financial controls.
• Work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders to ensure clear and effective financial communication.
• Present complex financial information in a clear and understandable format to both finance and non-finance stakeholders.
• Ensure financial processes are undertaken in accordance with relevant legislation, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement and development of financial services within the Education Division.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the general level of responsibility of the post.

• AAT qualified or qualified by experience.
• Essential experience of working with the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG).
• Experience of financial management and monitoring of the Schools Block.
• Experience of working with the High Needs Block would be desirable.
• Strong experience in financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting and financial planning.
• Ability to analyse complex financial information and provide clear, practical recommendations.
• Experience of developing financial reports, models and management information.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills and the ability to analyse and interpret large volumes of financial data.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to provide effective financial advice and guidance to a range of stakeholders.
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Experience of leading or supporting financial change and process improvement projects.
• A proactive, motivated and solution-focused approach to work.
• Strong attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities and meet demanding deadlines.
• A commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.

Working Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Pay: £400.00 per day.

Please note this role is within IR35.