Schools Finance Officer

Help Schools Make Every Pound Count

Are you an experienced finance professional with a passion for supporting schools to achieve the best outcomes for children and young people?

Birmingham City Council is seeking motivated and customer-focused Schools Finance Officers to join our Schools Financial Services team. This is an exciting opportunity to work directly with schools and academies across Birmingham, providing expert financial advice, budget management support, and strategic guidance to school leaders and governing bodies.

As part of a dedicated team, you will play a vital role in helping schools manage their finances effectively, ensuring resources are used efficiently to support education and improve outcomes for pupils.

Please note there are 4 roles on offer - 2 permanent and 2 short term FTC's

• Provide financial and business management support to schools and academies.
• Assist schools with budget preparation, financial planning, and monitoring.
• Produce detailed financial reports and present findings to Governing Bodies and Finance Committees.
• Advise Headteachers, School Business Managers and Bursars on financial management issues.
• Support schools in achieving compliance with financial regulations and standards, including the Schools Financial Value Standard.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and support implementation of effective solutions.
• Conduct audits of unofficial school funds and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Build positive relationships with school leaders, colleagues, and external stakeholders.
• Support training and development activities for school-based and internal staff.
• Help identify and support schools facing financial challenges.

• Experience of school financial management, including budget preparation and budgetary control.
• Knowledge of school financial management systems and processes.
• Understanding of Fair Funding and Local Management of Schools.
• Experience producing and presenting financial monitoring and strategic reports.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain financial information to a range of audiences.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• A proactive and flexible approach, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• 5 GCSEs at Grade A-C / 9-4 (or equivalent), including English and Maths.
• Experience in a finance-related role, ideally within the education sector.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

At Birmingham City Council, we're committed to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive. We offer:

• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities where business needs allow.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Access to learning and development opportunities.
• Inclusive staff networks and wellbeing support.
• Career development pathways within one of the UK's largest local authorities.
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we encourage applications from disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria for the role.

Birmingham City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults s role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and safer recruitment procedures.

Join us and help schools across Birmingham achieve financial excellence while supporting the city's children and young people to succeed.