School Finance Lead

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

The role is hybrid working with a combination of Civic Offices, local schools and home working.

Are you an experienced school finance professional looking for an opportunity to make a real difference to education outcomes across Reading?

We are looking for an experienced and professionally qualified finance specialist to lead our schools finance support offer and work alongside maintained schools to deliver strong financial management, sustainability and the best possible outcomes for children and young people.

Working closely with headteachers, governors, School Business Managers, education colleagues and senior council leaders, you will provide expert financial advice, support and constructive challenge across a wide range of school finance matters. You will play a key role in helping schools navigate an increasingly complex financial landscape while ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and the Scheme for Financing Schools.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence strategic decision-making across the borough, support schools facing financial challenges and help shape a sustainable future for education services.

Reading Borough Council is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We are a Disability Confident Employer and are committed to the recruitment and continued employment of disabled people.

As Schools Finance Lead, you will act as a trusted adviser to maintained schools and council stakeholders, providing high-quality financial insight, support and challenge.

Working alongside the Strategic Finance Business Partner, you will:

• Build strong relationships with headteachers, governors and school finance staff to promote effective financial management and strengthen financial capability.
• 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.

We're looking for someone who combines strong technical accounting expertise with excellent relationship-building and influencing skills.

You’ll bring:

• A recognised professional financial qualification (CCAB or equivalent).
• Evidence of continuous professional development.
• A minimum of five years' experience in a School Business Manager role or equivalent local authority school finance position.
• Significant experience supporting schools through financial challenges and recovery planning.
• Experience of working in a business partnering environment and influencing financial decision-making.
• Strong knowledge of school funding, relevant legislation and statutory financial frameworks.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge, including year-end processes.
• Experience managing and influencing budgets within a complex organisation.
• Excellent financial analysis, forecasting and reporting skills.
• Advanced Excel and financial modelling skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to explain complex financial information clearly.
• Strong stakeholder management skills and the confidence to provide constructive challenge.
• A proactive, collaborative and…