Finance Business Partner; Children’s

Job Title: Finance Business Partner (Children's)

Grade/Salary: Band I, SCP 44-47 (£57,444 - £60,973 per annum)

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

Working Pattern: 37 Hours, Monday - Friday

Location: Sandwell Council House, Freeth St Oldbury B69 3DE

Closing Date: 30/09/2026

Sandwell Council's Finance Division is seeking a Finance Business Partner to join its team on a full-time, permanent basis, to be based from its Oldbury office. The organisation works to a hybrid working model of 3 days in the office and 2 days from home.

We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Finance Business Partner to provide strategic financial support across Children's Services, with a particular focus on education funding, SEND, High Needs and the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG). Working closely with senior leaders, headteachers, Schools Forum members and service managers, you will play a key role in ensuring robust financial management, sustainability and value for money across a complex and high-profile portfolio.

This is a rewarding opportunity for a qualified finance professional who can combine strong technical expertise with effective business partnering skills. You will lead on financial planning, forecasting and strategic financial analysis, helping to shape service delivery, support transformation programmes and contribute to improved outcomes for children, young people and families across Sandwell.

• Act as a trusted financial adviser to Children's Services, Education and SEND leadership teams.
• Lead financial planning, budget setting, forecasting and monitoring across Children's Services and Education portfolios.
• Provide strategic oversight and management of Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) funding, including Schools, High Needs, Early Years and Central School Services Blocks.
• Develop financial models and analysis to support SEND sustainability, High Needs management and long-term financial planning.
• Support education and transformation programmes, including initiatives aimed at improving outcomes and financial sustainability.
• Produce demographic, activity and demand-led forecasting models to inform decision-making and budget management.
• Prepare and present financial reports to senior leaders, elected members, Schools Forum and other stakeholders.
• Support the development of school funding formulae, school budget allocations and statutory submissions.
• Lead on relevant statutory returns, grant monitoring and financial reporting requirements. Support financial planning across SEND commissioning, specialist education provision and home-to-school transport services.
• Identify financial risks, opportunities and efficiencies while promoting value for money and strong financial governance.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations, audit requirements and year-end accounting processes. Lead, develop and motivate Finance colleagues, ensuring the delivery of high-quality financial support across Children's Services.

• CCAB-qualified accountant with evidence of continuing professional development.
• Significant experience in a finance business partnering or financial management role, ideally within local government or the public sector.
• Experience of supporting Children's Services, Education, Schools Finance, DSG or SEND budgets.
• Strong knowledge of financial planning, budget management, forecasting and financial reporting.
• Experience of developing financial models, business cases and strategic financial analysis to support decision-making.
• Ability to analyse complex financial and operational information and translate this into clear recommendations.
• Experience of building effective relationships with senior stakeholders and providing constructive challenge.
• Strong understanding of financial governance, statutory reporting requirements and regulatory frameworks.
• Proven experience of leading, developing and motivating individuals or teams.
• Excellent communication, presentation and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving abilities, with the ability to manage competing priorities and tight deadlines.
• A collaborative and customer-focused approach, with a commitment to continuous improvement and delivering value for money.

At Sandwell Council, our work has a real impact. We are proud to be a values-led organisation that supports its employees with excellent benefits, a competitive remuneration package, and a strong focus on development. By joining us, you'll play a key role in delivering services…