Group Accountant – High Needs Block

Overview

Job Opportunity: Group Accountant – High Needs Block

Location: Lynton House, Ilford (Hybrid Working – minimum 2 days per week in our client)

Employment Type: Contract | Full-Time (36 hours per week) | 3 months contract

Salary: Competitive daily rate (please contact us for details)

Are you an experienced finance professional eager to make a meaningful impact in local authority education services? Our client Borough is seeking a highly qualified Group Accountant – High Needs Block to join our Education & Inclusion Directorate. If you possess strategic financial expertise, leadership flair, and a passion for supporting children and young people with SEND, this is your chance to shape the future of SEND finance in London.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert financial guidance and strategic advice for the High Needs Block funding and expenditure.
• Lead monthly and quarterly budget monitoring, forecasting, and financial performance reporting.
• Support service transformation through financial modelling and business case development.
• Manage the preparation of statutory accounts, financial returns, and external audits.
• Drive continuous improvement in financial systems, control processes, and reporting accuracy.
• Support senior leadership in decision-making, risk management, and service redesign.
• Lead, motivate, and develop a team of finance staff, fostering a culture of excellence and growth.
• Represent the council at regional and national forums, sharing expertise and best practices.
• Assist in identifying savings opportunities, managing financial risks, and developing recovery plans when needed.
• Support funding applications and strategic project evaluations through financial analysis.
• Ensure compliance with local authority financial regulations, statutory requirements, and closedown processes.

Qualifications / Requirements

• Experience in group accounting or equivalent financial leadership within local authority education services, preferably related to SEND.
• Experience leading a team of finance professionals (e.g., up to four staff) and managing stakeholder relationships.
• Strong financial modelling, budgeting, forecasting, and performance reporting skills.
• Experience with statutory accounts, financial returns, external audits, and closedown processes.
• Knowledge of local authority financial regulations and governance frameworks.
• Ability to support strategic transformation, risk management, and service redesign initiatives.

Benefits of Joining

• Hybrid working with flexible arrangements.
• Opportunities for ongoing professional development and career progression.
• Dynamic and supportive team environment.
• Influence and shape local authority services supporting vulnerable children and families.
• Commitment to safeguarding, equality, and inclusion.

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