Interim School Finance Officer
Organisation: School based in Plymouth
Start: ASAP - likely to be up to 6 months in length
Working policy: 5 days onsite unless agreed reasons with line manager
Salary: Up to £28 per hour (37 hours per week)
Role PurposeTo provide high-quality, school-facing financial leadership and business partnering across a portfolio of academies, supporting strong financial management, compliance and long-term sustainability across the Trust.The role works closely with Headteachers, Office Managers and senior leaders, ensuring financial integrity, robust planning and effective use of resources across schools.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as the primary finance lead for allocated schools, providing guidance, challenge and support
- Deliver strategic financial insight, modelling and scenario planning to inform decision-making
- Lead preparation of multi-year budgets, forecasts and monthly outturns, challenging assumptions
- Strengthen and monitor financial controls and compliance across schools
- Support year-end processes, accruals and correct treatment of restricted and unrestricted funds
- Review staffing costs, payroll variations and affordability of staffing decisions
- Deliver ad-hoc financial analysis, costings and scenario modelling for senior leaders
- Provide finance training and ongoing support to school Office Managers
- Ensure compliance with Trust policies, DfE requirements and audit standards
- Liaise with Local Authorities, auditors and other external bodies as required
Systems & Tools
- The Trust uses PS Financials (accounting) and IMP (budgeting)
- Experience with these systems is desirable, but not essential
- Strong Excel skills are essential, including financial modelling and data analysis
Candidate Profile
- Strong experience in finance, management accounting or school finance
- Confident providing financial challenge and insight to senior and non-finance stakeholders
- Highly organised, analytical and comfortable managing competing priorities
- Excellent communication and distinguishabilities skills
- Experience across multi-site or complex organisations desirable
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