Schools Finance Manager

Schools Finance Support Manager - Interim ContractLondon Borough of Lambeth£650 per day (Inside IR35)Start: 29th September Contract: 3+ months (until 21st December)Hybrid working - details to be confirmed at interview

Are you an experienced senior finance professional with a strong track record of supporting schools' financial management? The London Borough of Lambeth is seeking a Schools Finance Support Manager to lead and co-ordinate financial management support for schools, ensuring robust governance, compliance, and high-quality financial advice.

The role:As Schools Finance Support Manager, you will:

• Provide expert financial advice to schools, senior leaders, and governors across Lambeth.

• Lead on financial planning, monitoring, reporting, and closure of school accounts in line with DfE/ESFA requirements.

• Oversee the schools' bursarial support service and ensure effective charging/recovery mechanisms are in place.

• Support schools in developing and implementing recovery plans for deficit budgets.

• Ensure compliance with financial frameworks, governance, and reporting standards.

• Build strong relationships with Headteachers, School Business Managers, and senior stakeholders, up to Director and elected Member level.

• Line manage up to 5 direct reports and foster a proactive, high-performing finance support team.

About you:We're looking for someone who can quickly add value and bring professional expertise to a busy and challenging schools' finance environment. You should have:

• Significant experience of local authority/schools finance, ideally within an education or public sector context.

• Strong technical knowledge of financial planning, reporting, and regulatory compliance (DfE/ESFA frameworks).

• Proven ability to lead teams, manage multiple priorities, and drive financial improvements.

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to challenge, influence, and support senior stakeholders.

• A proactive, solution-focused approach to problem solving.

Contract details:

• Daily rate: £650 (inside IR35)

• Start date: 29th September 2025

• Duration: 3+ months, until 21st December 2025

• Location: London Borough of Lambeth (hybrid working - to be discussed at interview stage)