Interim Group Accountant- High Needs Block

To provide strategic financial leadership and expert advice for the High Needs Block within the Education & Inclusion Directorate ensuring effective financial management robust planning and sustainable delivery of SEND services. The role will support service transformation improve financial performance and provide high-quality financial insight to senior leaders and stakeholders.

• Lead the provision of high-quality financial management and strategic advice across Education Inclusion and SEND services.
  
• Act as the principal finance lead for High Needs Block funding expenditure and financial sustainability.
  
• Deliver budget monitoring forecasting financial modelling and performance reporting.
  
• Provide expert financial advice to senior managers directors Members and external partners.
  
• Support transformation programmes through business cases options appraisals and financial analysis.
  
• Identify financial risks develop mitigation strategies and support the delivery of recovery plans where required.
  
• Advise on funding opportunities policy changes and their financial implications.
  
• Contribute to statutory accounts financial returns external audit requirements and local authority financial processes.
  
• Develop financial systems processes and reporting mechanisms to improve transparency and control.
  
• Support budget holders in achieving value for money and long-term financial sustainability.
  
• Manage motivate and develop the SEND Finance Team including up to four direct reports.
  
• Represent the Council at regional and national forums contributing to wider sector discussions and best practice.
  

• CCAB or CIMA qualified accountant or significant equivalent senior-level finance experience.
  
• Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
  
• Significant experience of financial management within a large and complex organisation.
  
• Strong experience in financial modelling forecasting and strategic financial planning.
  
• Knowledge and experience of local authority finance statutory accounting and financial reporting requirements.
  
• Experience supporting local authority closedown and Statement of Accounts processes.
  
• Experience of managing and developing professional finance teams.
  
• Proven ability to influence and negotiate with senior stakeholders.
  
• Experience delivering projects and outcomes across multidisciplinary teams.
  
• Understanding of public sector commercialisation and associated financial risks.
  
• Excellent analytical problem-solving communication and relationship-building skills.
  
• Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to non-finance audiences.
  
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver under challenging deadlines.
  

• Location: Lynton House Ilford (Hybrid working minimum 1 - 2 days per week in Redbridge office)
  
• Hours per Week: 36 hours per week
  
• Pay: Bi-weekly payments