Senior Accountant - Schools

Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities!

We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.

Introduction

We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Schools Accountant/School Business Manager to join our team and support the financial operations within our educational institutions. This role plays a pivotal part in ensuring the efficient management of the school's financial resources, guiding budgetary decisions, and providing strategic advice to senior management.

What’S The Role?

Advise headteachers, governing bodies and finance leads to ensure a robust budget monitoring position is reported during the financial year.

Provide timely financial advice and a high quality level of business partnering services to the directorate.

Ensure accounts are closed in a timely manner and in line with accounting practice. 

Ensure budgets are reviewed throughout the year and work with schools to allocate funding accurately as part of the budget setting process.

What’s in it for you? 

Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday allowance 
• Local Government Pension scheme 
• Flexible working and family friendly policies 
• Season ticket and bicycle loans 
• A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships 
• Supportive staff networks

What we’re looking for 

Strong attention to detail

Sound knowledge of Schools Funding, ability to engage with and influence Heads and Governors with quality information and data for decision making.

Expertise in at least one of the following systems – ACCESS, RM, Sims/FMS, Oracle.

High level of expertise on MS systems – especially MS Excel.

Clear and concise communication skills – both written and oral.

Able to engage with stakeholders using persuasive language not confrontational

Ability to build relationships with headteachers and finance leads to ensure statutory or internal deadlines are met.

Location

 The job is primarily based in Laurence House, but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.

Applicant handbook - please read the guidance in this handbook when applying. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed. 

For an informal discussion about this job, please contact Floyd Roberts Floyd.Roberts2@lewisham.gov.uk

Please click here to view the Job Description and Person Specification

Salary

£49,155 - £51,228 per annum (P03)

N.B: All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point (SCP) for the grade of the role. The only exception to this will be when matching current salary (up to the maximum of the scale), which is subject to evidential proof.

Diversity

Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply 

The Council has a dedicated employment support service, Lewisham Works, which offers Lewisham residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you want to join Lewisham Works, please email JobsAndSkills@lewisham.gov.uk and an advisor will be in touch with you.  

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