Schools Accountant/ Business Manager

Job Title: Schools Accountant / School Business Manager (Finance Only)
Location: Laurence House (Hybrid - Schools / Home Working)
Contract Type: Interim (Inside IR35)
Start Date: 12 May 2025
End Date: 30 November 2025 (with potential for extension)
Rate: £230 per day
Hours: Full-time - 35 hours per week
Client: Lewisham Council

About the Role:
Lewisham Council is seeking a skilled and proactive Schools Accountant / School Business Manager with a strong finance background to support a number of local schools. This role has arisen due to increased demand for school finance services.

Please note: This position focuses solely on finance functions, not the broader SBM role (e.g. health & safety).

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide transactional support including payments, reconciliations, and VAT submissions

• Deliver strategic financial advice and reporting to Headteachers and Governing Bodies

• Assist schools in creating and implementing Deficit Recovery Plans

• Lead or support implementation of new finance systems and staff training

• Work closely with stakeholders to deliver tailored financial support packages

Skills & Experience Required:

• In-depth knowledge of school funding and financial management in education

• Expertise in at least one school finance system: ACCESS, RM, Sims/FMS

• Advanced Excel skills and ability to turn data into actionable insights

• Self-motivated, with excellent attention to detail and organisational skills

• Strong written and verbal communication; able to influence and build trust

• Understanding of national education funding policies

• Calm, solution-focused approach to challenging situations