Interim Group Accountant - High Needs Block

3 Month Contract With A Local Authority

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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.
  

Requirements

• 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.
  

Additional Information

• 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