ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA
Bi Borough Finance Manager (Special Educational Needs) RBKC619155
Job Summary:
Salary range: £64,929 – £74,220 per annum
Work location: London
Hours per week: 36
Contract type: Permanent
Closing date: 22nd November 2024.
Interview date: Week commencing 2nd December 2024.
About Us:
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is committed to creating a supportive and safe environment for its residents-a place where people can thrive, grow, and access outstanding services throughout their lives. Within this vision, the Bi-Borough Children’s Services Finance team plays a key role, working closely with service managers, the Special Educational Needs team, and schools to shape the strategic direction of Children’s Services. As a Finance Manager in this team, you will help drive effective financial administration that strengthens our services and improves lives across the boroughs.
The Role:
As a Finance Manager, you will work within a dedicated, passionate finance team, assisting the Strategic Finance Managers with vital responsibilities. You’ll take the lead as a Finance Business Partner, providing expert financial insights and strategic support to stakeholders throughout the organisation, particularly within the Special Educational Needs and Education services. Collaborating with finance and school colleagues across the wider business area, you’ll work to ensure transparency, consistency, and alignment in all financial processes.
The role involves managing key work milestones across the year, such as budget setting, fiscal closing, and government submission deadlines. You will be responsible for preparing essential documents, reports, and financial appraisals for stakeholders including the Schools Forum and various working groups. Your work will drive continuous improvement and innovation, working in a programme and project management capacity to maintain the highest standards of financial oversight. You will also play a critical role in evaluating and enhancing financial resources and procedures, ensuring cost-effective, efficient service delivery that maximises value for money within our Special Educational Needs funding.
In this role, you will proactively establish services that help staff achieve tight budgetary control, deliver savings, and uphold rigorous financial standards. By identifying financial risks and creating solutions, you’ll contribute to high-profile initiatives that positively impact our residents’ lives.
Please refer to the Job Description for more information.
About You:
You are an experienced finance professional with a thorough understanding of special educational needs financing, coupled with strong communication skills that allow you to build productive relationships across all levels of the Council and with school stakeholders. You have proven experience managing a significant function or service with a similar scope, providing sound advice on local government finance and policy matters, and applying your knowledge effectively to support the financial management of the Children’s Services budget.
Your expertise extends to collaborating within a complex service environment, advising on finance and policy issues related to local government and SEN (Special Educational Needs) finance. You have a strong grasp of financial modelling, planning, and preparing reports that meet the diverse needs of various audiences. Additionally, you bring a deep knowledge of commercial matters, financial KPIs, project management, and strategic financial planning, along with an understanding of the unique challenges facing local government and the role finance plays in addressing these.
An effective leader and team player, you excel in managing teams, motivating others, and fostering an environment of collaboration and professional growth. You are CCAB/CIMA qualified with a degree or equivalent experience.
Please apply online, detailing how you meet the requirements outlined in the person specification and job description. CVs alone will not be considered for this role.
We reserve the right to extend or close this vacancy early without warning, depending on the volume of suitable applicants.
