Principal Finance Officer Schools

Overview

In this role you will support Bradford Council and its schools by managing statutory school finance processes, advising on policy-compliant financial practices, and leading a small School Funding Team through complex changes like the SEND transformation and DSG reforms. You will interpret large funding datasets, present outcomes to forums, and enable schools to manage budgets effectively. This is a hands-on, impact-driven position within a friendly, busy team that values integrity and service excellence. You will lead and develop senior finance staff while delivering high-quality financial management across education settings.

Responsibilities

• Ensure correct accounting procedures for maintained schools are followed
• Provide professional advice aligned with policies
• Manage statutory school finance processes including CFR and year-end closedown
• Oversee local school bank accounts and SAP ledger reconciliation
• Deliver elements of the DSG funding scheme for schools and early years
• Present DSG funding and school finance matters to audiences including Bradford Schools’ Forum
• Analyse income/ expenditure reports and take risk-based follow-up
• Ensure adherence to deficit/ surplus reporting protocols
• Deliver training to school staff (Governors, Business Managers, Headteachers)
• Build relationships with school finance managers through forums
• Manage and develop Senior Finance Officers
• Lead the School Funding Team in delivering high-quality customer service
• Communicate professionally with clients and maintain integrity
• Bring strong IT, analytical, problem-solving and time-management skills
• Inspire confidence within the team and stakeholders

Key requirements

• Professional finance qualification or degree
• Experience in a senior finance role
• Experience in education-based finance in schools, academy or LA (preferred)
• Strong IT skills and capability to handle complex financial data
• Attention to detail and ability to work under deadlines

• strong communication
• stakeholder engagement
• team leadership
• IT proficiency
• analytical skills
• financial modelling

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