Principal Management/ Financial Accountant (G12)

Principal Management / Financial Accountant – Dedicated Schools Grant & Maintained Schools (Wakefield)

In this role, you will support Group Finance Managers in developing the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy, considering expected government funding, income projections, and financial pressures from demand, inflation, and legislative change.

Working with the Group Finance Manager, you will help ensure strong financial governance, effective administration, and optimal use of Council resources.

Key responsibilities include working with finance and operational teams to prepare revenue and capital budgets and Final Accounts, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and best practice. You will maintain robust, auditable systems and processes to demonstrate adherence to financial policies.

You will support budget management by providing timely financial information for analysis, forecasting, and strategic planning, and offer professional advice on service delivery, policy changes, and financial implications.

The role includes attending meetings and working groups, ensuring accurate and timely grant claims, and providing financial returns to external bodies including Central Government, CIPFA, and the Department for Education.

You will deputise for the Group Finance Manager when required, attending senior meetings and budget reviews.

A key focus is financial oversight of maintained schools in Wakefield, including management and reporting of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), with updates to Schools Forum and the DfE.

Role Overview

Reporting to senior finance leadership, you will manage a small team and oversee a portfolio of maintained schools, including line management of school finance professionals.

Key Responsibilities

Lead financial management for maintained schools

Manage and develop a team of finance staff

Ensure effective budget monitoring, reporting, and governance

Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG)

Manage and monitor the DSG, particularly the High Needs Block, which is subject to reform and increased scrutiny. Relevant experience in DSG or education finance is essential.

Deputising & Stakeholder Engagement

Act as deputy to senior finance leaders

Attend and contribute to senior meetings

Work with stakeholders to support service delivery

Qualifications & Experience

Ideally CCAB qualified (or equivalent)

Experience in local government finance or education funding preferred

Private sector candidates considered with relevant knowledge

Compliance & Working Arrangements

No enhanced DBS required

Occasional accompanied site visits

Job Details

Contract: Fixed-term with potential extension

Working Pattern: Hybrid (typically 2 office / 3 remote) with some flexibility

Candidate Profile

Strong background in education finance, DSG, or SEND

Experience managing financial pressures and recovery plans

Ability to influence senior stakeholders

Proven leadership and team management skills