Interim Finance Business Partner (SEND Reform) – 6 Month Contract

Summary

This role offers an exciting opportunity for an experienced Interim Finance Business Partner to contribute to the successful delivery of a major SEND Reform Programme. Following the approval of the Council's SEND Reform Plan and the award of Experts at Hand grant funding, the successful candidate will provide strategic financial leadership, enhance governance structures, and ensure comprehensive financial planning and reporting across SEND Services. The role requires collaboration with senior stakeholders, programme leaders, schools, and the Department for Education to ensure the financial sustainability and statutory compliance of SEND reform initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement a new financial operating model for SEND Reform.
  
• Establish and maintain robust financial governance, controls, and reporting processes.
  
• Collaborate with finance teams to align processes with Department for Education standards.
  
• Lead financial planning activities, including budget setting, monitoring, and forecasting.
  
• Manage financial aspects of Experts at Hand Grant Funding and Deficit Management Plan Budgets.
  
• Provide financial support, challenge, and advice to programme leads and senior managers.
  
• Conduct financial modelling and options appraisals to assess the sustainability of SEND Reform proposals.
  
• Produce timely and accurate financial reports for various boards and meetings.
  
• Support the review and development of SEND funding policies and arrangements.
  
• Contribute to long-term sustainability planning for SEND services.
  

Requirements:

• Fully qualified accountant (CIPFA, ACCA, ACA, CIMA, or equivalent).
  
• Significant experience in Local Government Finance.
  
• Experience in SEND Finance, Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), High Needs Block, or Education Finance.
  
• Proven track record in supporting SEND Reform or Deficit Recovery Programmes.
  
• Strong skills in financial modelling, forecasting, and governance framework development.
  
• Experience in producing reports for senior leaders and external stakeholders.
  
• Excellent business partnering and stakeholder management skills.
  
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  

What's on Offer?

• £650.00 per day (Umbrella).
  
• 6 Month Contract with potential extension opportunities.
  
• Remote working arrangement.
  
• Basic DBS required.
  
• Bi-weekly pay.
  
• Opportunity to play a key role in a major SEND Reform Programme.
  
• Strategic finance leadership role with significant stakeholder exposure.
  
• Influence long-term financial sustainability and service improvement.