Operational Manager; Accountancy Manager - Schools & Budget

The Finance Service delivers a range of services including Accountancy, Audit, Transactional Finance, Information Governance, Pension Administration, VAT advice, Council Tax, Business Rates, Recovery and Transport workshop.

The Accountancy team is a centralised service that delivers a full suite of services to directorates and schools in respect to both revenue and capital spend in terms of budget setting, monitoring and closing of accounts.

The Accountancy team has specialist teams that deliver the Statement of Accounts, treasury management and banking services.

You will be directly reporting to the Operational Manager for Budget Strategy & Financial Planning.

You will be working independently and working closely with the Finance statutory officers particularly in respect to the financial service to schools.

This job role is to lead a full accountancy, financial management and financial advice service to areas that include Schools, Education, Children's Services and the Control Function.

You will be responsible for a team of approximately 25 people (including two Group Accountants) and oversee the financial management of approximately 129 schools which includes both the school funding formula and ensuring that schools operate in accordance with the school funding regulations.

This role will be the senior everyday contact for senior managers within the Education and Children's Services directorates as well as working closely with the senior managers within Finance.

We are looking for a qualified accountant with strong professional curiosity, excellent communication skills underpinned by strong analytical skills that can create and sustain a strong together team ethic.

We are looking for a leader who is both an advocate and a listener to ensure that all stakeholders are engaged with and understand the decisions taken.

You will be able to demonstrate that you can inspire and develop team members and create strong links with the senior management teams of Education and Children's services. You will be a confident communicator who is politically astute.

You will be someone who is experienced in advocating the importance of equality and diversity and aligning the delivery of service outcomes with effective financial discipline and management.

You will be someone who is comfortable operating within a hybrid working environment which will include travel to sites such as schools.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Ian Allwood, Chief Finance & Deputy S151 Officer -

The vacancy is suitable for post share.

Appointment to this post is subject to a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

We understand you might use AI and other resources for your application; however, please ensure all information you provide is factually accurate, truthful, original and does not include ideas or work that is not your own.

We welcome applications in both English and Welsh. Applications received in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than English applications.

Please note the Council does not accept CV's. When completing the supporting information section of your application, please ensure you refer to the below located on our website :

Important information you need read in order to complete your application:

• Job Category Finance / Revenues / Benefits
• Department Finance
• Working Pattern/Contract Type Full Time Permanent