On behalf of Department for Education (DfE), we are looking for a Academies Financial Reporting Manager (Inside IR35) for a 6 months contract based in Darlington, Manchester, Sheffield or Coventry 2 days per week in the office.(Hybrid working)
The Sector Reporting Division is responsible for collecting and analysing financial information from more than 10,000 academies and Further Education colleges. The information produced supports government financial reporting obligations, Parliamentary accountability and strategic decision-making across the Department.
As Academies Financial Reporting Manager, you will lead a team of specialist finance professionals responsible for consolidating and reporting financial information across the academies sector. You will play a key role in delivering the Academies Sector Annual Report and Accounts (SARA), Whole of Government Accounts returns, Estimates processes and other statutory reporting requirements.
As a Academies Financial Reporting Manager your main responsibilities will be:
- Lead the production and delivery of the Academies Sector Annual Report and Accounts (SARA), ensuring compliance with relevant accounting standards and HM Treasury guidance.
- Produce high-quality consolidated financial reporting to support Parliamentary and government decision-making.
- Manage relationships with key stakeholders including HM Treasury, the National Audit Office and senior departmental leaders.
- Lead, motivate and develop a high-performing reporting and outturn team.
- Manage reporting timetables and ensure all statutory and Parliamentary deadlines are achieved.
- Lead engagement with auditors, supporting audit activity and resolution of findings.
- Provide expert advice on accounting treatments, disclosures and financial reporting matters affecting the academies sector.
- Drive continuous improvement of financial reporting processes, controls and data quality.
- Analyse financial performance, emerging risks and trends across the academies sector.
- Provide strategic financial advice on funding, policy and accounting developments
Essential:
- Qualified Accountant status (CCAB or CIMA) or significant equivalent government finance experience.
- Extensive experience supporting or leading audits with a strong record of successful delivery.
- Strong financial accounting expertise, including reconciliation of complex financial information, ensuring accuracy and resolving discrepancies.
- Experience delivering complex financial reporting, public expenditure or statutory reporting exercises to challenging deadlines.
- Advanced Excel skills with the ability to analyse and interpret large, complex datasets.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and challenge senior stakeholders.
- Proven ability to explain complex accounting treatments, findings and processes to a range of technical and non-technical audiences.
Desirable:
- Experience of project management and continuous improvement initiatives, particularly relating to digital services.
Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.
Disability Confident
As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, DfE guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply.
Armed Forces Covenant
DfE guarantees to interview veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.
In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".
