Vacancies

Education Finance Manager

Main Responsibility

• A member of the Finance Management Team, contributing to the overall effectiveness and operational management of the Finance Service seeking continuous improvement within the service by developing processes and systems. Finance lead for allocated service area(s). 
• Manage, motivate and develop the staff within the team providing support to ensure that priorities are identified, objectives achieved and to enhance its overall level of performance and professional standards.
• Effectively manage resources within the team to ensure priorities are delivered. 
• Technical expert on all aspects of Education Finance including the Dedicated Schools Grant covering the schools, high needs and early years funding including keeping up to date knowledge of all associated government policy.
• Lead on the Councils response to government consultations. 
• Responsibility for all aspects of the Medium-Term Financial Planning (MTFP) process for allocated services; developing and challenging business cases for pressures and savings (including identifying opportunities for savings), demand projections, sensitivity analysis, scenario modelling and risk assessment and mitigation. Provide support and advice to Group Heads and Heads of Service. 
• Provide financial advice and guidance on the Education capital programme which includes school place planning. You will assess and challenge projects based on Value for Money criteria and funding availability. 
• Ensure that services and the team adhere to Financial Regulations and governance processes and that information and advice provided to services is clear and accessible. 
• Responsibility for year-end closedown of allocated services and liaison with external audit, ensuring accurate transactions in the accounts (including balance sheet entries and approval of accruals) and working papers are clear and accurate. 
• Provide advice and guidance on projects within the Council, participating in programme and project boards, ensuring good project governance. Provide financial advice on procurement and contract related matters (tendering, contract extensions etc.). 

The Ideal Candidate

• Qualified Accountant (CCAB) with relevant post-qualification experience and evidence of ongoing CPD. 
• Proven leadership skills and experience of managing and developing staff (including performance management and succession planning).
•  Ability to inspire and motivate a range of employees and generate a positive working environment. 
• Experience of financial planning, control, and reporting in a complex organisation which should include some experience of working in Housing Finance in a public sector organisation. 
• Be able to explain complicated and technical information in a manner that can be understood by others with different levels of knowledge on the subject, including senior stakeholders and councillors using multiple tools; written (preparation of presentations and report writing including cabinet papers), spreadsheets (financial modelling) and deliver presentations. 
• Ability to apply innovative and creative thinking to complex service challenges and deliver high quality solutions within a highly pressurised environment. 
• Experience of supporting large complex capital projects, including financial considerations as well as general project governance. 
• Significant experience and knowledge of high needs and schools funding. 

Package Description

​We are really proud of the benefits we are able to offer our staff here at Milton Keynes Council, including:-

• Local Government Pension Scheme, considered to be one of the best employer contribution rates of 18.8%
• 27 days annual leave per year in addition to statutory and public holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years
• Holiday Purchase Scheme
• Our Professional Development Centre provides access to courses such as in-house management development programmes endorsed by the Institute of Leadership, Apprenticeship Programmes (junior and senior), coaching and mentoring and access to our Smarter Learning portal
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Health Cashplan
• MK Advantage benefits package – a range of savings on a wide range of retail, leisure and entertainment products and services such as Pizza Express, M&S, B&Q, John Lewis and Arriva Travel.
• SmartGo – Aimed at encouraging low-carbon transport and healthy lifestyle with discounted travel e.g. Halfords, Arriva, Europcar, National Railcards and Stagecoach.
• Homebuy Scheme (for eligible roles)
• Smarter working which provides the opportunity to work from various locations including from home for a proportion of your role (subject to business needs)
• A full range of family friendly policies including enhanced Maternity, Adoption and Paternity entitlements
• Childcare Subsidy

About The Organisation

Milton Keynes is a diverse, welcoming, and expanding place, built on smart ideas with even bigger plans for the future. We have world class attractions, beautiful open spaces, and a great standard of living.

Milton Keynes Council is one of the largest employers in the region, making a difference every day for local people. We’re responsible for all local government services in MK including education, housing, highways, and social services - around 240 services in all.

Our values are to be dedicated, respectful, and collaborative. If this sounds like you, join us for a stimulating and fulfilling career measured on results, and a rewarding work-life balance.