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