Job Information
Achieving for Children is a Community Interest Company that has a public sector ethos, combined with the freedom to innovate enabling us to do things differently. As a not-for-profit social enterprise owned by three local authorities (Windsor & Maidenhead, Kingston and Richmond), we offer the freedoms of a social enterprise with the employment benefits of local government.
The Assistant Finance Business Partner plays a key role within our Management Accounting Team, providing vital support to designated service areas. As a specific point of contact for these areas, you will assist with financial planning, reporting, costing, financial training, and fostering financial awareness and development.
In this collaborative role, you will work closely with colleagues across operational service areas and support functions. The successful candidate will take a proactive approach to building strong working relationships with budget managers and develop a deep understanding of the service areas they support.
Core responsibilities will include assisting Finance Business Partners with budget setting and monitoring, as well as supporting year-end closures for service areas. You will also help identify and implement continuous improvements in the finance support function, working alongside the Head of Finance to enhance efficiency. Your work will contribute to delivering high-quality children's services with a focus on value-for-money initiatives.
This role offers the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge over time through on-the-job learning and our well-established Learning and Development Offer
About the role
The Assistant Schools Finance Business Partner is a key role within our Management Accounting Team, focusing primarily on services funded by the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), with the opportunity to support management accountants across other areas. Working as part of a collaborative and supportive team, you will assist the Finance Business Partner and take the lead on various aspects of our Schools Finance functions.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the Finance Business Partner in the year-end close down process with schools, ensuring all tasks are completed within agreed timeframes.
- Complete statutory grant returns, reporting, and other tasks to ensure AfC complies with all relevant rules and regulations.
- Administer and reconcile school grants, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Calculate and process top-up funding payments to schools to support pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
- Calculate and administer Early Years Funding Formula payments to nursery providers.
This is an excellent opportunity to develop expertise in school finance while contributing to key processes that support the effective delivery of educational services.
About you
In addition to the above responsibilities, the ideal candidate will have the following experience and skills:
- Experience of year-end close down: Proven track record in managing the year-end close-down process with schools, ensuring all necessary tasks are completed within agreed timeframes.
- Experience with statutory returns: Solid experience in completing statutory returns, reporting, and undertaking tasks to ensure compliance with rules and regulations.
- Strong organisational skills: Excellent time management, problem-solving, and creative thinking abilities, with the capability to manage competing demands and prioritise workloads effectively.
- Proficiency in ICT and digital solutions: Ability to use a range of ICT and digital tools, including financial modelling software, to support work efficiently.
- Support in developing new metrics: Assisting Finance Business Partners in developing new reporting metrics to ensure that operational managers have access to relevant and up-to-date data aligned with the organisation's needs.
About our benefits
We are focused on creating a positive supportive environment, where you will have access to a really wide range of resources, as well as a competitive salary and all the perks to enable hybrid working. In AfC you will also have access to:
- 29 days annual leave, increasing to 33 days after 2 years and 35 days after 4 years with an additional day off in your birthday month (Or for term-time workers, your leave entitlement consists of the non-working periods in your contract)
- Tailored induction sessions commencing on the date you start working for AfC
- Local Government salary and pension scheme (LGPS or Teachers Pension)
- Flexible working options - helping to keep a good work life balance
- A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
- A range of staff benefits and discounts
- An excellent learning and development offer to support your career pathway