Accountant

Dorset Council is committed to improving outcomes for children and young people in education. We are looking for a dedicated Accountant to join our Schools, Finance & Support Team.

As the Schools and Early Years Accountant in the team, you will have a key role in setting budgets and monitoring the funding for early years providers and schools in Dorset. You will need to be up to date with changes to the Early Years and Schools Blocks of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) and manage consultations on any proposed changes to future funding. In this role, you will work closely with the Dorset Schools’ Forum to ensure future funding aligns with the national funding formula (NFF), whilst addressing local priorities and operating within the available funding.

Key Responsibilities:

• Consult with early years providers and set the Early Years Budget to meet local needs and national requirements.
• Oversee payments to early years providers and carefully monitor the budget.
• Monitor the compliance with the DfE’s early years statutory guidance and manage audit and compliance checks with early years providers.
• Manage and update the Dorset Local Provider Agreement.
• Develop and maintain funding for pupils in mainstream schools in accordance with the requirements of the national funding formula (NFF).
• Manage consultations with schools on future funding and changes to the Scheme for Financing Schools.
• Present reports to the Dorset Schools’ Forum
• Design and develop budget setting tools for maintained schools (which include mainstream schools, special schools and learning centres).
• Deliver financial training to schools and governors.
• Carefully check the 3-year financial plans submitted by maintained schools and provide feedback.
• Design and calculate mechanisms for distributing grants.
• Monitor maintained school budgets and forecast of outturn reports during the year and highlight spending variances.
• Meet with schools facing financial difficulties and provide support in respect of deficit avoidance or recovery.
• Line management of team members.
• Provide support to the team in respect of the High Needs Block of the DSG as required.

About You:

• Full membership of the Association of Accounting Technicians (or an equivalent degree/qualification).
• Substantial experience working through complex financial issues with internal and external partners.
• Experience in a similar or related financial environment.
• Experience using ICT systems for data analysis and financial modelling.
• Proven track record of providing sound financial advice to a range of stakeholders.
• Experience in staff supervision and management.

Essential Skills and Knowledge:

• Detailed knowledge of government legislation and guidance on local government early years and school finance regulations.
• A responsive, positive and agile approach to problem solving; both reactive to demand and pro-active in forecasting need.
• Effective communication and presentation skills; eg tact, diplomacy, objectivity, balance and a confident encouraging approach, at all levels.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage conflicting demands.
• Commitment to continuous learning and improvement to respond to changing demands nationally and locally.

This is an interesting and varied role that requires technical and people skills. Full training will be provided on early years and school finance rules and regulations. You will be part of a supportive and caring team trying to make a difference to the lives of children and families in Dorset.