Interim Group Accountant- High Needs Block

Job Details

Shape the Future of SEND Finance in Redbridge

The London Borough of Redbridge is seeking an experienced and strategic Group Accountant � High Needs Block to join our Education & Inclusion Directorate. This is a high-profile leadership role providing expert financial management, business partnering, and strategic advice to senior stakeholders across Education, Inclusion, and SEND services.

As the principal finance lead for the High Needs Block, you will play a vital role in supporting service transformation, delivering robust financial planning and forecasting, ensuring statutory compliance, and helping shape sustainable services for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

This is an exciting opportunity for a qualified finance professional who combines technical expertise with strong leadership, business partnering, and influencing skills.

About the Role

Working within a matrix management environment, you will:

• Lead the provision of high-quality financial management and strategic advice across Education and Inclusion services.
• Act as the key financial advisor for High Needs Block funding and expenditure.
• Deliver monthly and quarterly budget monitoring, forecasting, and financial performance reporting.
• Support service transformation programmes through financial modelling, business case development, and options appraisals.
• Work closely with senior managers to identify savings opportunities, manage financial risks, and develop recovery plans where required.
• Contribute to the production of statutory accounts, financial returns, and external audit requirements.
• Manage and develop the SEND Finance Team, ensuring excellent service delivery and staff development.
• Support senior leadership and directors by providing financial advice for decision-making and governance processes.
• Represent Redbridge at regional and national forums, promoting the Council�s interests and contributing to sector-wide discussions.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Provide expert financial advice to senior leaders and key stakeholders.
• Deliver complex financial modelling and scenario planning.
• Support commercial opportunities, investment decisions, and service redesign initiatives.
• Identify risks and develop practical mitigation strategies.
• Prepare reports and present financial information to senior management, Members, and external partners.

Financial Management & Business Partnering

• Lead budget monitoring, forecasting, and financial planning activities.
• Develop systems and processes that improve financial control and transparency.
• Support budget holders to deliver value for money and achieve financial sustainability.
• Produce clear and insightful management information to inform decision-making.
• Advise on funding opportunities and financial implications of policy changes.

Service Improvement & Transformation

• Provide financial support for business transformation and innovation programmes.
• Conduct options appraisals and sensitivity analysis for strategic projects.
• Drive continuous improvement in financial systems, processes, and reporting.

Team Leadership

• Manage, motivate, and develop a team of finance professionals.
• Set priorities and ensure resources are effectively deployed.
• Promote a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and customer focus.

About You

We are looking for an accomplished finance professional with the ability to influence strategic decisions and build strong partnerships across complex organisations.

Essential Requirements

• CCAB or CIMA qualified, or substantial equivalent senior-level finance experience.
• Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
• Significant experience in financial management within a large and complex organisation.
• Extensive experience of financial modelling and forecasting.
• Experience of project management and delivering outcomes across multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong track record of influencing and negotiating with senior stakeholders.
• Knowledge of local authority finance, financial reporting, and statutory accounting requirements.
• Experience supporting the local authority closedown and Statement of Accounts process.
• Understanding of public sector commercialisation and associated financial risks.
• Experience managing and developing professional finance teams.

You’ll Also Have

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to communicate complex financial information to non-finance audiences.
• Strong customer focus and relationship-building skills.
• A proactive and strategic mindset.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and challenging deadlines.

Why Join Redbridge?

At Redbridge, we are committed to delivering excellent services for residents while supporting innovation, transformation, and sustainable financial management. You’ll join a collaborative and forward-thinking organisation where your expertise will directly influence services that make a difference to children, young people, and families across the borough.

We Offer

• Flexible hybrid working arrangements.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Meaningful work that contributes to the future of local public services.

Additional Information

• Hybrid working with an expectation to work from Redbridge offices at least two days per week.
• Occasional evening meetings and committee attendance may be required.
• The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
• We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Apply now and help shape the future of SEND financial management in Redbridge.