Full job descriptionGroup Accountant - High Needs Block (SEND Finance) - MUST HAVE LOCAL GOV EXPERIENCE


Venn Group are working in partnership with a London Borough to recruit an experienced Group Accountant (High Needs Block) on an interim basis. This is a senior finance leadership position within the Education & Inclusion Directorate, providing strategic financial management and business partnering support across SEND services.


Location: Ilford, Essex (Hybrid – 1-2 days per week in the office)
Rate: £575 per day Umbrella
Contract Type: Interim
Hours: Full Time


This is a highly specialist Local Government finance role. Unfortunately, applications cannot be considered if you do not meet the following requirements:
*Recent and substantial experience working within Local Government Finance
*Direct experience supporting, managing, or business partnering with High Needs Block (HNB) budgets and SEND services
*Strong understanding of Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) funding, including financial management, forecasting, reporting, and monitoring of DSG-funded services
*Experience of local authority budget setting, forecasting, financial reporting, and year-end processes
*Experience providing strategic financial advice to senior stakeholders within a council environment


Key Responsibilities
*Act as the lead finance professional for the High Needs Block and SEND services
*Deliver complex financial modelling, scenario planning, and options appraisals
*Identify financial risks and develop appropriate mitigation plans
*Prepare and present financial reports for senior leadership and key stakeholders
*Lead budget monitoring, forecasting, and financial planning activities
*Support budget holders to improve financial performance and deliver value for money
*Develop and improve financial systems, controls, and reporting processes
*Support strategic improvement programmes across Education and Inclusion services
*Provide financial analysis and business case support for transformation projects


Key Requirements
*CCAB or CIMA qualified, or equivalent senior-level finance experience
*Significant experience within Local Authority Finance
*Direct and demonstrable experience managing or supporting High Needs Block (HNB) budgets
*Strong understanding of Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) funding arrangements
*Experience supporting SEND, Education, or Inclusion services financially
*Extensive experience of financial modelling, forecasting, and budget management
*Experience supporting year-end processes, closedown, and statutory reporting
*Previous experience managing finance staff


This opportunity would suit a qualified Local Government finance professional who has a strong track record within Education Finance, SEND Finance, High Needs Block management, and DSG funding. Candidates without this specific experience unfortunately cannot be considered due to the specialist nature of the position.