Interim Finance Manager - Schools & High Needs Block (DSG)

Previous Local Authority Experience is required.

Applicants without this will not be considered.

The Role

We are recruiting on behalf of local authority clients managing significant Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) High Needs Block deficits. With national cumulative deficits exceeding 6bn and several authorities forecasting deficits in the tens or hundreds of millions, this is a high-priority, high-visibility role requiring genuine technical expertise and senior stakeholder credibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the council's response to its Local SEND Reform Plan, including detailed modelling of the financial impact of reforms and ensuring financial systems are set up to monitor and deliver new funding arrangements
• Model the impact of the High Needs Stability Grant (covering 90% of deficits accrued to March 2026) and plan for the residual 10% repayment obligation ahead of the statutory override ending in March 2028
• Lead or support production of the council's DSG Deficit Recovery/Management Plan
• Improve monitoring and accountability of High Needs spend, including Alternative Learning Provision, Education Other Than At School, and Elective Home Education
• Develop the council's policy on budgetary deficits across schools, early years and further education settings, reducing the risk of deficits and strengthening the council's response where they occur
• Produce quarterly budget monitoring and variance reporting to Schools Forum, Cabinet and senior finance leadership
• Work closely with SEND, Education and Children's Services teams to translate demand drivers (EHCPs, exclusions, placement costs) into robust financial forecasts
• Liaise with the DfE and external auditors on deficit reporting and compliance with statutory override conditions

About You

• Proven senior-level experience managing DSG, High Needs Block, or SEND/education finance within a local authority
• CCAB-qualified accountant (CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA, ACA) or qualified by experience with substantial relevant background
• Strong technical understanding of DSG ring-fencing rules, the statutory override, and the High Needs Stability Grant mechanism
• Experience developing deficit recovery or financial policy at a strategic level, not just monitoring and reporting
• Confident presenting complex financial risk directly to Schools Forum, Cabinet and senior Members
• Available for a prompt start