Schools Finance Officer

Our Values

In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce. A vital part of this is ensuring we are a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thinking. We particularly welcome applicants from minority ethnic, LGBT+, disabled and neurodiverse communities to make a real difference to our residents so that equity and respect remains at the heart of everything we do.

Our Values are:

• Open and fair: We are fair, open, and transparent.
• Nurture and develop: We help and encourage everyone to be their best and do their best.
• Engage and empower: We talk and listen to others, working together as one.
• Create and innovate: We embrace new ways of working to continuously improve.
• Own and be accountable: We work together to deliver the best services for our residents.
• Value and respect: We put diversity and inclusion at the heart of all we do.

We value diverse perspectives and experiences and are striving to create a workplace culture that is inclusive, is accepting of all and is free from discrimination and bias.

We are a diverse and dynamic Financial Management Team responsible for providing a diverse range of functions to drive the Council to fulfil its transformational journey We deliver the full range of financial management and accounting services to facilitate effective delivery of services to support the people of Coventry and deliver projects which are redefining the infrastructure of the city.

Working flexibly with internal officers and external partners we aim to ensure finance is at the heart of everything that the Council does.

The organisation has a high expectation of our service, and we will continue to support and develop our staff to have the skills to deliver a quality service.

What is the job role?

About the Team

Join our friendly, experienced and highly valued Schools Finance Team, where collaboration, support and professional development are at the heart of everything we do. We work closely with schools across Coventry, helping Headteachers, School Business Managers and Governors manage their finances effectively and make informed financial decisions.

This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a team that is respected for its expertise, trusted by schools and committed to delivering excellent financial support. You'll work alongside passionate colleagues who share knowledge, celebrate success and make a real difference every day.

What the Job Role Is

As a Schools Finance Officer, you'll be a trusted financial adviser to a portfolio of Coventry schools, helping school leaders manage their finances effectively and sustainably.

Working closely with Headteachers, School Business Managers and Governors, you'll provide expert advice and support throughout the annual financial cycle, helping schools develop realistic budgets, monitor spending, identify financial risks and plan for future challenges. Your role will be central to ensuring schools maintain strong financial management practices and remain financially resilient.

You'll analyse and interpret financial information, challenge assumptions where necessary, and provide practical solutions to support informed decision-making. From budget planning and forecasting to financial monitoring and reporting, you'll help schools understand their financial position and take action to maintain financial stability.

No two days are the same. You may be presenting financial information to school leaders, supporting governing body meetings, delivering financial training and working directly with schools to address emerging financial pressures and identify opportunities for efficiencies and savings.

This is a highly rewarding role where you'll build strong relationships with schools, become a trusted adviser and play a key role in helping schools remain financially secure, compliant and well managed.

All candidates must have the Right to Work in the UK. We are currently not offering sponsorship for this role.

Who are we looking for?

Who We Are Looking For

We're looking for an enthusiastic, proactive and customer-focused finance professional who enjoys building relationships, solving problems and providing expert financial advice.

You will have a sound understanding of accounting principles and financial management practices, together with experience of working in a complex financial environment and supporting managers with their financial responsibilities. You'll be confident in analysing financial information, identifying financial risks and opportunities and providing clear, practical advice to support sound financial decision-making.

You will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, enabling you to explain complex financial information clearly to both financial and non-financial audiences. Building productive relationships with Headteachers, School Business Managers, Governors and colleagues will be key to your success.

We are looking for someone who can effectively prioritise workloads, manage competing demands and work independently whilst maintaining high standards of customer service. You will be comfortable interpreting financial procedures, regulations and guidance and using your analytical and problem-solving skills to support schools in maintaining strong financial management and control.

You will also have:

• An understanding of accounting principles, practices and their application in financial management.
• Familiarity with computerised financial systems, spreadsheets and Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge of financial administration processes and procedures.
• Experience of working within a complex financial environment.
• Experience of supporting managers with budgeting, financial planning, forecasting and financial control responsibilities.
• Strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, to a variety of audiences.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain positive professional relationships.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workloads and manage conflicting priorities.
• The ability to interpret and apply financial procedures, regulations and legislation.
• The ability to work independently, use initiative and deliver a high standard of customer service.
• An AAT qualification or equivalent experience gained within a similar finance role.

Most importantly, you'll share Coventry City Council's One Coventry values and be committed to delivering excellent services, embracing innovation and providing high-quality financial support to schools across the city.

Application Process

To apply, please complete the online application form and provide a supporting statement demonstrating how you meet the requirements of the role. Your supporting statement should clearly evidence your experience, skills, knowledge and qualifications against the criteria outlined in the Job Description and Person Specification.

We encourage applicants to provide specific examples that demonstrate their ability to fulfil the requirements of the role and how they meet the essential criteria.

Closing Date: 8 September 2026

Interview Date: Interviews will be held from 15 September 2026.

For an Informal Discussion

If you would like to find out more about this exciting opportunity, please contact:

Shyla Begum

Accountant
Schools Finance Team
Shyla.Begum@coventry.gov.uk

We welcome informal conversations from prospective candidates who would like to learn more about the role, the team and the support we provide to schools across Coventry.

Why Join Us?

At Coventry City Council, we are committed to being open and fair, nurturing and developing our people, embracing innovation and valuing diversity and inclusion. We offer a supportive working environment where your contribution is recognised, your development is encouraged, and your work makes a genuine difference.

Join us and help schools across Coventry maintain strong financial management, navigate financial challenges and make informed decisions that support their long-term financial sustainability

If you have just become an accountant, this post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Standard DBS check.

If you need help or support to complete your application, please visit our accessibility page to see how we can assist you.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme - As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role and identify with one of the below criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition

For full details on the application process please read the attached document on our jobs page labelled 'Coventry City Council Application Process'. If there is any evidence of a candidate using AI to complete their application, then the application will be rejected unless the candidate can provide a justification which the Council considers to be reasonable.

Interview date(s): From 15th September 2026

About Coventry

Coventry has a proud, innovative and creative spirit that throughout its history has seen communities come together to tackle problems and bring about real social change.

We are cutting-edge, challenging, youthful, vibrant and diverse.

At Coventry we are committed to excellence in everything we do. With around 5100 staff from a range of different backgrounds, our aim is to recruit and develop talented people who will focus on our customers, take responsibility, work together and find better ways of doing things.

To deliver the best services to our residents, we need the best people working for us to make a difference to our communities.

If you join us, we will provide a fantastic rewards and benefits package - to find out more please visit https://www.coventry.gov.uk/council-vacancies