Deputy Director Sector Reporting

Job summary

This is a rare chance to help shape the future of financial budgeting and reporting for over £40 billion of public expenditure.

The Sector Reporting division in the Department for Education is responsible for collecting, analysing and reporting financial information from over 10,000 academy schools and further education colleges to support insight, accountability and strategic financial management.

You will lead a division of c40 FTE, who design and run sophisticated financial data collections, carry out complex analysis to deliver insight that supports effective decision-making and value for money, set forecasts and monitor outturn to support the strategic financial management of the Department for Education. In addition, you will support the delivery of high-quality financial reporting to Parliament through the Academies Sector Report and Accounts and the DfE Group Accounts.

Job description

As Deputy Director of Sector Reporting, you will be responsible for:

• Providing strategic advice, analysis and insight on sector finances to support strategic financial management in the Department and policy interventions that deliver value for money.
• The collection of forecast, outturn and audited financial data from academies and Further Education (FE) colleges.
• The calculation of budgets, forecasts and outturn to feed into the estimates cycle to ensure academies and FE colleges have the necessary approvals for their spending plans.
• Producing tailored financial reporting through consolidated accounts and other reporting to inform Parliamentary and government decision making, working with the National Audit Office and HM Treasury to ensure we provide the financial information needed without introducing disproportionate burden on academies and FE colleges.
• Working with DfE teams to ensure the financial reporting frameworks in place for sectors we work with are robust and aligned with central government reporting requirements where appropriate.
• Developing and delivering strategies to both transform how we collect data from academies and FE colleges and strengthen the links between funding, spending and other data to enable stronger planning, oversight, value‑for‑money assessment, and assurance.
• Building and supporting happy, engaged and inclusive teams where people can flourish and deliver excellent outcomes for the public.
• Working with other finance leaders in the Department and across the Government Finance Function (GFF) to deliver our finance vision and strategy.

Person specification

Applicants will be assessed against the following Essential Criteria.

• A leader with exceptional interpersonal, communication and influencing skills and the professional credibility to shape strategic decision‑making through high‑quality financial insight.​
• A strong track record of delivering challenging projects at pace, prioritising longer-term work alongside shorter-term asks. The ability to deliver through others and maintain professional standards under pressure. ​
• The ability to analyse complex multi-faceted problems and then identify and deliver credible solutions.
• Passion for improvement and innovation to enhance performance and outcomes, both internally and for the sectors we work with, with an ability to inspire confidence and motivate their teams through change and uncertainty.
• Fully qualified chartered accountant (CCAB or CIMA).

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience in delivering high quality analysis and consolidation of financial information from a large number of business units or organisations for budgeting and reporting purposes, with strong knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards, FRS 102, Consolidated Budgeting Guidance and Supply Estimates (or confidence to develop this knowledge in role based on other relevant experience).
• Experience of digital/data lifecycle transformation.

Desirable criteria will only be assessed at interview in the event of a tie break situation to make an informed decision.

Qualifications

Fully qualified chartered accountant (CCAB or CIMA).

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £81,000, Department for Education contributes £23,465 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

Applicants currently holding a permanent post in the Civil Service should note that, if successful, their salary on appointment would be determined by the Department’s transfer / promotion policies.

As a member of the DfE, you will be entitled to join the highly competitive Civil Service Pension Scheme, which many experts agree is one of the most generous in the UK.

You will have 25 days leave, increasing by 1 day every year to a maximum of 30 days after five years’ service. In addition, all staff receive the King’s Birthday privilege holiday and 8 days’ bank and public holidays.

We offer flexible working arrangements, such as job sharing, term-time working, flexi-time and compressed hours.

Most DfE employees will be working a hybrid pattern, spending at least 60% of their time in an office or work setting. Changes to these working arrangements are available in exceptional circumstances, but must be agreed with the line manager and in line with the requirements of the role.

Travel to your primary office location will not be paid for by DfE, but costs for travel to an office which is not your main location will be covered.

As an organisation, which exists to support education and lifelong learning, we offer our staff excellent professional development opportunities.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Strengths and Experience.

If you would like to apply for this position, please complete the Civil Service Jobs application form by clicking the "apply now" button at the top or bottom of this advert. Applications will be accepted until 23:55 29th July 2026.

Please be advised there are three stages to the recruitment process for this role, these are outlined below.

Stage 1 – Application

At sift stage, you will be assessed on your Experience in line with the essential skills listed in the person specification section of the job advert.

To apply for this role, please provide:

1. A CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Please ensure you have provided reasons for any gaps within the last two years.

2. A Statement of Suitability up to 500 words detailing why we should consider you for this role (up to 400 words) with focus on the first essential criteria (around leadership) and why you have chosen the Department for Education (up to 100 words).

The CV and Statement of Suitability will be assessed against the essential criteria detailed in the advert. Failure to submit both CV and Personal Statement will mean the panel only have limited information on which to assess your application against the criteria in the person specification.

Should there be a high volume of applicants, candidates may be sifted on the first essential criteria.

Please note, CV details must be contained within the template on the application form. Any CV or Statement of Suitability that has been emailed to our team will not be considered.

If you are unable to apply online, please contact scs.recruitment@education.gov.uk in the first instance. Please visit our career site for further information on the Civil Service application process.

Stage 2 - Staff Engagement Exercise

Take part in a virtual Staff Engagement Panel (which typically takes up to 1 hour to complete), to be held w/c 31 August 2026.

Stage 3 - Interview

The formal interview will be a 2-part process:

Part 1: Prepare and deliver a presentation to the panel. Please be prepared to answer follow up questions on the presentation. Presentation details will be provided to shortlisted candidates closer to the time of the interview.

Part 2: - The interview will last approximately 60 minutes. You will be asked questions on the essential criteria listed above to determine your level of experience in these areas. Questions will typically ask for a brief and broad overview of your experience relevant to a criteria (e.g. tell us your experience in leading a financial work programme) and/or a specific example (e.g. tell us about a time when you….). We may also ask you some follow-up questions. We will also use Strengths using the Civil Service Strengths Dictionary.

Interviews are scheduled to take place on 7th and 8th of September 2026. Please not these dates are subject to change.

As part of the recruitment process, we may request references.

Please note that references and open-source due diligence checks (including into social media accounts) may be undertaken for all short-listed candidates.

Please note that, at the interview stage, we may ask whether you have any conflicts of interest to declare. The Department for Education does not cover the cost of travel to your interview or assessment unless otherwise stated.

All communications will be electronic therefore it is vitally important that you check your Civil Service Jobs account regularly, as well as your spam/junk email folder.

We receive many applications, and unfortunately we’re not able to provide feedback for candidates who aren’t shortlisted. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

For an accessible version of the candidate pack, please contact scs.recruitment@education.gov.uk

Important Information

Please note the following:

We cannot accept applications submitted after the closing date.

Applications will be assessed solely on the documentation provided.

Please refer to the advert and checklist above to ensure you have provided everything requested.

We reserve the right to raise the minimum pass mark in the event of a high volume or strong field of candidates.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK from the location options provided and not from overseas.

If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check maybe carried out.

In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstance some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Department of Education of your intention by emailing Pre-Employment.Checks.DFE@education.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.

Department for Education do not cover the cost of travel to your interview/assessment unless otherwise stated.

A reserve list may be held for a period of 6 months from which further appointments can be made.

Candidates will be posted in merit order based upon location preference. Where more than one location is advertised you will be asked to state your preferred location.

New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.

Terms and conditions of candidates transferring from ALBs and NDPBs

Bodies that are not accredited by the Civil Service Commission and are not able to advertise at Across Government on Civil Service jobs will be treated as external new starters and will come into DfE on modernised terms and conditions with a salary at the band minimum.

Bodies that are accredited by the Civil Service Commission but do not have civil service status will be offered modernised terms and will not have continuous service recognised for leave or sickness benefits. Salaries should be offered at band minimum, but there is some flexibility where this would cause a detriment to the individual.

Bodies that are accredited by the Civil Service Commission and do have Civil Service status will be treated as OGD transfers. Staff appointed on lateral transfer will move on to pre-modernised DfE terms (unless they were on modernised terms in their previous organisation). Staff appointed on promotion will move on to modernised DfE terms. Staff will transfer over on their existing salary (on lateral transfer) and any pay above the DfE pay band maximum will be paid as a mark time allowance. Staff moving on promotion will have their salaries calculated using the principles set out in the attached OGD transfer supplementary information.

Reasonable adjustment

If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes. If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:

Contact Department of Education via scs.recruitment@education.gov.uk soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.

Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.

Childcare Vouchers

Any move to Department for Education (DfE) will mean you will no longer be able to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.This role has a minimum assignment duration of 3 years. An assignment duration is the period of time a Senior Civil Servant is expected to remain in the same post to enable them to deliver on the agreed key business outcomes. The assignment duration also supports your career through building your depth of expertise.

As part of accepting this role you will be agreeing to the expected assignment duration set out above. This will not result in a contractual change to your terms and conditions. Please note this is an expectation only, it is not something which is written into your terms and conditions or indeed which the employing organisation or you are bound by. It will depend on your personal circumstances at a particular time and business needs, for example, would not preclude any absence like family friendly leave. It is nonetheless an important expectation, which is why we ask you to confirm you agree to the assignment duration set out above.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : SCS Recruitment Team
• Email : SCS.Recruitment@education.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : SCS.Recruitment@education.gov.uk

Further information

The Department for Education’s recruitment processes are underpinned by the Civil Service Commissioners Recruitment Principles, which outlines that selection for appointment is made on merit based on fair and open competition. You have the right to complain if you feel a department has breached the requirement of the Recruitment Principles. In the first instance, you should raise the matter directly with the department concerned via CentralRecruitment.Operations@education.gov.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response, you may bring your complaint to the Commission. For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their web pages

Attachments

DFE Terms & Conditions - accessible version Opens in new window (pdf, 215kB)Reasonable Adjustments guide 05_2025 - accessible version Opens in new window (pdf, 723kB)SCS OGD Transfer Supplementary Information - accessible version Opens in new window (pdf, 325kB)Sector Reporting DD Candidate Pack Opens in new window (pdf, 2272kB)