22 Full time Jobs in London Borough of Harrow

Job Description

London Borough of Harrow is seeking an experienced and strategic Finance Manager (Education/DSG) to play a pivotal role in supporting the financial sustainability and effective delivery of education services across the borough. Reporting to the Head of Finance, you will provide expert financial leadership, business partnering and strategic advice across the Education Directorate, with particular responsibility for the management, planning and oversight of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) and other education-related funding streams.

This is a high-profile role that sits at the heart of education finance, working closely with senior leaders, schools, the Schools Forum and service managers to ensure funding is allocated effectively, statutory requirements are met and financial resources are used to deliver the best possible outcomes for children and young people. You will provide robust financial analysis, challenge and support to enable informed decision-making and help shape the long-term financial strategy for education services.The role will lead on all aspects of DSG financial management, including budget setting, forecasting, monitoring, funding allocations, statutory reporting and financial planning. You will work collaboratively with education colleagues to manage financial pressures, assess funding opportunities, develop sustainable solutions and ensure compliance with government regulations and guidance.

As a trusted finance business partner, you will also play an important role in wider corporate finance activities, supporting budget setting, capital programmes, transformation initiatives and year-end processes, while driving continuous improvement across financial management practices and systems.

Why join Harrow?

At Harrow, we are proud to be a diverse, ambitious and resident-focused council. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where our people can thrive, develop their careers and make a meaningful difference to the communities we serve. In return, you will have the opportunity to work alongside talented professionals, contribute to important corporate priorities, support our climate ambitions and help shape the future of local government finance. If you are looking for a rewarding role where your expertise will be valued and your contribution recognised, we would love to hear from you.

Please note that the interviews are scheduled to take place w/c 17th August 2026.

You will be a qualified finance professional with a strong background in local government finance and experience of supporting education services or managing complex grant-funded budgets, together with a detailed understanding of the Dedicated Schools Grant framework, education funding arrangements and the financial responsibilities of local authorities within the education sector. You will be confident working with senior stakeholders, school leaders and elected members, providing clear financial advice, constructive challenge and practical solutions to complex issues. With excellent analytical and communication skills, you will be able to interpret financial information, identify risks and opportunities, and translate technical concepts into meaningful insights that support strategic decision-making. You will also be a proactive and collaborative leader, committed to continuous improvement, developing colleagues and delivering high-quality financial services that support both educational outcomes and the Council’s wider objectives.

We Are Looking for Someone Who Has:

• A CCAB professional accountancy qualification.
• Evidence of continuing professional development and a commitment to maintaining professional expertise.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of local authority financial management and the associated legislative framework.
• A sound understanding of education funding arrangements and the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG).
• Knowledge of DSG conditions of grant, statutory responsibilities of local authorities and the governance and accountability arrangements within schools.
• Experience of managing or supporting DSG-funded budgets and education-related funding streams.
• Experience of leading or supporting the DSG budget-setting process and financial planning activities.
• Strong working knowledge of the Authority Proforma Tool (APT) and statutory education finance returns, including Section 251 returns.
• Experience of preparing and presenting financial information to Schools Forum and other education stakeholders.
• Understanding of capital budgets, capital financing and the associated legislative requirements.
• Demonstrable experience of delivering the key responsibilities associated with a finance management or business partnering role.
• Experience of annual budget setting, medium-term financial planning and monitoring of significant revenue and capital budgets.
• Experience of providing financial advice and support for projects, service improvements and transformation programmes.
• Experience of reviewing and authorising grant claims and statutory returns.
• Experience of supporting year-end closedown processes, including accruals, working papers, Statement of Accounts requirements and external audit queries.
• Proven ability to provide constructive challenge to financial forecasts, budget assumptions and performance information.
• Demonstrable experience of employing continuous improvement techniques to strengthen financial management and processes.

For more information, please refer to the Role Profile/ Selection Criteria

About us

Harrow Council is the 12th largest London borough and one of the most culturally diverse local authorities in the UK, making it a great place to live, work and visit with a range of cultures, religions and opinions that come together to produce high achieving schools and a close and friendly community. Located 10 miles from the city centre and just 13 minutes to Euston from Harrow & Wealdstone station there are great transport links via the Metropolitan Line, Watford DC Line and national rail service. It is easily accessible to the M1, M25 and A406.

Other information

Support for candidates visit:Harrow.gov.uk Our behavioural indicators roles below G11 and above G11 Here at Harrow Council, the vision is one of 'Working together to make a difference for Harrow' Please click here to view Harrow Council's benefits

Important Note

To deliver our commitment to equality of opportunity in service provision, all staff are expected to promote equality in the workplace and in the services the Council delivers. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs at the London Borough of Harrow. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender, reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy, or maternity unless a Genuine Occupational Qualification applies. As such, we value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds. For further information, please read our equality statement.

As a disability-confident employer, we are committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and accessible to everyone. This includes reasonably adjusting the recruitment process for those with disabilities or long-term health conditions. For further information, please contact us at resourcing@harrow.gov.uk

London Borough of Harrow is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Harrow operates stringent, safer recruitment procedures.

Due to the high number of applications received for some posts, we may close vacancies before the stated closing date if sufficient applications are received. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible.

Harrow redeployees will be given priority consideration.

The personal information we have collected from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. If any of these are detected you could be refused certain services or employment. Your personal information will also be used to verify your identity. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas, any your data protection rights, can be found by visiting www.cifas.org.uk/fpn