It is the business expectation this role is being offered on a part-time, TTO,  basis to ensure we maintain quality, achieve performance goals, and effectively meet customer demands.

The Role | Finance Consultant

Welcome to Juniper Education, where our mission is to champion educators, empowering them to shape future generations. We're more than just a support system; we're the driving force that propels schools and Academy Trusts to new heights. With our proven school education management systems and services, we address a spectrum of needs, ensuring excellence in education. In the education and tech industry, your work directly influences the lives of students and educators. Whether you're developing cutting-edge educational technology, supporting school leadership teams directly or designing solutions to enhance the learning experience, you could make a lasting and positive impact on the future.

Our mission statement says it all: We look after you, so that you can look after our children.

Dedicated to our core values, we are committed to:

Empowerment: Equipping everyone with the tools, intelligence, connections, and freedom to make informed decisions, recognised and respected by all.

Purpose: Supporting everyone to reach their highest potential, thereby enabling all children to achieve theirs.

Passion: Because we love what you do, you’re at the heart of everything we do.

Innovation: Delivering meaningful solutions with expertise and creative thinking to influence the ever-changing world of education.

Collaboration: The cornerstone of our success as it enables us to collectively harness diverse perspectives and strengths, ensuring that together, we achieve more than we could ever do alone. Every voice counts!

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Finance Consultant to provide expert financial management support to schools, academies, and Multi-Academy Trusts across the UK. The ideal candidate will deliver high-quality consultancy services, including budget preparation, financial reporting, statutory returns, and on-site or remote training for finance staff.

This flexible role offers a combination of remote work and on-site visits (based on geographical location), with a focus on ensuring schools meet financial regulations and maintain robust financial practices. If you have strong analytical skills, excellent communication, and a passion for supporting educational institutions, we’d love to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide high-quality financial consultancy services to schools, academies, and Multi-Academy Trusts, ensuring compliance with Department for Education requirements.
• Manage an allocated portfolio of clients, accommodating visit requests and collaborating with senior consultants for cover during peak periods.
• Prepare budgets, monitor expenditure and cashflow, and produce financial reports for governing bodies.
• Support statutory returns, year-end procedures, and financial system reconciliations (funding, payroll, VAT, and bank).
• Deliver tailored one-to-one finance training for school staff and assist with Education Finance Support training courses.
• Conduct independent examinations and audits of school private funds.
• Provide helpdesk support, addressing financial management queries.
• Promote and support business development by identifying opportunities for additional services and sharing market insights.

Key Attributes:

• Analytical Thinking: Ability to process complex data, identify anomalies, and deliver clear, actionable insights.
• Problem Solving: Solutions-focused approach with the ability to work independently or collaboratively to resolve issues.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong communication and negotiation skills with the ability to convey financial information to non-finance professionals.
• Project Management: Capable of managing multiple tasks, meeting deadlines, and adapting to competing demands.
• Team Player: Contributes positively to a team environment while taking personal responsibility for achieving goals.
• Adaptability: Flexible and open to change, with a high level of personal organization and attention to detail.
• Technical Proficiency: Extensive experience with Excel, Word, and Outlook; familiarity with financial software (PS Financials, FMS6, SAGE, etc.) is advantageous.

Working Pattern:

• Hours: 30 hours per week (Term Time plus 1 week, 40 weeks per year)
• Some travel required to client sites; a valid driving license and daily access to a vehicle are essential.

Juniper Education Benefits

• Day 1 right to company sick pay
• Enhanced annual leave entitlement
• Opportunity to purchase additional leave
• Entitlement to carry over leave to next entitlement year
• Day 1 access to 24/7 GP & prescription services
• Day 1 access to rewards platform
• Cycle to work scheme
• Enhanced maternity & adoption pay
• Day 1 access to employee assistance platform
• Funded development/Qualification opportunities
• Voluntary health care cash plan
• Voluntary private medical insurance
• Plus more!