Senior Financial Analyst (Maternity Cover)

Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) / High Needs Block Senior Finance Analyst - Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) / High Needs Block Salary: £66,378 - £69,984 (depending on experience as per the job description) Hybrid - 3 days in the office, 2 days from home Your new organisation At London Borough of Brent, finance is more than just producing the accounts, it’s about enabling transformation, safeguarding public resources, and helping shape the future of our borough. Working closely with colleagues across the council to ensure that financial insight is at the heart of decision-making. Their work is grounded in fairness, inclusion, and respect, and great pride is taken in creating a team environment where every voice is heard, and every success is celebrated. These values are not just aspirations, they are embedded in how they lead, how they support each other, and how they deliver for Brent’s communities. Your new role We are seeking an experienced finance professional with a strong background in Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) and, ideally, hands-on involvement with the High Needs Block. This is a specialist role suited to someone who can combine technical expertise with confident stakeholder engagement and a proactive, analytical mindset. Key Requirements Proven experience working on DSG budgets, with a clear understanding of the complexities and pressures within the High Needs Block Previous involvement in the Safety Valve or Delivering Better Value programme (highly desirable) Intermediate to advanced Excel capability, including complex formulas, pivot tables and data modelling Highly analytical skill set with exceptional attention to detail Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence, challenge and build effective working relationships Solid understanding of local government finance, funding frameworks and statutory reporting requirements Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outputs to tight deadlines Experience supporting budget holders, providing financial advice, challenge and insight to drive informed decision-making What you’ll need to succeed You will be a fully qualified accountant. Excellent communications skills and the ability to challenge and influence a range of stakeholders. Experience of supporting budget management, you will ideally have a good understanding of schools funding through working in local government or a school environment where you have assumed responsibility for budgetary control. What you'll get in return Benefits include: Competitive salary The opportunity to join the Local Government Pension Scheme Generous holiday entitlements starting from 27 days' holiday a year A full range of family-friendly policies, including generous maternity and paternity entitlements and childcare schemes Flexible working patterns, including hybrid working Training and development opportunities Good travel links in and out of Wembley and a range of cost-saving travel schemes Access to My Brent Rewards, our dedicated website for staff with big brand discounts and local offers Work at the outstanding state-of-the-art Brent Civic Centre Season ticket loan for public transport Cycle to work scheme and good on-site facilities The closing date is 17th May . Please do not wait until the closing date to apply. We will be assessing candidates as they apply. # 4790942